Embracing Childlike Faith in Our Spiritual Journey

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound concept of childlike faith and its significance in our spiritual journey. Reflecting on the innocence and trust of children, we delved into how Jesus emphasized the importance of becoming like little children to enter the kingdom of God. This isn't about being childish or immature, but rather embracing a childlike spirit characterized by humility, trust, and optimism. As adults, we often accumulate burdens, disappointments, and cynicism, which can hinder our relationship with God. However, Jesus calls us to shed these weights and approach Him with the simplicity and trust of a child.

We discussed the story of Jesus welcoming children and how He used them as an example to teach His disciples about the kingdom of God. The disciples, much like us, struggled with pride and the desire for greatness. Yet, Jesus flipped their understanding by highlighting that true greatness in His kingdom is marked by humility and a heart open to God, much like a child's. This childlike faith is not about ignorance but about a pure, untainted trust in God's promises and His character.

Moreover, we examined the story of Abraham, who, despite his old age and seemingly impossible circumstances, believed God's promise of descendants as numerous as the stars. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the kind of faith we are called to have—a faith that looks beyond the limitations of our current reality and trusts in the vastness of God's possibilities.

In our walk with God, spiritual maturity is not measured by the length of time spent in church or the depth of biblical knowledge, but by our love for God and others. It's about becoming more like Jesus, who is the ultimate goal and prize of our faith. As we grow older, we should strive to grow younger in spirit, embracing the humility, trust, and optimism of a child. This childlike faith allows us to forgive quickly, trust deeply, and believe in the impossible, knowing that with God, all things are possible.

Key Takeaways:

- Childlike Trust and Innocence: Embrace a childlike trust in God, believing His promises without skepticism. Just as children trust their parents, we should trust God with our lives, knowing that His grace is sufficient for us. This trust brings security and peace, allowing us to approach God with confidence and openness. [01:14:53]

- Humility Over Pride: True greatness in God's kingdom is marked by humility, not pride. Like children who readily ask for help, we should humbly depend on God and forgive others quickly. This humility allows us to live in harmony with others, even when we disagree, focusing on our shared love for Jesus. [01:22:12]

- Optimism and Faith: Cultivate a childlike optimism and faith, believing that with God, anything is possible. Like Abraham, who believed God's promise despite his circumstances, we should look beyond our limitations and trust in God's vast possibilities. [01:35:13]

- Spiritual Maturity: Spiritual maturity is not about accumulating knowledge but about becoming more like Jesus. It's about loving God and others deeply, reflecting His character in our lives. This maturity is marked by a childlike spirit that trusts and obeys God wholeheartedly. [01:06:26]

- Access to the Father: We have unrestricted access to God, our Father, at any time. Just as children feel secure in their parents' love, we can approach God with confidence, knowing that He listens and cares for us. This access is a privilege that should encourage us to pray without ceasing and rely on God in every situation. [01:16:55]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [51:46] - Gratitude for Generosity
- [54:35] - Childhood Reflections
- [56:14] - Simplicity of Childhood
- [57:12] - The Joy of Innocence
- [58:44] - Jesus and Children
- [01:00:25] - The Benjamin Button Analogy
- [01:04:27] - Humility and the Kingdom
- [01:06:26] - Spiritual Maturity vs. Childlike Faith
- [01:09:25] - Innocence and Trust
- [01:14:53] - Trust and Security in God
- [01:16:55] - Access to the Father
- [01:19:46] - Facing Fears with Faith
- [01:22:12] - Humility and Forgiveness
- [01:25:14] - The Power of Forgiveness
- [01:31:43] - Childlike Optimism and Faith
- [01:35:13] - Abraham's Faith
- [01:39:12] - Embracing Childlike Faith

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Childlike Faith

Bible Reading:
1. Mark 10:13-16
2. Matthew 18:1-5
3. Genesis 15:1-6

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Observation Questions:

1. In Mark 10:13-16, how did Jesus respond to the disciples when they tried to prevent the children from coming to Him? What does this reveal about His view of children? [58:44]

2. According to Matthew 18:1-5, what did Jesus say about who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? How did He use a child to illustrate His point? [01:00:25]

3. In Genesis 15:1-6, what promise did God make to Abraham, and how did Abraham respond to this promise? [01:35:13]

4. How does the sermon describe the difference between being childish and having childlike faith? [01:07:35]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why does Jesus emphasize the importance of becoming like little children to enter the kingdom of God? What qualities of children is He highlighting? [01:00:25]

2. How does the story of Abraham in Genesis 15 demonstrate the kind of faith that looks beyond current limitations? What can we learn from Abraham's response to God's promise? [01:35:13]

3. The sermon mentions that spiritual maturity is not about accumulating knowledge but becoming more like Jesus. How does this perspective challenge common views of spiritual growth? [01:06:26]

4. How does the concept of having unrestricted access to God, as mentioned in the sermon, change the way we approach prayer and our relationship with God? [01:16:55]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own faith journey. Are there areas where you feel burdened by cynicism or disappointment? How can you begin to approach God with the innocence and trust of a child? [01:04:27]

2. In what ways can you cultivate a childlike humility in your daily interactions, especially when it comes to asking for help or forgiving others quickly? [01:22:12]

3. Think about a situation in your life where you need to trust God beyond your current reality. How can Abraham's example of faith inspire you to believe in God's promises despite the circumstances? [01:35:13]

4. How can you actively work on becoming more like Jesus in your love for God and others, rather than focusing solely on gaining biblical knowledge? What practical steps can you take this week? [01:06:26]

5. Consider the idea of having unrestricted access to God. How can this understanding transform your prayer life and the way you rely on God in every situation? [01:16:55]

6. Identify one area in your life where you can practice childlike optimism and faith. What specific action can you take to trust in God's vast possibilities this week? [01:31:43]

7. How can you encourage others in your small group or community to embrace a childlike faith, characterized by humility, trust, and optimism? What role can you play in fostering this environment? [01:39:12]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Childlike Trust
In our spiritual journey, embracing a childlike trust in God is essential. This trust is not about naivety but about a profound belief in God's promises, much like a child trusts their parents. As adults, we often carry burdens and skepticism that can hinder our relationship with God. However, Jesus invites us to approach Him with the simplicity and openness of a child, shedding our doubts and embracing His grace. This childlike trust brings security and peace, allowing us to confidently approach God, knowing that His grace is sufficient for us. [01:14:53]

"Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock." (Isaiah 26:4, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust God fully? How can you begin to approach this area with the simplicity and trust of a child today?


Day 2: Humility as True Greatness
True greatness in God's kingdom is marked by humility, not pride. Jesus used the example of children to teach His disciples that humility is essential for entering the kingdom of God. Like children who readily ask for help, we should humbly depend on God and forgive others quickly. This humility allows us to live in harmony with others, even when we disagree, focusing on our shared love for Jesus. By embracing humility, we align ourselves with God's heart and open ourselves to His transformative work in our lives. [01:22:12]

"For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 14:11, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a recent conflict or disagreement. How can you approach it with humility and a willingness to forgive, focusing on your shared love for Jesus?


Day 3: Cultivating Childlike Optimism and Faith
Cultivating a childlike optimism and faith means believing that with God, anything is possible. The story of Abraham, who believed God's promise despite his circumstances, serves as a powerful reminder of the faith we are called to have. This faith looks beyond the limitations of our current reality and trusts in the vastness of God's possibilities. By embracing this childlike optimism, we open ourselves to the miraculous and allow God to work in ways we might not have imagined. [01:35:13]

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1, ESV)

Reflection: What is one seemingly impossible situation in your life right now? How can you choose to trust in God's possibilities and cultivate a childlike optimism about it?


Day 4: Spiritual Maturity Through Childlike Faith
Spiritual maturity is not about accumulating knowledge but about becoming more like Jesus. It's about loving God and others deeply, reflecting His character in our lives. This maturity is marked by a childlike spirit that trusts and obeys God wholeheartedly. As we grow older, we should strive to grow younger in spirit, embracing the humility, trust, and optimism of a child. This childlike faith allows us to forgive quickly, trust deeply, and believe in the impossible, knowing that with God, all things are possible. [01:06:26]

"Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:4, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a childlike spirit in your daily walk with God, focusing on trust, humility, and love?


Day 5: Unrestricted Access to the Father
We have unrestricted access to God, our Father, at any time. Just as children feel secure in their parents' love, we can approach God with confidence, knowing that He listens and cares for us. This access is a privilege that should encourage us to pray without ceasing and rely on God in every situation. By embracing this access, we deepen our relationship with God and experience His presence in our lives more fully. [01:16:55]

"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16, ESV)

Reflection: How can you make prayer a more integral part of your daily routine, approaching God with the confidence and openness of a child?

Quotes

In fact, one of my life goals is the older I grow, the younger I want to become. And I'm not talking about Korean face creams. Or anything like that. There's this movie. In fact, I haven't seen the movie. And so I just want to be very clear. I'm not recommending the movie. I think there's some bad scenes in the movie. So don't go home and say, Pastor James told us to watch this movie. I'm not saying, I'm not saying don't watch it. But I read the plot line on Wikipedia. And it's this movie called Benjamin Button. And maybe some of you have seen it. I haven't seen it. I've just seen the trailers for it. But it's an interesting concept. Where this person is born with some type of disease. That as he was born as a child. His body was the body of an old man. And as he grew up. He actually went backwards in time. And as he grew older. His body grew younger. Until the point where when he died in his old age. He died as an infant. little baby. And so I decided that I want to be Benjamin Button in my relationship with God. The older I become and the more I grow in God, the younger I want to become. [00:59:55] (76 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


And this is where becoming a child really kicks in. I want to be childlike, not childish. And there's a difference. God doesn't want us to have childish faith. He wants us to have childlike faith. See, being childish is being immature. Childish faith is being that Christian that's been following Jesus for 20 years, but you still gossip like a little school girl. Childish faith is someone that misuses and even weaponizes the scriptures because they're trying to get their own point across or they're just too lazy to study context. Childish faith has a victim spirit and is easily offendable. And there's many more things that are childish. See, Paul, he nails the Corinthians in this way. In 1 Corinthians 3 verse 1, he says, Brothers and sisters, I could not speak to you as spiritual people, but instead as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you milk, not solid food, for you are not ready. In fact, you are still not ready, for you are still influenced by the flesh. For since there is still jealousy, and dissension among you, are you not influenced by the flesh and behaving like unregenerate people? Paul's like, I want you to grow, but you haven't grown yet. So I still got to treat you like babies. I still have to treat you because you're childish in your faith. Don't mistake what I'm saying today. Childish is immaturity, but childlike, that's something good. [01:07:17] (103 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


And when we start talking about trust, oh, when we start talking about trust, a child's trust, trust of a parent is beautiful. They don't know much, and they rely on what their parents seem to know. I love the old wise Proverbs, one of my favorite in the Bible, Proverbs 3, verse 5 and 6. Trust in the Lord with just a little bit of your heart. No. With all of your heart. Do not rely on your own understanding. It's funny how many of us seem to think we know more than God, and we think better than God. But acknowledge him in all your ways, and he will make your path straight. I want to trust God in such a way that he makes my path, my path's straight. And when I trust God, there's something about trust. When trust comes in, security comes in. When I trust, I feel secure. If a child is loved, can I just give you a little hint for all the parents? If a child feels loved, they feel secure. And you know, with that security, they feel like they have access to you as a parent at any given moment. So my children, right? My children, they feel very secure and very loved, in our family. We discipline them. We're very strong with them. Although my daughter yesterday said I wasn't strict, which I thought was incredible, because I think I'm very strict. But she said I wasn't strict. And so we love them. We're very clear with our expectations on them. But our children know every day, I am a very affectionate father. I love my daughters. Kisses, cuddles. I love my son. The other night I grabbed my son. He's six years old, and he sat on my lap in his little rocking chair that he has in his room. And I said, just come and sit with me. Because I'm not going to be able to do this forever. And I remember the day my dad stopped cuddling me on his lap. No, no, I'm make jokes. I actually have a wonderful father. [01:14:58] (119 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


So Jesus says, whoever humbles himself like this little child is gonna be the greatest in heaven. The opposite of humility is pride. And pride is not arrogance. Arrogance is a fruit of the tree of pride. At its core, this is what pride is. It's making a decision that's usually outworked by our actions that we don't need God. That's essentially the core of pride. And most children I found had this wonderful ability to ask for help for everything. Dad, can you help me do this? Dad, can you help me do this? Dad, can you help me do this? Dad, can you tie my shoelace? Dad, tie my shoelace. Dad, tie my shoelace. And it's like there's no pride in there that they're sitting there going like this. Dad. You know, because imagine, if you're like a 20 -year -old doing that. Right? You'd be embarrassed, and rightly so. You should be embarrassed. Or just wear Crocs. Just wear Crocs, right? You'd be embarrassed of that. But a kid doesn't have that embarrassment at all. They don't have that pride. It's this humility in a child that allows them to do that. You know what else a humility in a child allows them to do is to forgive quickly. Come on. How many of y 'all know children that fight one day and then they're besties the next day? I got three kids. I cannot keep up with the friendship dynamics. One day we're fighting. The next day we're besties. Three weeks later, I'm like, are you all still friends? Oh, no, we're not friends anymore. I'm like, what happened next day? We're besties again. Children have this incredible ability to forgive quickly. Can I tell you, I want to have a childlike faith. I want to have a childlike response that helps me to be able to forgive quickly. [01:21:49] (109 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


I want humility to lead my heart, not my pride in being correct. Proverbs 22, 4. This is beautiful. The reward for humility and fearing the Lord is riches and honor and life. That sounds like a pretty good reward, doesn't it? Awesome. Seven people thought that was a really good reward. Let me read it again, just to make sure that everybody in the room heard it. The reward for humility, unless everyone's just prideful right now, they're like, oh, guess I missed out on that. Let me read it again. The reward for humility and fearing the Lord is riches, honor, and life. That's a pretty good reward, isn't it? My last point. today is this, is that children are optimistic and faith -filled. Let's go back to the beginning. Jesus is like, hey, you want to know who's going to be the greatest in the kingdom? It's like this little child. You know who the kingdom of God belongs to? Such as these, these little children. I love children for their optimism. I love children for their faith. What do you want to be when you grow up? I want to be an astronaut. It's like 100 people in the entire history of the planet have been an astronaut, but they think they can be an astronaut, right? And we, And some of us just say it to them because we're mean, but the majority of us think it, ready? And you know what we and you'll realize those little things. I had it. I had a dream to play in the NBA. Wrong skin just not 6 '9 either. That would help. I had a dream to play in the NBA. I had a dream and I really thought that I could do it. And then life happened. And I had a dream to play in the NBA. It happened. You know what this world to weigh us down. And as a reality of life hits us, we lose that childlike faith to believe that anything is possible. [01:30:39] (149 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


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Transcript
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