The Heart of a Child: Keys to the Kingdom

Sermon Title: The Heart of a Child: Keys to the Kingdom

Key Passage: Matthew 18:3-5 (NKJV)

"Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me."

Introduction

Use an illustration of a child's simplicity, such as a story of a child's faith in their parent or teacher. Emphasize the qualities of trust, humility, and openness that children naturally exhibit. Key Question: What does it mean to become like a little child in our walk with God?

Point 1: Conversion of the Heart

“Unless you are converted...”

Conversion is a transformation—a turning away from pride, self-sufficiency, and sin to embrace God's ways. Illustration: A story of someone who rediscovered their faith after witnessing the purity of a child’s prayer. Supporting Scripture: Ezekiel 36:26 – "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you."

Point 2: Humility as a Gateway

“Whoever humbles himself as this little child...”

Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less. Illustration: Show how children do not strive for power but depend on others, such as their parents, for everything. Supporting Scripture: James 4:10 – "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up."

Point 3: Trusting Faith

Children trust without questioning, which is the kind of faith we are called to have.

Illustration: A story of a child leaping into their parent’s arms without fear. Supporting Scripture: Proverbs 3:5 – "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding."

Point 4: Purity of Intentions

A child’s heart is pure and untainted by ulterior motives.

Illustration: Compare a child’s straightforward honesty to an adult’s tendency to complicate matters. Supporting Scripture: Psalm 51:10 – "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."

Point 5: Receptiveness to Learning

Children are eager to learn and grow; we must approach God with the same openness.

Illustration: A story about a young student’s enthusiasm for learning new things and applying them. Supporting Scripture: Isaiah 1:18 – "Come now, and let us reason together," says the Lord.

Point 6: Valuing Others Like Christ

“Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.”

Welcoming and valuing others, especially the vulnerable, is a reflection of our relationship with Christ. Illustration: Share a story about showing kindness to someone who couldn’t repay it. Supporting Scripture: Matthew 25:40 – "Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me."

Point 7: Living in Dependence on God

Children rely entirely on their caregivers; we are called to live in dependence on God.

Illustration: The story of manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16) shows how God provides daily when we trust Him. Supporting Scripture: John 15:5 – "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."

Conclusion

Summarize the qualities of childlikeness: humility, trust, purity, eagerness, and dependence. Challenge: Reflect on areas in life where pride or self-sufficiency hinders a childlike faith. Final Illustration: A closing story of someone who chose to let go of adult fears and embraced childlike faith, resulting in transformation. Call to Action: Pray for God to help us cultivate the heart of a child.

Closing Prayer

Invite the congregation to surrender pride and embrace the simplicity and humility of a child before God. Ask for God’s grace to trust Him fully and serve others in His name.