Embracing Humility and Childlike Faith in Christ

Summary

### Summary

This morning, we gathered to reflect on the importance of humility and childlike faith in our walk with Jesus. We began by lifting up our nation and those who labor to provide for us, acknowledging God's provision and seeking His guidance for our country. We then delved into Luke 9, where the disciples argued about who among them was the greatest. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, used a child to illustrate that the greatest in His kingdom are those who are humble and dependent, like children.

Jesus' response to the disciples' argument teaches us that true greatness in the kingdom of God is not about status or achievements but about humility and servitude. He emphasized that even the most accomplished disciple is still second to Him. This upside-down kingdom values humility over self-promotion, and Jesus demonstrated this by elevating a child as the greatest in His kingdom.

We also discussed the importance of unity and inclusivity in the body of Christ. When the disciples tried to stop someone from casting out demons in Jesus' name because he wasn't part of their group, Jesus corrected them, teaching that anyone who is not against us is for us. This reminds us that the kingdom of God is not limited by our human boundaries and denominations.

Furthermore, we explored the concept of compassion over judgment. When a Samaritan village rejected Jesus, James and John wanted to call down fire from heaven to destroy it. Jesus rebuked them, highlighting that fire-wielding faith without compassion is from the wrong spirit. Jesus chose a path of compassion, taking another route to Jerusalem instead of retaliating.

Finally, we were reminded that every good deed done by a disciple is from God. True good works stem from a heart that loves Jesus and is empowered by His Spirit. As we strive to be superior humans in God's eyes, we must die to ourselves and live for Christ, clinging to Him with childlike faith and trust.

### Key Takeaways

1. Humility and Childlike Faith: True greatness in God's kingdom is marked by humility and dependence on God, much like a child. Jesus used a child to illustrate that those who humble themselves and trust in Him are the greatest in His kingdom. This challenges us to let go of our self-sufficiency and pride, embracing a posture of humility and trust in God. [42:40]

2. Unity in the Body of Christ: Jesus taught that anyone who is not against us is for us, emphasizing the importance of unity and inclusivity in the body of Christ. We must avoid forming exclusive groups and recognize that God's kingdom transcends our human boundaries and denominations. This calls us to embrace and support fellow believers, regardless of their affiliations. [57:07]

3. Compassion Over Judgment: When faced with rejection, Jesus chose compassion over judgment. He rebuked James and John for wanting to call down fire on a Samaritan village, teaching that fire-wielding faith without compassion is from the wrong spirit. This reminds us to respond to opposition with love and compassion, reflecting Jesus' heart for people. [01:00:20]

4. Dependence on God: Jesus highlighted the importance of being like children, who are completely dependent on their caregivers. This dependence is a model for our relationship with God, where we trust Him fully and rely on His provision and guidance. It challenges us to surrender our independence and lean on God in every aspect of our lives. [50:02]

5. Good Deeds Empowered by God: Every good deed done by a disciple is from God, stemming from a heart that loves Jesus and is empowered by His Spirit. This teaches us that our actions should be motivated by our love for Christ and guided by His Spirit, rather than seeking personal recognition or achievement. It calls us to live selflessly, serving others out of our devotion to Jesus. [01:09:49]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[39:02] - Opening Prayer
[40:02] - Announcements and Succession Plan
[41:45] - Importance of the School
[42:40] - Humility and Childlike Faith
[44:57] - Selfless Jesus vs. Selfish Disciples
[45:51] - Greatest Disciple is Second to Jesus
[46:45] - Key to Success: Humility
[47:34] - Jesus Promotes a Child
[48:31] - Matthew 18: Becoming Like Children
[50:02] - Dependence on God
[52:10] - Protecting Our Children
[54:20] - Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
[56:17] - Unity in the Body of Christ
[57:07] - No Formulas with Jesus
[58:55] - Revival and Awakening
[59:44] - Compassion Over Judgment
[01:00:20] - Fire-Wielding Faith
[01:03:17] - Love Chapter: 1 Corinthians 13
[01:04:37] - Compassion for Samaritans
[01:09:49] - Good Deeds Empowered by God
[01:12:39] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. Luke 9:46-50: "An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. Then he said to them, 'Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.' 'Master,' said John, 'we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him because he is not one of us.' 'Do not stop him,' Jesus said, 'for whoever is not against you is for you.'"
2. Matthew 18:1-5: "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.'"
3. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3: "If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing."

### Observation Questions
1. What argument did the disciples have in Luke 9, and how did Jesus respond to it? ([42:40])
2. In Matthew 18, what does Jesus say is necessary to enter the kingdom of heaven? ([48:31])
3. According to 1 Corinthians 13, what is the significance of love in the context of spiritual gifts and actions? ([01:03:17])
4. How did Jesus react when the disciples wanted to call down fire on the Samaritan village, and what lesson did He teach them? ([01:00:20])

### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus used a child to illustrate greatness in the kingdom of God? What qualities of a child are important for believers to emulate? ([42:40])
2. How does Jesus' teaching on welcoming those who are not against us challenge our views on unity and inclusivity within the church? ([57:07])
3. What does it mean to have "fire-wielding faith without compassion," and why is it considered to be from the wrong spirit? ([01:00:20])
4. How does the concept of love in 1 Corinthians 13 relate to the actions and attitudes of the disciples in Luke 9 and Matthew 18? ([01:03:17])

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled with pride or self-sufficiency. How can you cultivate humility and childlike faith in your daily walk with Jesus? ([42:40])
2. In what ways can you promote unity and inclusivity within your church or small group, especially towards those who may not share the same denominational background? ([57:07])
3. Think of a situation where you were quick to judge or retaliate. How can you choose compassion over judgment in similar future scenarios? ([01:00:20])
4. How can you demonstrate dependence on God in your current life circumstances? What steps can you take to surrender your independence and trust in His provision? ([50:02])
5. Identify a recent good deed you performed. Was it motivated by love for Jesus and empowered by His Spirit, or was it driven by a desire for personal recognition? How can you ensure your actions are aligned with God's will? ([01:09:49])
6. How can you practically show love and compassion to someone who has rejected or hurt you, following Jesus' example with the Samaritan village? ([01:04:37])
7. What specific actions can you take this week to protect and nurture the faith of the children in your life or community, ensuring they grow up knowing they are fearfully and wonderfully made? ([53:10])

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Childlike Humility
True greatness in God's kingdom is marked by humility and dependence on God, much like a child. Jesus used a child to illustrate that those who humble themselves and trust in Him are the greatest in His kingdom. This challenges us to let go of our self-sufficiency and pride, embracing a posture of humility and trust in God. [42:40]

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

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying on your own strength rather than humbly depending on God? How can you begin to trust Him more like a child today?

Day 2: Unity Beyond Boundaries
Jesus taught that anyone who is not against us is for us, emphasizing the importance of unity and inclusivity in the body of Christ. We must avoid forming exclusive groups and recognize that God's kingdom transcends our human boundaries and denominations. This calls us to embrace and support fellow believers, regardless of their affiliations. [57:07]

"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ." (1 Corinthians 12:12, ESV)

Reflection: Is there someone from a different denomination or group that you have been hesitant to embrace as a fellow believer? How can you reach out to them in unity and love this week?

Day 3: Choosing Compassion Over Judgment
When faced with rejection, Jesus chose compassion over judgment. He rebuked James and John for wanting to call down fire on a Samaritan village, teaching that fire-wielding faith without compassion is from the wrong spirit. This reminds us to respond to opposition with love and compassion, reflecting Jesus' heart for people. [01:00:20]

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt wronged or rejected. How can you respond with compassion and forgiveness instead of judgment?

Day 4: Dependence on God
Jesus highlighted the importance of being like children, who are completely dependent on their caregivers. This dependence is a model for our relationship with God, where we trust Him fully and rely on His provision and guidance. It challenges us to surrender our independence and lean on God in every aspect of our lives. [50:02]

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find it difficult to trust God completely? What steps can you take to surrender this area to Him today?

Day 5: Good Deeds Empowered by God
Every good deed done by a disciple is from God, stemming from a heart that loves Jesus and is empowered by His Spirit. This teaches us that our actions should be motivated by our love for Christ and guided by His Spirit, rather than seeking personal recognition or achievement. It calls us to live selflessly, serving others out of our devotion to Jesus. [01:09:49]

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on your recent actions and good deeds. Are they motivated by a love for Jesus and empowered by His Spirit, or are you seeking personal recognition? How can you shift your focus to serve selflessly?

Quotes

1. "In prayer this morning, what I saw is this church is going to soar. If we stick to the Word of God, God's going to bring people in. This church is going to get better and better, especially the school. The school, and it will be in the message this morning, is a very important part of what we're doing, training up children to know Jesus." [41:45] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The greatest disciple is still second to Jesus. See, it doesn't matter how great you are here on earth. You're taking second place to Jesus. This is something every pastor has to know. Every senior pastor. Every lead pastor has to know. He's an under shepherd. That Jesus is the shepherd and we're supposed to do what Jesus says. It's very important, church. And it's just, it's so sad to me when I read this, but I also see it in the world today. You see this in the world that people are trying to, you know, we all want to be loved and we all want to ascend, you know, to certain heights. But it's an upside down kingdom. That's not how God looks at it. And no matter how great you are or what you do and the great feats you do, you're still second to Jesus. Jesus is still the head of the church. And it's a humbling thing, but it's very important." [45:51] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The key to success is to be humble. But it's such a difficult thing and it's so hard to teach. We all want to go faster than the next guy. We all want to jump higher. See, I want to score more points. You know, things like that. And we live in this kind of a system here in our nation and we have to learn that humility is so important. So your next point, here's what Jesus does. Jesus disciplines his disciples by promoting a child to the greatest in his kingdom." [46:45] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Unless you change and become like a child. Do we have any independent people in here? Right? You know, I'm going to tell you some of the dumbest things I thought when I was a kid. I could not wait until I got big enough to throw bales of hay with my dad and with the people baling hay. Do you know how stupid that was? After I baled hay for the first two or three times, I wanted to be a little kid again. Think of a little child. We bring them home. What do they have to do? They eat. They drink. They mess diapers. Right? And what do we do? We take care of them. And Jesus is saying, you've got to be like them. You have to let me take care of you. You are helpless. I mean, man, my kids would stand up on a pickup truck. I'd say, jump. And they'd just dive off there and I would catch them. They would squash me now like a bug. But they just depend. They believe everything. And Jesus says you have to be like that. Children are gullible." [50:02] (88 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "We need to protect our children. And we need to tell our children that God made them the way they are and they are precious in his sight. And that his thoughts towards them are more than the sand that are in the desert. And we need to tell them that they are fearfully and they are wonderfully made. And that they are created by a God. They just didn't happen. Fearfully and wonderfully made. The gender that they were made is the gender they are. As I was reading through this and then this morning in prayer it was confirmed to me that we have to protect our children. And we have to train them up in the way that they should go. And they have to know the word of God and they have to understand that they are loved." [53:10] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Fire-wielding faith without compassion comes from the wrong spirit. Jesus died from people. It's very possible to have a ministry do ministry for the ministry. And the ministry can forget that Jesus died for people. And the ministry wants to exist. And get bigger and better and richer. And they forget that it's all about the people. I can tell you this about the leadership. Bo, Riley, Stacy, Ashley Burrow. We got two Ashleys, don't we? Ashley Burrow, Ashley Lynch in ministry. In our meetings, our meetings are about people. They're striving to make authentic Christians. What can we do so that people really know Jesus and really love Jesus? I leave more meetings and I say, we're after the same thing again today. We're trying to make authentic Christians. We're trying to do what God wants us to do. So the people in our congregation fall in love with Jesus. And they have a real relationship with him." [01:01:09] (79 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Every good deed done by a disciple is from God. I'll always remember this lesson I learned from one of my mentors. This is going to mess with you a little bit. But you just pray about it and you'll get it. And he said to me, Dave, can an unsaved person, do a good deed? And I was like, well, of course they can. You know what he said to me? He said, uh-uh. He said, they can do all kinds of good things. But if they don't know Jesus and they don't do it because they love him, what's going on? Right? And it just, boy, I can see your faces. It's messing with you the same way it messed with me. There's none righteous. Not one. Not until you open your heart to Jesus, church." [01:09:10] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Superior human beings are the ones who die to themselves, who are dead to this world and dead to themselves. And that live for Christ. That's what he's trying to teach the children. And what do children want to do? They want to spend time with mom and dad. Man, I remember the days when my kids, when they wouldn't let go of you. Anybody remember that? When your children were little. And man, they would cling to you. This is a true story. We thought we were such great parents, we took our kids to Disneyland. And it scared the bejeebers out of my son. You know, because we didn't realize, you go in that dark rooms and stuff, and it just scared him. And for three or four weeks after we went to Disney, he would not let go of me. He would just cling to me. And you know what? Those were the best days of my life. You know what Jesus wants? You know what the Father wants? He wants us to cling to him like a little child." [01:10:44] (75 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "We need to be praying. I love this new area we're going to have for children. Because those children are going to go in there. And they're going to have their own bathrooms. And they're going to be there. And if you're a parent, you've got to go there to spring them. They're not going to get loose. But you've got to keep the sheep, the little ones, in the pen. Right? You've got to do it. Barnyard theology. But the point is, we can train them up and teach them about Jesus. And the children in the school have a great place to be down there. And we can teach them about Jesus five days a week. And when they're old, they won't depart from it. They're going to know him. And they're going to know about him." [01:08:30] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "The key to success is to be humble. But it's such a difficult thing and it's so hard to teach. We all want to go faster than the next guy. We all want to jump higher. See, I want to score more points. You know, things like that. And we live in this kind of a system here in our nation and we have to learn that humility is so important. So your next point, here's what Jesus does. Jesus disciplines his disciples by promoting a child to the greatest in his kingdom." [46:45] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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