Such Is The Kingdom Of Heaven

Introduction

In our Christianity is Realty Series we’re looking at the reality of Heaven

Barry’s 5 W’s of Heaven

For any Bible believing Christian safe to say the all want to go there after our time here on earth is done.

Jesus on several occasions informs his disciples that the must become as little children in order to enter into heaven. Because such is the Kingdom of heaven

Today will look at several attributes of Children we need to emulate to have a place in Heaven

The Greatness of Insignificance

Matthew 18:1–5 ESV

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me,

He does not evoke a military conqueror, successful king, or ruling emperor as the model for greatness. Instead he uses the visual aid of a child

vulnerability, powerlessness, lack of status, and the absence of the quest for greatness as domination (humbling oneself)

1 Corinthians 1:26 ESV

For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.

Jesus was a stumbling block to Jews - Why

Foolishness to Greeks - Why

1 Peter 2:9 ESV

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

WE ARE NOT INSIGNIFICANT IS GOD’S EYES - AND THAT IS THE ONLY THING THAT MATTERS!

Humility of a Child

Matthew 18:3–4 ESV

and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

What come before a Destruction? - PRIDE

It's a sad fact that, whenever some experience the riches of God's mercy and grace toward us, we so often start to think about how wonderful we must be—rather than on how wonderfully gracious God is.

1 John 2:16 ESV

For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.

Many times an unforgiving mindset is due to Pride

Children do not keep a list of grievances

A Child’s Mind for Discipline and Instruction

Proverbs 22:6 ESV

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Train up a Child NOT A TEENAGER

Children want and need discipline, structure, protection

Divine Safety of a Child

Matthew 19:14 ESV

but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”

2 Sam 12 - David’s child born by Bathsheba (I can go to him, but he cannot return to me)

Matthew 18:5–6 ESV

“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.

If you want to become as one of His "little ones", you must come with the humble faith of a simple child? You need to be converted, and become like a little child, and come to Him in humility. Otherwise, you will, by no means, enter the kingdom of heaven.

God’s Plan For Your Salvation