Jeremy Utley - Surviving the Terrible Twos

Jeremy UtleyNovember 2, 202022mWatch on YouTube

Speaker: Jeremy Utley Title: Surviving the Terrible Twos Date: 11/01/2020 Our Goal as Christians is this: To be an exact reflection of Jesus, the Son of God (Romans 8:29) We do this individually by growing in purity in our personal lives (1 John 3:2-3) We do this corporately by becoming fully functioning members of a local Church (Ephesians 4:11-16)

Summary

The sermon centers on the profound privilege of 'receiving' Jesus, drawing parallels from Zacchaeus and Levi. The speaker emphasizes that the greatest opportunity to receive Christ is by receiving children in Jesus' name, which signifies living in the light of His mercy and welcome. This act is not based on obligation, personal connection, or mere compassion, but on recognizing the grace shown to us by Christ.

Outline

The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.

The privilege of welcoming JesusLooking at the story of Zacchaeus, the speaker reflects on the amazing privilege of receiving Jesus into one's home and how this applies to everyday life.

Receiving a child is receiving JesusTurning to Mark 9, the speaker realizes that welcoming a child in Jesus' name is the same as welcoming Jesus and the Father.Mark 9:36

What does it mean to receive in His name?Receiving a child in Jesus' name means doing so out of consideration for Christ, rather than out of natural family pride or mere pity.

Dealing with the difficult traits of childrenChildren are often unreasonable, lack personal space, and are absorbed with themselves, giving us daily opportunities to practice loving others like Jesus does.

Coming down to their levelFollowing Christ's example of emptying Himself in Philippians 2, we must be willing to stoop and enter into the concerns of children rather than insisting on our own adult perspective.

Accepting one another without wishing they would changeIn light of Romans 15, accepting others means stopping the wish for them to change and instead putting our own desires and rights to the cross.Romans 15:7

Why are the terrible twos terrible?The terrible twos and other stages of life are difficult primarily because our flesh is still alive; a dead man cannot be inconvenienced or offended.

Using meltdowns to deliver us from selfGod ordains developmental difficulties not just for the child's sake, but to expose our impatience and deliver us from our own terrible flesh.

Learning from Jesus' response to traitorsJust as Jesus called Judas 'friend' because He constantly put His own will to death, we must learn to handle everyday frustrations so God can trust us with greater trials.Matthew 26:49

Turning the sword onto our own fleshInstead of fighting against children or circumstances, we must put away our metaphorical swords and turn them inward against our flesh.

The context of true greatnessJesus used a child in the house to correct the disciples' argument about greatness, teaching them that the way to be first is to be servant of all.Mark 9:33

The Son of Man came to serveJesus did not come to be served but to give His life as a ransom, providing the ultimate model of mercy and humble service for believers to follow.Mark 10:43

Seizing hundreds of daily opportunitiesRather than wishing to live in biblical times, we can embrace the hundreds of daily opportunities in our homes and workplaces to receive others and welcome Christ.

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Jeremy Utley - Surviving the Terrible Twos

Jeremy Utley · November 2, 2020 · 22m

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