True Greatness

Text: Matthew 18:1-6

Place Preached - (Mississauga International Baptist Church)

Date Preached - (10/20/02)

Introduction:   

ILLUS: D.L. Moody came home to his family and announce 2 and ½ converts.  2 adults and 1 child? NO 2 Children and 1 Adult.

In this text – A little Child is our Object Lesson.

“A Sermon in Shoes”

What we learn is that the New Birth is essential for entering Heaven.

John 3:3  Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

I. Visions of Greatness vs.1-2

Explain the Disciples Questions....

They were disputing among themselves as they came to Christ (SEE Mark 9:33-34)

Christ read their minds, He knew their hearts.

Jeremiah 17:10  I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

They had designs and desires for their own greatness.

NOTE:  They were looking for a temporal (Messianic) kingdom and therefore temporal greatness.

On Other Occasions...

LOOK UP & READ Matt. 20:20-28

Not all that different from us.  We may have similar aspirations in a variety of ways ,.....

• Through material or monetary achievements.
• Through notoriety – whether fame or infamy.
• Through bcoming the best or among the best in the world in a particular field or skill.
• To be perceived as successful by our peers
• To build a great organization or reputation.

Yet, in many facets of life we never seem to surpass the pinnacles of our child-hood experience.

Children, though not free from sin in all respects, are not marked by the selfish contentions and ambitions for greatness, the vain desires of the “adult” world.

II. Examples of Greatness vs.3-4

What are some of these facets of life in which children exhibit greatness?

1. In Trust

ILLUS: Our Hannah at 2years old throws herself into my arms from top stair.

2. In Humility

Not pretentious or precocious

3. In Candor

Psalms 8:2  Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.

HUMOR - Three little boys were talking about how tough they were. I''m so tough I wear out a pair of shoes every week," one declared. "Why, that's nothing," said the second boy, "I wear out a pair of blue jeans every day." "You guys aren't so tough," piped up the third. "I wear out my Grandma and Grandpa in an hour!"

HUMOR - After lecturing her six-year-old son on the golden rule, the mother concluded, "Always remember that we are in this world to help others "

The youngster mulled this over for a minute and then asked, "What are the others here for?"

HUMOR – Honey Go Get the Book we all Love!  -  Little girl comes back with the sears catalogue.

4. In Transparency

Will tell you exactly what is on their mind.

HUMOR – Where did we come from?  Billy said they came from New York?!

5. In Teachability.

They are receptive,  Like Sponges

It is these sorts of qualities that are necessary in preparation for an eternal kingdom, a home in heaven.

Greatness in that Kingdom is not measured as it is here!!

Now Christ is not teaching children but grown men and women to be child-like.

1 John 2:12  I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.

Ephesians 5:1  Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

A. What precipitates Child-Likeness? Vs.3

Salvation: “Except ye be converted, and become as little children”

CONVERSION (Def.) - The word "converted," means changed, or turned. It means, to change or turn from one habit of life, or set of opinions, to another.

Their need for conversion was made plainly evident by their wrong notions of greatness!!

John 3:7  Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

B. What most Exemplifies Child-Likeness? Vs.4

Humility – The absence of pride or self-assertion. (Websters)

Romans 12:3  For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

Romans 12:16  Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

James 4:6  But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

NOW Think of Paul – One with the greatest gifts and abilities, certainly granted the greatest effectiveness for Christ, one of the keenest human minds.

But what was Paul’s estimation of self?

1 Timothy 1:15  This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

Ephesians 3:8  Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

III. Responses to Greatness vs.5-6

Which is to be understood, not literally meaning not such an one in age, but one, "that is as this child": like unto it for modesty and humility; one, that is as that, free from pride, ambition, and envy.

There are two responses or reactions indicated here.

A. To Receive them vs.5

By doing so this individual is opening his arms to Christ.

B. To offend them

OFFEND – To cause to stumble – That is to lead into sin.

Now you can understand why one who exemplifies child like qualities is despised.  Because these qualities are so foreign to the MATURE secular world.

Why would we despise in a young believer what we admire so much in a child. 

I’m not talking about childish immaturity, but trusting simplicity, humility, faith, transparency, teachability Etc.

The one who offends brings a curse upon himself.

Conclusion:     (Review)

SALVATION INVITATION