Learning Humility from Infants - Olu Talabi, Ajay Chakravarthy - December 3, 2017
http://rlcfchurch.org/sermons/humility-from-infants River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The central message is that true greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven is achieved not through works or status, but through profound humility, exemplified by a little child or infant. Jesus taught that one must humble oneself completely, mirroring the dependence of a child on the Father. This humility is so vital that God gives grace to the humble, and God reveals divine truth to those who are humble rather than to the proud.
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?Jesus sets a little child in the midst of the disciples and teaches that whoever humbles himself as a little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.Matthew 18:1–4
The example of Christ's humility and exaltationJesus made himself of no reputation, took the form of a servant, and became obedient to death, which is why God highly exalted him.
Learning from the mindset of an infantTo understand true humility, we must look to infants who are completely dependent, noting that God gives grace to the humble and hides revelation from the proud while revealing it to babes.Luke 18:15
Perfected praise from a childlike heartOut of the mouth of babes and sucklings God has perfected praise, showing that acceptable honor only comes from a childlike heart.Matthew 21:16
Angels always behold the face of the FatherAngels do not just watch over us; their eyes are always on God the Father to wait for instructions, modeling how our focus should be entirely on God rather than our ministry or service.Matthew 18:10
Trusting that God's ways are good and justJust as angels desire to look into God's plan of salvation without always understanding it, we must have complete confidence that God's ways are good and true even when we face circumstances we do not understand.
The recurring temptation to seek greatnessDespite Jesus teaching them earlier, the disciples repeatedly argued over who was the greatest, mirroring the fleshly lust for prominence and titles found both in the world and within church communities.
Guarding against self-promotion in the body of ChristPaul warned the Ephesian elders that men would arise from among themselves to draw disciples after them, reminding us to be nobodies and avoid seeking our own honor.
True humility is before the Lord in secretTrue humility is not found in soft speech or outward appearance, nor is it the same as failing and humiliating oneself; it is a secret posture of complete dependence on God.
How God humbles His people through His goodnessGod led Israel through the wilderness for forty years, sustaining their clothes and feet, showing that He humbles and tests us not by taking everything away, but through His enduring goodness and care.
Living as helpless infants dependent on GodJust as a helpless infant cannot remove a blanket covering its face, we must approach every daily task and situation acknowledging our total weakness and relying entirely on God's strength.
