Embracing Childlike Faith in God's Kingdom
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Journey Church! Today, we delved into the profound differences between the kingdom of this world and the kingdom of God, as illustrated in Matthew 18. We began by discussing the importance of community and life groups, emphasizing how these smaller gatherings can foster deeper connections and spiritual growth. As we transitioned into the sermon, we explored the two kingdoms mentioned in the Bible: the kingdom of this world, dominated by sin and worldly values, and the kingdom of God, characterized by God's presence, rule, and reign.
We naturally grow up in the kingdom of this world, influenced by its values of power, money, fame, and image. However, Jesus offers an alternative: the kingdom of God, where success is defined differently. In Matthew 18, Jesus teaches that true greatness in the kingdom of God involves turning from sin and becoming like little children, embodying trust and dependence on God. This childlike faith is essential for entering and thriving in God's kingdom.
We also discussed the importance of welcoming and valuing children, both in our personal lives and as a church community. Jesus' teaching challenges us to reassess our attitudes towards children and to ensure that we are creating environments where they feel loved, accepted, and valued. This extends to our church's commitment to kids' ministry, youth ministry, and various outreach programs that support children and families in our community.
In conclusion, we reflected on which kingdom we are truly living in. Are we following the ways of the world, or have we committed to the kingdom of God? This commitment involves a conscious decision to turn from sin, trust in God, and depend on Him, allowing Him to be the master of our lives. As we prayed together, many made the decision to reaffirm or begin their journey in the kingdom of God, embracing a life of trust, dependence, and childlike faith.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Community and Life Groups: Life groups provide a space for deeper connections and spiritual growth beyond Sunday services. They allow for meaningful discussions, prayer, and mutual support, fostering a sense of belonging and community within the church. [41:50]
2. Understanding the Two Kingdoms: The kingdom of this world is characterized by sin and worldly values, while the kingdom of God is defined by God's presence, rule, and reign. Recognizing these differences helps us align our lives with God's kingdom and His values. [45:22]
3. Childlike Faith in the Kingdom of God: Jesus teaches that true greatness in the kingdom of God involves turning from sin and becoming like little children. This childlike faith, characterized by trust and dependence on God, is essential for entering and thriving in God's kingdom. [54:28]
4. Valuing and Welcoming Children: Our attitude towards children reflects our understanding of God's kingdom. We are called to love, accept, and welcome children, creating environments where they feel valued and supported. This extends to our commitment to kids' ministry and outreach programs. [01:02:20]
5. Choosing the Kingdom of God: Living in the kingdom of God requires a conscious decision to turn from sin, trust in God, and depend on Him. This involves allowing God to be the master of our lives and aligning our actions and priorities with His kingdom values. [01:21:08]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[41:50] - Importance of Life Groups
[44:38] - Introduction to Matthew 18
[45:22] - Two Kingdoms: World vs. God
[46:26] - Natural Inclination to the World
[47:13] - Jesus' Alternative: Kingdom of God
[48:30] - New Coach Analogy
[49:29] - Redefining Success
[50:31] - Worldly Success vs. God's Success
[52:44] - Jesus' Teaching on Greatness
[54:28] - Childlike Faith
[56:02] - Trust and Dependence
[59:44] - Turning from Sin
[01:02:20] - Welcoming Children
[01:11:22] - Importance of Kids' Ministry
[01:21:08] - Choosing the Kingdom of God
[01:26:31] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Matthew 18:1-5 (NIV): "At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, 'Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?' He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: 'Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.'"
### Observation Questions
1. According to Matthew 18:1-5, what qualities does Jesus say are necessary to enter the kingdom of heaven?
2. In the sermon, what are some characteristics of the kingdom of this world as opposed to the kingdom of God? ([45:22])
3. How does Jesus redefine success in the kingdom of God compared to the kingdom of this world? ([49:29])
4. What specific actions does Jesus associate with welcoming children in Matthew 18:5? How does this relate to the church's commitment to kids' ministry? ([01:02:20])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus use a child as an example of greatness in the kingdom of heaven? What does this teach us about the values of God's kingdom? ([54:28])
2. How does the concept of childlike faith challenge our natural inclinations and societal values? ([55:32])
3. What does it mean to turn from sin and depend on God like a child? How does this dependence manifest in our daily lives? ([56:02])
4. How does the church's attitude towards children reflect its understanding of God's kingdom? What are the implications for our community and outreach programs? ([01:02:51])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you are still influenced by the values of the kingdom of this world (e.g., power, money, fame, image)? How can you shift your focus to align with the values of the kingdom of God? ([50:31])
2. Jesus emphasizes the importance of childlike faith, characterized by trust and dependence. What steps can you take to cultivate this kind of faith in your relationship with God? ([56:37])
3. How can you actively welcome and value children in your personal life and within the church community? Are there specific actions you can take to support kids' ministry or outreach programs? ([01:02:20])
4. Think about your involvement in life groups or small groups. How can these gatherings help you grow in your understanding and practice of living in the kingdom of God? ([41:50])
5. The sermon challenges us to reassess our attitudes towards children. Are there any changes you need to make in how you interact with and support the children in your life? ([01:02:51])
6. Consider the commitment to turn from sin and trust in God. What practical steps can you take this week to turn away from specific sins and deepen your dependence on God? ([59:44])
7. How can you contribute to creating an environment in your church where children feel loved, accepted, and valued? Are there specific roles or volunteer opportunities you can explore? ([01:18:26])
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Community and Life Groups
Life groups are essential for fostering deeper connections and spiritual growth beyond Sunday services. These smaller gatherings provide a space for meaningful discussions, prayer, and mutual support, creating a sense of belonging and community within the church. In these groups, individuals can share their struggles, celebrate their victories, and grow together in their faith journey. The importance of community cannot be overstated, as it reflects the early church's model of living in fellowship and supporting one another.
In a world where isolation and individualism are prevalent, life groups offer a countercultural approach that emphasizes the value of relationships and communal living. By participating in a life group, you can experience the love and support of fellow believers, which can significantly impact your spiritual growth and overall well-being. Consider joining or starting a life group to deepen your connection with others and grow in your faith. [41:50]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you prioritize and invest in a life group to foster deeper connections and spiritual growth in your life?
Day 2: Recognizing the Two Kingdoms
The Bible speaks of two distinct kingdoms: the kingdom of this world and the kingdom of God. The kingdom of this world is characterized by sin and worldly values such as power, money, fame, and image. In contrast, the kingdom of God is defined by God's presence, rule, and reign. Understanding these differences is crucial for aligning our lives with God's kingdom and His values.
We naturally grow up influenced by the values of the world, but Jesus offers an alternative. He calls us to live according to the principles of the kingdom of God, where success is measured differently. By recognizing the stark contrast between these two kingdoms, we can make conscious decisions to reject worldly values and embrace the values of God's kingdom. [45:22]
Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV): "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
Reflection: In what ways are you currently influenced by the values of the world, and how can you realign your life with the values of God's kingdom?
Day 3: Embracing Childlike Faith
Jesus teaches that true greatness in the kingdom of God involves turning from sin and becoming like little children. This childlike faith is characterized by trust and dependence on God, which is essential for entering and thriving in His kingdom. Children naturally exhibit qualities such as humility, innocence, and a sense of wonder, which are vital for a genuine relationship with God.
Embracing childlike faith means letting go of pride, self-reliance, and the need for control. It involves trusting God completely and depending on Him for guidance, provision, and strength. By adopting this posture of humility and dependence, we can experience the fullness of life in God's kingdom and grow in our relationship with Him. [54:28]
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.'"
Reflection: What areas of your life do you need to surrender to God, trusting Him with childlike faith and dependence?
Day 4: Valuing and Welcoming Children
Our attitude towards children reflects our understanding of God's kingdom. Jesus emphasized the importance of welcoming and valuing children, both in our personal lives and as a church community. This involves creating environments where children feel loved, accepted, and valued. It also extends to our commitment to kids' ministry, youth ministry, and various outreach programs that support children and families in our community.
By valuing and welcoming children, we demonstrate the heart of God and His kingdom. It challenges us to reassess our priorities and ensure that we are investing in the next generation. Consider how you can contribute to creating a nurturing and supportive environment for children in your church and community. [01:02:20]
Mark 9:36-37 (ESV): "And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, 'Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.'"
Reflection: How can you actively show love, acceptance, and value to the children in your life and community?
Day 5: Choosing the Kingdom of God
Living in the kingdom of God requires a conscious decision to turn from sin, trust in God, and depend on Him. This involves allowing God to be the master of our lives and aligning our actions and priorities with His kingdom values. It is a daily commitment to follow Jesus and live according to His teachings, even when it goes against the values of the world.
Choosing the kingdom of God means making intentional choices that reflect our commitment to Him. It involves seeking His will in every aspect of our lives and being willing to make sacrifices for the sake of His kingdom. Reflect on your life and consider whether you are truly living in the kingdom of God or if there are areas where you need to realign your priorities. [01:21:08]
Matthew 6:33 (ESV): "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to prioritize God's kingdom in your life and align your actions with His values?
Quotes
1. "You have just instinctively grown up, because we are sin-stained, and sin-covered. We instinct, we're just naturally a part of the kingdom of this world. And I'm not saying that because, like, I'm mad at anybody, or the Bible's mad at anybody. I'm just saying that's like the reality that every single one of us have sinned. And if you go, no, I haven't sinned. Yes, you have. You've been jealous. You've been greedy. You've been prideful. You've had a lack of generosity toward others." [45:49] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus came along 2,000 years ago, and he said that you don't have to be a part of the kingdom of this world. There is an alternative. You can be a part of the kingdom of God. Well, what is the kingdom of God? Well, the kingdom of God is all about God. It's all about his presence. It's all about his rule and his reign. It's all about his word. The kingdom of God is getting to know what he has to say." [47:13] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "In the kingdom of God, what we're doing is we're allowing God to come in and be the new coach of our life. We're saying, I don't want to do things the way that I used to do them. Because the way I used to do them is I'm broken. I'm helpless. I'm powerless. I don't have peace. I don't have purpose. I want to do things the way you want me to do them. So I'm going to listen to you. You're the one in charge, right?" [48:58] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The kingdom of the world has an idea of what success looks like that is different than what the kingdom of God says that success looks like, right? By the way, I just want to let you know, the kingdom of God is not anti-success. God is not anti-success. It's just a different way of viewing success, a way that is going to be more fulfilling, that's going to be more fruitful, where in your life you will flourish more than the way that the kingdom of this world says that success is defined." [50:03] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them and then he said, I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven. By the way, don't be mad at me. I'm not making this up. This is what Jesus said. These are his words. Jesus said you've got to turn from your sins. You've got to become like little children just to get into the kingdom of heaven." [54:28] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "In a healthy environment there's trust between the child and the adults in their life, right? I remember when my kids, my kids are now 19, 17, and 15, but I remember when they were itty bitties, when they were preschoolers and sometimes we'd get invited to a friend's house that would have a pool and we'd be in the pool and I remember like those moments where my kid would be like on the side of the pool and they weren't in the water yet and I'd be like come on, jump in and I'll catch you." [57:08] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Dependence is again, in a healthy environment, in a healthy environment, you just you have a dependency upon your parents that the electric is going to stay on today. That when I turn on the faucet, that the clean water is going to come out of that faucet. That I'm going to have clothes to wear. That I'm not going to have to worry about what I'm going to eat, right? Like in a healthy environment, a child has a dependence upon their parents." [59:12] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Most sin is trying to erode my trust in God. Most sin is trying to erode my dependence upon God. Most sin is, I mean the original sin, remember in Genesis, when Adam and Eve are walking with God and they know God and they know God like you know your best friend. Can you imagine that kind of environment? And the enemy comes and what is the lie? The lie is did God really say? It really wasn't about fruit. Really the lie was, can you really trust God?" [01:00:14] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "The kingdom of heaven defines success differently. It's about turning from our sins. It's about becoming like a child trusting depending it's about loving welcoming receiving children so I want to ask you a couple questions are there any areas of your life any areas in your life even in your family where you have been pushing kids away any areas where you need to change your thinking and action sometimes we say we love kids sometimes we say we care about our kids and then when there are kids around we're on our devices the whole time we never even make eye contact with them." [01:16:45] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Which kingdom are you in which kingdom is air that you breathe is all encompassing to you are you taking your cues your priorities the way of living from the kingdom of this world or have you decided to follow Jesus you decided that the kingdom of God is going to be your kingdom we don't get this perfectly okay I'm not nobody in this room can say I've perfectly figured out how to live in the kingdom of God and to get this totally right 100% of the time hi my name is Ken and I'm a part of the kingdom of God but that lure of the kingdom of the world sometimes creeps in greed selfishness materialism power right but if you made a decision that you're no longer going to follow the kingdom of this world you're going to follow the kingdom of God." [01:20:35] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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