Embracing Childlike Faith in Our Spiritual Journey
Summary
In today's sermon, I explored the concept of childlike faith and its significance in our spiritual journey. I began by sharing a personal story about my son's simple yet profound understanding of faith, which led us into a discussion on Matthew 18:1-2, where Jesus teaches about the importance of becoming like little children to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. This passage set the stage for the three main attributes of childlike faith that I wanted to delve into: full dependence on God, persistence in prayer, and living with wonder and awe.
I emphasized the need for full dependence on God, drawing from personal experiences and biblical teachings that highlight the importance of trusting God as our provider and protector. I shared how fear can often hinder this dependence but reminded us that as God's children, we have nothing to fear. I encouraged the congregation to embrace their identity as children of God, fully trusting in His love and care.
Persistence in prayer was the second attribute I discussed, using the parable of the persistent widow and the story of blind Bartimaeus to illustrate the importance of not giving up on our petitions to God. I shared a personal testimony about praying for a family member's salvation for many years and the joy of seeing that prayer answered, encouraging everyone to remain steadfast in their prayers, regardless of the circumstances.
The third attribute, living with wonder and awe, was highlighted through anecdotes and observations about the joy and excitement children find in the simplest things. I urged the congregation to rediscover the beauty in the world around us and to maintain a heart of gratitude, which naturally leads to joy and a deeper appreciation for our salvation in Christ.
I concluded the sermon by inviting those who had not yet accepted Jesus into their lives or who wanted to recommit themselves to Him to do so. I led the congregation in a prayer of salvation, celebrating with those who made the decision to follow Christ.
Key Takeaways:
1. Childlike faith begins with full dependence on God. Just as children trust their parents for their needs, we must trust our Heavenly Father. Fear can challenge this trust, but we can overcome it by embracing our identity as God's children and relying on His word. ([08:13])
2. Persistence in prayer is a hallmark of childlike faith. We must approach God with the boldness and tenacity of a child, never ceasing to ask and knock on the door of heaven. The story of blind Bartimaeus teaches us that our determination in prayer can lead to miraculous outcomes. ([12:31])
3. Living with wonder and awe is essential to maintaining a vibrant faith. We must not lose the ability to be amazed by God's creation and works. Cultivating a heart of gratitude, like my friend Liz and her husband do, can help us retain the joy and wonder of our salvation. ([17:51])
4. Embracing the Father's love is crucial for a childlike faith. We must remember that God desires our presence, not our performance. Just as I experienced a profound moment of connection with my daughter during a simple walk, God cherishes our moments of being with Him. ([23:40])
5. To follow Jesus with a childlike faith, we may need to change certain aspects of our lives. Whether it's becoming more dependent, engaging more with Scripture, or persisting in prayer, we must be willing to embrace transformation to experience the fullness of God's kingdom. ([25:59])
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Childlike Faith
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 18:1-2: "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.'"
2. Romans 8:15-16: "The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, 'Abba, Father.' The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children."
3. Mark 10:46-52: The story of blind Bartimaeus, who persistently called out to Jesus for healing despite being rebuked by the crowd.
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus say is necessary to enter the Kingdom of Heaven according to Matthew 18:1-2?
2. How does Romans 8:15-16 describe our relationship with God once we receive the Spirit?
3. In the story of blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52), how did Bartimaeus respond to the crowd's attempts to silence him? What was the result of his persistence?
4. According to the sermon, what are the three main attributes of childlike faith? ([01:54])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus used a child as an example to teach about greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven? ([02:36])
2. How does understanding our identity as God's children help us overcome fear and fully depend on Him? ([08:13])
3. What can we learn from the persistence of the widow and blind Bartimaeus in their prayers? How does this apply to our own prayer life? ([12:31])
4. How can living with wonder and awe, as described in the sermon, transform our daily lives and relationship with God? ([17:51])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled to fully depend on God. What fears or challenges were you facing, and how did you overcome them? ([06:49])
2. Think about a prayer request you have been persistent with. How has your persistence (or lack thereof) affected your faith and relationship with God? ([13:49])
3. What are some simple things in your life that you can start appreciating more to cultivate a heart of gratitude and wonder? ([17:11])
4. How can you embrace the Father's love more deeply in your daily life? Are there specific actions or changes you need to make to feel more connected to God? ([23:40])
5. Identify one area in your life where you need to let go of control and trust God more. What steps can you take this week to practice full dependence on Him? ([25:59])
6. How can you incorporate more persistent prayer into your daily routine? Is there a specific prayer or person you need to be more persistent about? ([12:31])
7. What practical steps can you take to rediscover the joy and wonder of your salvation? How can you share this joy with others around you? ([20:01])
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the concept of childlike faith, encouraging meaningful discussion and personal application of the sermon’s key points.
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting God as Our Ultimate Provider
Dependence on God is not a sign of weakness but a testament to the strength found in surrender. Just as children look to their parents for all their needs, we are called to trust our Heavenly Father for provision and protection. This trust is not passive; it involves actively seeking God's guidance and resting in the assurance that He is in control. Fear often creeps in, attempting to shake this trust, but it is in these moments that one's faith is truly tested and solidified. By embracing our identity as children of God, we can overcome fear and live in the security of His promises. [08:13]
"Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba, Father.' So you are no longer a slave, but God's child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir." - Galatians 4:6-7
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust God, and how can you begin to let go and rely on His provision today?
Day 2: The Boldness of Persistent Prayer
Persistence in prayer is a defining characteristic of a childlike faith. Approaching God with the relentless determination of a child who asks without inhibition is both an act of faith and a demonstration of trust in God's goodness. The stories of the persistent widow and blind Bartimaeus serve as powerful examples of how steadfastness in prayer can lead to breakthroughs and miracles. One's own experiences, such as praying for a loved one's salvation, can attest to the joy that comes with answered prayers after a period of unwavering petition. [12:31]
"And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened." - Luke 11:9-10
Reflection: What is one prayer you have been hesitant to persist in, and how can you commit to bringing it before God with renewed tenacity?
Day 3: Rediscovering Wonder and Awe
Living with wonder and awe is essential for maintaining a vibrant and joyful faith. Children have an innate ability to marvel at the world, finding joy in the simplest of things. This sense of wonder is a gift that often fades as one grows older, but it can be rekindled through a heart of gratitude. By actively seeking to appreciate the beauty of creation and the intricacies of God's works, one can cultivate a deeper sense of thankfulness and joy. This attitude not only enhances one's spiritual journey but also leads to a greater appreciation for the gift of salvation through Christ. [17:51]
"O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Here is the sea, great and wide, which teems with creatures innumerable, living things both small and great." - Psalm 104:24-25
Reflection: How can you practice seeing the world through the lens of wonder today, and what simple joy can you give thanks for?
Day 4: Embracing the Father's Love
Understanding and accepting the love of the Father is a cornerstone of childlike faith. It is not about striving for perfection or performance but about recognizing that God desires a relationship with us. Just as a parent cherishes time spent with their child, God values our presence. This relationship is built on love and acceptance, not on the fulfillment of tasks or adherence to rules. When we embrace this truth, we can experience a profound connection with our Heavenly Father, akin to the simple yet deep bond shared during a quiet walk with a loved one. [23:40]
"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him." - 1 John 3:1
Reflection: Reflect on a moment when you felt deeply connected to God's presence. How can you create space today to simply 'be' with God without any agenda?
Day 5: Transforming to Follow Jesus
Following Jesus with a childlike faith often requires a transformation in our lives. It may mean becoming more dependent on God, engaging more deeply with Scripture, or persisting in prayer. This transformation is not always easy, but it is necessary to experience the fullness of God's kingdom. It involves a willingness to change and grow, to let go of old patterns, and to embrace new ways of living that align with the teachings of Christ. As we open ourselves to this transformation, we can walk more closely with Jesus and embody the faith of a child. [25:59]
"Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator." - Colossians 3:9-10
Reflection: What is one aspect of your life that you feel God is calling you to change, and what is the first step you can take today towards that transformation?
Quotes
1) "One thing that I've discovered is that full dependence requires full trust. It means that we have to let go of control and needing to know what's ahead, trusting our father is going to take care of our needs. But fear seeks to dominate in our lives... we don't have to get stuck in that place and one of the most powerful weapons that I was able to use was God's word." [06:49]
2) "Fear can't keep us captive when we get that Revelation that God is our father because if the creator of the universe... knows the number of hairs that are on our head, if he calls us his child, his son and his daughter, then surely I have nothing to fear. There is nothing to be afraid of because he will take care of me." [08:13]
3) "Children have a boldness to ask for what they want and if they don't get what they want or they hear no for an answer, they'll ask again tomorrow... Jesus tells a story in the Book of Luke... about a widow who seeks Justice... she persists and she bothers him until finally he gives her what she wants." [11:01]
4) "I have a family member who I've been praying for for salvation for 23 years... there have been times where to be honest I felt like giving up hope... but my kids inspired me... and two weeks ago out of the blue I got this phone call from him and he tells me that he's decided to give his life to Jesus and he wants to get baptized." [14:26]
5) "Finally, if we are going to have faith like a child we need to embrace the Father's love... Jesus wanted the children to come and be with him... because he loved them... God wants to walk alongside us. We don't have to strive or work for his love, he gives it to us freely." [21:43]
6) "I felt God impressed on my heart in that moment this is how I feel about you. I just love being with you. I love being in your presence because it's not the doing that creates intimacy, it's the being. And God wants to walk alongside us, we don't have to strive or work for his love, he gives it to us freely." [23:40]
7) "It doesn't matter how many times my kids have messed up or what they've done wrong, I still love them and nothing can change that. And I am an imperfect mother, God is a perfect father... when we get that revelation of how much God loves us as his children, we can be fully dependent, we can trust in his word." [25:05]
8) "What is it that you need to change? Do you need to let go of control and become more dependent, you need to start reading your word... praying more passionately... start being grateful, start appreciating the little things in your life and worshiping God like David did even when he messed up." [25:59]
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