Sermon Info
Summary
We all want to know that we are valued and important. We spend the majority of our lives searching for it. In this passage, Jesus speaks about our need for importance and counsels us to stop and trust (like a child) that we are valued and important. We are important enough to die for. As we become more like a trusting child, we can truly begin to teach the next generation to find their value in Christ alone.
Content
Faith Like a Child
To have childlike faith is to be dependent upon the Father, trusting of Him, and eager to be obedient and joyful each and every day. Childlike faith is the kind of faith that brings us freedom from striving for importance and allows us to trust our value that’s found in who we are in Christ.
Childlike faith is the kind of faith that brings us freedom from striving for importance and allows us to trust our value that’s found in who we are in Christ.
What the Bible Says about the Next Generation
In Matthew 18, we read Jesus’ words: Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3). There are two action words that Jesus says here – to become and to change. In this important conversation, Jesus is challenging these leaders to raise up, equip, protect, and become like these children. These children are valued, and He knows how essential it is for these children to learn about the Gospel – but He also knows how essential it is for these leaders to grow in their faith.
A faith that is childlike. A faith that is dependent upon their Father. A faith that relinquishes control and trusts God’s plan and promises. A faith that is full of joy, full of love, and full of freedom.
In order to grow in our faith and to be changed fully and completely, we must be changed by God. God changes us in three different ways: His Word, His Spirit, and His people. Jesus was speaking to these leaders directly, so that they could know that this life-change would make a difference not only for them but for the generations to come – generations whose lives and eternities could be forever impacted by the faith of their leaders.
Are you chasing importance?
God has given us a gift – freedom from chasing importance and value in our position or place in life. He’s given us freedom found in Him.
You are free to stop chasing importance and trust that you are important. You are important enough to die for.
You are free to stop chasing importance and trust that you are important. You are important enough to die for.
We were important enough to die for. Let that sink in. Rather than searching for value and importance throughout our lives, we can trust that our God cares and loves us so deeply that He sent His one and only Son to die a painful, difficult death. But, He did it because of His incredible, miraculous, indescribable love for us. This is why we can live lives that are faithful and hospitable. Lives that are full of discipleship. Lives lived on mission with an eternal purpose and perspective. God cares deeply about you – He cares deeply about His children.
You are His child, and this truth is what gives you the importance and value that we so desperately long for.
