Embracing Childlike Faith Through Trials and Temptations
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound truth that to enter the Kingdom of God, we must become like children—pure, humble, and trusting. This childlike faith is essential as it allows us to fully rely on God, just as children rely on their parents. We delved into the trials and temptations that Jesus faced in the wilderness, emphasizing that even He, who was without sin, underwent testing. This serves as a reminder that trials are not a sign of God's absence but rather a part of His divine plan to prepare us for greater things.
We discussed the importance of these tests, drawing parallels to everyday life where tests and trials are necessary for growth and preparation. Just as a car or an airplane undergoes rigorous testing before being deemed safe, we too must go through spiritual tests to be ready for the responsibilities God has for us. These trials refine us, stripping away our fleshly desires and aligning us more closely with God's will.
The sermon also highlighted the story of Jesus' temptation by Satan, who offered Him all the kingdoms of the world. This temptation was not just about power but about diverting Jesus from His divine mission. It reminds us that Satan knows the scriptures and God's plans, often trying to thwart them. However, Jesus' steadfastness in the face of temptation is a model for us to follow, showing that true victory lies in obedience to God.
Furthermore, we reflected on the unchanging nature of God's word amidst a world that constantly changes. While cultures and societies evolve, the principles of humility, forgiveness, and love remain timeless. We are called to align our lives with these eternal truths rather than trying to mold them to fit our lifestyles.
Finally, we were reminded of the power of God's word and His ability to defend it. Just as He defended the woman who anointed Jesus with expensive perfume, God stands by those who live according to His word. Our role is to follow Christ faithfully, trusting that He will fight our battles and lead us to victory.
Key Takeaways:
- Childlike faith is crucial for entering God's Kingdom. It involves purity, humility, and complete trust in God, much like a child trusts their parent. This faith allows us to rely on God fully, knowing that He has our best interests at heart. [00:43]
- Trials and temptations are part of God's divine plan. They are not signs of His absence but opportunities for growth and preparation. Just as Jesus was tested, we too must undergo trials to be refined and ready for the responsibilities God has for us. [05:46]
- Satan knows God's plans and often tries to thwart them. However, Jesus' victory over temptation shows us that true victory lies in obedience to God. We must remain steadfast in our faith, trusting in God's greater plan for our lives. [13:15]
- God's word is unchanging amidst a constantly evolving world. While cultures and societies change, the principles of humility, forgiveness, and love remain timeless. We are called to align our lives with these eternal truths. [40:08]
- God defends those who live according to His word. Just as He defended the woman who anointed Jesus, He stands by those who follow Him faithfully. Our role is to trust in His guidance and let Him fight our battles. [45:22]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:43] - Childlike Faith
[01:28] - Declaration of Faith
[02:37] - Preparing for God's Word
[03:08] - Wilderness Temptation
[04:57] - Jesus' Testing
[05:46] - Purpose of Trials
[06:34] - Testing in Everyday Life
[08:31] - Personal Trials
[10:14] - Embracing Tests
[11:32] - Satan's Challenge
[12:15] - Trusting God's Plan
[13:15] - Jesus' Victory
[14:35] - God's Greater Plan
[15:45] - Disciples' Transformation
[16:37] - Preparation for Service
[19:13] - True Success
[20:37] - Kingdoms of the World
[21:49] - Daniel's Prophecy
[24:18] - Eternal Kingdom
[26:13] - Historical Context
[27:17] - Satan's Knowledge
[28:36] - Jesus' Mission
[30:19] - Rejection of Temptation
[32:13] - Satan's Failures
[34:24] - Wisdom and Foolishness
[35:06] - Following Jesus
[36:09] - The Only Way
[37:54] - Attacks on Scripture
[39:10] - Unchanging Truth
[40:08] - Living by God's Word
[41:23] - Global Impact of Scripture
[42:36] - Defending God's Word
[43:41] - God's Defense of His People
[45:22] - Assurance of Victory
[49:58] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 18:3 - "And he said: 'Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.'"
2. Luke 4:1-13 - The Temptation of Jesus
3. Hebrews 4:12 - "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
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Observation Questions:
1. What characteristics of children are highlighted in Matthew 18:3 as necessary for entering the Kingdom of God? How does this relate to the concept of childlike faith discussed in the sermon? [00:43]
2. In Luke 4:1-13, what were the specific temptations that Jesus faced in the wilderness, and how did He respond to each one? [03:08]
3. According to Hebrews 4:12, what are the qualities of God's word, and how do these qualities support the sermon’s emphasis on the unchanging nature of God's word? [40:08]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of trials and temptations in a believer's life, and what analogy is used to explain their purpose? [06:34]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of childlike faith challenge the typical adult approach to faith and trust in God? What might be some barriers to achieving this kind of faith? [00:43]
2. In what ways does Jesus' response to temptation in the wilderness serve as a model for believers facing their own trials? How does this relate to the idea of obedience to God as a path to victory? [13:15]
3. The sermon mentions that Satan knows God's plans and tries to thwart them. How does this understanding affect a believer's perspective on spiritual warfare and the importance of knowing scripture? [27:17]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between cultural changes and the timeless principles of humility, forgiveness, and love? How should believers navigate this tension? [40:08]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own faith journey. Are there areas where you struggle to trust God like a child trusts a parent? What steps can you take to cultivate a more childlike faith? [00:43]
2. Think about a recent trial or temptation you faced. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in light of Jesus' example in the wilderness? [05:46]
3. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel tested. How can you view this trial as an opportunity for growth and preparation for greater responsibilities? [06:34]
4. In what ways can you align your life more closely with the unchanging truths of humility, forgiveness, and love, despite the evolving cultural norms around you? [40:08]
5. Consider a situation where you felt the need to defend your faith or God's word. How can you trust in God's ability to defend His word and focus on living according to it instead? [45:22]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt tempted to divert from your divine mission. How can you remain steadfast in your faith and trust in God's greater plan for your life? [13:15]
7. How can you actively rely on God's guidance in your daily life, trusting that He will fight your battles and lead you to victory? [45:22]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Childlike Faith
To enter the Kingdom of God, one must possess a childlike faith characterized by purity, humility, and complete trust in God. This faith mirrors the way children rely on their parents, trusting them implicitly for their needs and guidance. In the same way, believers are called to trust God fully, knowing that He has their best interests at heart. This trust is not blind but is rooted in the understanding of God's love and faithfulness. By adopting this childlike faith, individuals can experience a deeper relationship with God, free from the burdens of doubt and self-reliance. [00:43]
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: In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust God completely? How can you begin to cultivate a childlike faith in those areas today?
Day 2: Trials as Divine Preparation
Trials and temptations are integral to God's divine plan, serving as opportunities for growth and preparation rather than signs of His absence. Just as Jesus faced testing in the wilderness, believers too must undergo trials to be refined and prepared for the responsibilities God has for them. These spiritual tests are akin to the rigorous testing of a car or airplane, ensuring readiness and safety. Through trials, individuals are stripped of their fleshly desires and aligned more closely with God's will, emerging stronger and more faithful. [05:46]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Think of a recent trial you faced. How did it prepare you for a greater responsibility or deepen your faith in God?
Day 3: Victory Through Obedience
Satan is aware of God's plans and often attempts to thwart them, as seen in the temptation of Jesus. However, true victory lies in obedience to God, as demonstrated by Jesus' steadfastness in the face of temptation. By remaining obedient, believers can trust in God's greater plan for their lives, knowing that His purposes will ultimately prevail. This obedience requires a deep trust in God's wisdom and timing, even when faced with challenges or temptations that seem overwhelming. [13:15]
1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV): "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."
Reflection: What temptations are you currently facing that challenge your obedience to God? How can you seek His strength to remain steadfast?
Day 4: The Timelessness of God's Word
In a world that is constantly changing, God's word remains unchanging and eternal. While cultures and societies evolve, the principles of humility, forgiveness, and love are timeless truths that believers are called to align their lives with. Rather than molding these truths to fit their lifestyles, individuals are encouraged to let these principles shape their actions and decisions, ensuring that their lives reflect the unchanging nature of God's word. [40:08]
Isaiah 40:8 (ESV): "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever."
Reflection: How can you ensure that your daily decisions and actions are aligned with the timeless truths of God's word?
Day 5: Trusting in God's Defense
God defends those who live according to His word, standing by them just as He defended the woman who anointed Jesus. Believers are called to follow Christ faithfully, trusting that He will fight their battles and lead them to victory. This assurance of God's defense provides comfort and strength, allowing individuals to face challenges with confidence, knowing that they are not alone. By living in accordance with God's word, believers can trust in His guidance and protection. [45:22]
Psalm 18:2 (ESV): "The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to trust God to defend and fight for you? How can you actively live according to His word in those areas?
Quotes
1. "私 は 聖 書 に 書 いて ある 通 り の もの です 私 いる と 聖 書 に 書 いて ある もの を 持 って います 書 に でき る と 書 いて ある こと が で きます 私 は それ を でき る と 書 いて あります そして 悪 魔 は 何 も でき ない ちは 私 た ち を 愛 して く だ さ った 方 に よ って これ ら す べ て の こと の 中 に あ って も 圧 倒 的 な 勝 利 者 と なる の です ア ーメ" ([00:01:10] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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2. "神 様 は 何 の 目 的 も なく 私 た ち に 試 練 を 通 さ れる わ け では あり ません 私 ち に 大 き な 計 画 を 持 ち だから こ そ そう いうこと にな ります 小 さ な テ スト 試 練 に 合 格 し ない で 大 き な 試 練 に 合 格 する こと が でき る でしょう か" ([00:14:06] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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3. "この ア ラ ノ で の 小 さ な テ スト に 合 格 さ れる こと で 十 字 架 の 上 で 大 き な 試 練 が 来 た 時 に イ エ ス 様 は それ を 簡 単 に 乗 り 越 え た 降 り て こ い という そう いう 声 に 対 して イ エ ス 様 は 勝 利 する こと が でき た ん ですね でも" ([00:14:35] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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4. "イ エ ス 様 は おっ しゃ った 私 に つ いて き な さい 私 は 道 を 知 って います 正 しい 道 を 私 は 知 って います 私 道 が 分 か り ません 私 いて き な さい という 言 葉 の 意 味 は 私 た ち の 道 を 知 って います 私 は 正 しい 道 を 分 か って いる けれ ども あ なた は 分 か って い ない ということ です 私 の ところ に 来 な さい" ([00:35:45] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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5. "私 に つ いて き な さい と 言 った 通 り に や った ら それは 一 番 いい ア イ デ ア か もし れない とか そう いう 程 度 の もの では なく 神 様 の 道 が 唯 一 の 道 なんです イ 様 は 私 が 道 です 私 が 真 理 です 私 に 真 理 が ある 私 が 道 を 知 って います 私 た ちは 知 って いる と思 って います けど 実 は 道 を 知 って います" ([00:37:15] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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6. "イ エ ス 様 の 本当 に 清 い 心 こ そ 今日 に お いて も 最 高 の 清 い 心 その もの です 人 間 と して でき る 最 高 の こと は この イ エ ス 様 に 従 って いく こと です そして 神 様 の この 言 葉 を その ま ま 受 け 取 る こと です" ([00:40:53] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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7. "私 は こう いう 生 き 方 を する から 聖 書 を 変 え なく ちゃ では なく 聖 書 を 変 える の では なく 私 た ち が 変 え ら れない と い け ない んです 聖 書 を 弁 護 し なく ちゃ い け ない ということ ですか それ も 必 要 ない ス" ([00:42:31] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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8. "聖 書 が 書 か れて 2000 年 も 経 った 今 も 世界 中 で この 本 が 読 ま れて いる という 事 実 が ある わ け です 聖 書 を 弁 護 する とか そんな 必 要 も ない 私 た ちは 聖 書 に 従 った 歩 み を する ように 心 が ける べ き なん ですね 私 た ちは 失 敗 も します 私 も 失 敗 します た ま に" ([00:43:41] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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9. "神 様 の 言 葉 を 弁 護 さ れ そして 神 様 の 言 葉 に 従 う 人 々 を 弁 護 して く だ さ います ダ ラ ス の 聖 書 学 校 で 学 長 だ った ゴ ー ドン ・ リ ン ゼ 先生 が 亡 く な って 名 な 方 だ った んです が" ([00:46:00] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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10. "神 様 は ご 自 分 の 民 を 弁 護 する こと が でき る 方 ですね エ ス 様 に 従 う 最 善 を 尽 く して そう する と 神 様 が あ なた の ため に 戦 って く だ さ る ん ですね そして 様 の 道 には 勝 利 が ある 他" ([00:48:04] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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