Matthew 18.1-14 “Jesus’ View of Little Children”

“Jesus’ View of Little Children”

Jesus taught that faith is totally dependent on the Savior. However, Jesus’ followers quickly are swayed to compete with one another. Jesus’ disciples ask who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? (). Jesus answers a totally different question - how do you get into the kingdom of heaven?

I. Humility -

A. Humility is essential to living in Christ’s kingdom – ,

1. Need – the wages of sin is eternal death –

2. The Bible describes our need in

B. Jesus came to seek and to save the lost –

1. Our sin required the eternal Son of God to rescue us and pay a debt we could not personally ever pay –

2. Jesus died for us when we were helpless sinners –

3. Unless you are born again, you cannot enter the kingdom of God –

C. Little children

1.They know they have nothing apart from their parents

2.They know they are small and insignificant

II. Value of the Child –

A. The littlest child is always . . .

1. Thinking –

2. Watching your example – do not cause this child to sin –

B. Train the littlest child in the nurture and discipline of the Lord –

1. Love the Lord with all your heart –

2. Teach them diligently to your children –

3. Also your grandchildren –

C. Pay attention to your example before your children

1. To provide an ungodly example is to place your own well-being in danger –

2. Discipline yourself with great care. “Be killing sin or it will be killing you” and your children.” John Owen

III. Seek –

A. Do not despise these little ones

1.The lost is valuable simply because he is lost

2. Children are given to us as a sacred trust –

3. God is seeking godly offspring –

B. The Lord God seeks His sheep – ,

Are you humble as a little child or are you comparing yourself to others out of a competitive spirit? In Christ, we are all to be “little children.” – ;