Sermon Tone Analysis

This entire passage warns us not to offend children (v.

6), despise the children (v.

10), or allow them to perish without Christ (v.

14).

He gives several reasons why the children are important: they are examples of true greatness (v.

4); they represent Christ (v.

5); the angels represent them before the Father (v.

10); Christ wants to save them (v.

11); and it is the will of the Father that they be saved (v.

14).

Take a look at these children around us this morning

Jesus I believe has a special place in his heart for children

I was thinking how we have an opportunity to bring these little children to the feet of Jesus this week.

We have the important task of teaching them about their heavenly father and how to live for God

This entire passage warns us not to offend children (v.

6), despise the children (v.

10), or allow them to perish without Christ (v.

14).

He gives several reasons why the children are important: they are examples of true greatness (v.

4); they represent Christ (v.

5); the angels represent them before the Father (v.

10); Christ wants to save them (v.

11); and it is the will of the Father that they be saved (v.

14).

It is a serious matter to cause a child to sin or to lead him astray.

It is equally as serious to cause another believer to stumble because of our poor example (Rom.

14:13ff; 1 Cor.

8:9ff).

True humility thinks of others, not of self.

Jesus explained that we can have four different attitudes toward the children and, consequently, toward true humility.

We can seek to become like the children () in true humility, as to the Lord.

humble = subjecting yourself to the will of another.

followers of God place their wills under the authority of God. this is humility as opposed to pride and is in sharp contrast to the disciples self seeking attitude.

( Jesus)

How does one become great in the kingdom of God?

Not by forcing your way into prominence but bu having a humble servants attitude.

Or, we can only receive them () because Jesus told us to.

Jesus applied this to his disciples in , but now with a child.

Jesus uses the illustration of hungering and thirsting, etc… in .

to the extent you did it to one of these brothers of mine, even the least of them, you did it to me.

receives implies there are many ways to help, from emotional support to financial support

If we are not careful, we will cause them to stumble (),

millstone was huge

little ones = true believers who have a child-like trust in God

stumbling block

if someone is inclined to follow Jesus and a person does something to persuade them to do otherwise, then Jesus says it would better for that person to drown in the sea

I would never try to persuade one to not follow Jesus…well we do

HOW ONE CAN PUT STUMBLING BLOCKS IN A CHILD'S WAY... 1.

By doing anything to keep them from serving Christ freely 2. Directly, by persecuting, ridiculing, opposing, or dissuading them from serving the Lord 3. Indirectly, by living a life inconsistent with what we claim to be! -- Are we putting stumbling blocks before our children, even unwittingly?

HOW ONE CAN PUT STUMBLING BLOCKS IN A CHILD'S WAY...

By doing anything to keep them from serving Christ freely

Directly, by persecuting, ridiculing, opposing, or dissuading them from serving the Lord

Indirectly, by living a life inconsistent with what we claim to be!

complaining

being negative (no joy in your life)

grumbling

prideful

argumenative

lack of participation

fighting

Are we putting stumbling blocks before our children, even unwittingly?

and even end up despising them ().

don’t over look, don’t underestimate, don’t neglect, under value them and their importance to God

THE PRECIOUSNESS OF GOD'S CHILDREN (10-14)

THE PRECIOUSNESS OF GOD'S CHILDREN (10-14)

THE SON OF MAN CAME TO SAVE THEM...

Jesus came to die for them, too! -

Jesus illustrated His concern for them with the parable of the lost sheep - -- If Jesus was willing to give His life for them, dare we despise or neglect them?

THE FATHER DOESN'T WANT TO LOSE EVEN ONE...

It is not His will - 2. Notice: He does not want to lose "one" of these little ones!

-- If both the Father and Son think so highly of these little ones, should not we?

The words of Jesus should motivate us to take children seriously...

For parents: how important to bring your child up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord!

For teachers: How serious and noble is your task of teaching our children!

For all of us: We are examples and role models, whether good or bad...and God will hold us accountable for the effect we have on them!

And for those who would enter the kingdom...

Heed the necessity of being converted!

Let the example of child-like trust and humility be a guide as to how we should serve God and one another!

Have you humbled yourself in obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ?