Messages For A New Year: 6.Be Like A Little Child - Zac Poonen
Summary
The central message is that true greatness in God's kingdom is found in humility, exemplified by a little child. The speaker contrasts this with worldly measures of success, urging listeners to desire the genuine power of the Holy Spirit rather than counterfeit experiences. He emphasizes that spiritual progress requires continually striving to become more childlike in spirit, which means embracing humility and simplicity, especially concerning sin and the passage of time.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?The disciples asked Jesus who the greatest was, and Jesus answered by placing a little child before them, teaching that whoever humbles himself like that child is the greatest.
Measuring true spiritual progressProgress in the Christian life is not measured by passing time or accumulating knowledge, but by whether we have become more like a little child over the years.
Childish versus childlikeWe must not be childish in our thinking or maturity, but we must be childlike and innocent regarding evil.1 Corinthians 14:20
1. Helpless dependence on GodJust as a child depends entirely on its parents for provision and guidance, a humble believer lives in continuous, helpless dependence on God rather than self-sufficient cleverness.
2. Harmlessness and refusing to retaliateChildren cannot defend themselves or hit back when hurt, and believers should similarly leave their defense to God rather than seeking retaliation or justifying themselves.
3. Zero pretense and complete transparencyChildren do not pretend to be in a higher grade than they are, and believers must aim for zero pretense, being completely transparent about where they really stand spiritually.
4. No grudges or memory of evilSmall children do not hold grudges or remember offenses; believers must reject evil and refuse to retain bitterness or resentment in their will.
5. Teachableness and learning from othersChildren are eager and teachable, and humble believers recognize that they can learn something of Christ from every single member of the body of Christ.
6. Freedom from critical judgment and earthly ambitionChildren do not critically judge others or chase worldly ambitions; instead, they trust their father completely to take care of their future and their needs.
The safety of childlike trustA two-year-old crosses a busy road safely by holding its father's hand and admitting fear, whereas a fourteen-year-old relies on his own strength and gets run over.
Asking God for anything with complete surrenderBelievers can ask God for anything like a child asking a father, provided they always conclude their prayers with complete surrender to God's will.
A prayer for fullness of the Holy SpiritPoonen closes with a prayer asking the Heavenly Father to fill believers with the genuine power of the Holy Spirit so they can live as humble, trusting children.
