Be Like a Little Child - Zac Poonen - September 15, 2019
http://rlcfchurch.org/be-like-little-child http://rlcfchurch.org/growing-spiritually River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The sermon addresses the question of who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven, contrasting worldly notions of greatness with Jesus' teaching. Jesus taught that to enter the Kingdom, one must be converted and humble oneself like a little child, rather than striving for earthly or perceived spiritual greatness. The speaker emphasizes that true greatness in God's sight requires abandoning worldly ideas of achievement and embracing childlike humility.
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?While worldly people and believers alike often strive for earthly greatness and recognition, the disciples asked Jesus who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Converted and like a little childJesus stated that unless people are converted from worldly ideas of greatness and become like a little child, they cannot even enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
Mature in understanding, but like a baby in evilBelievers must seek mature understanding of scripture and God's ways, but have the mind of a baby with zero evil in their attitude.1 Corinthians 14:20
Divine truth revealed to babesGod hides the greatest truths of scripture from clever intellectuals and reveals them to those who approach the Bible like humble infants.
A little child shall leadIn the coming earthly kingdom of Christ, those who possess the spirit of a little child will be the leaders.Isaiah 11:6
No self-defense or excusesLike a helpless newborn infant, a true believer does not make excuses or offer self-defense when confronted with faults.
Never standing up for rightsTrue Christianity rejects the worldly obsession with fighting for personal rights and demands.
Never offendedChildren do not get insulted or hold bitterness when mistreated or looked down upon by others.
No stored up angerJust as a baby bears no memory of past mistreatment, believers must refuse to store up anger or keep files of past wrongs.
No human cleverness to displayBelievers should lay aside the urge to show off their own intelligence or experience when interacting with others.
Not judging othersWhile maintaining spiritual discernment, a child-like believer does not condemn or judge the motives of others.
No ambitions for money or fameWhile using intelligence to earn a living honestly, a believer's core goal is not to chase wealth, power, or worldly fame.
Zero anxiety and simple trustA child rests with absolute trust in its parents without worrying about tomorrow's basic needs.
Delivered from the orphan syndromeJesus promised the Holy Spirit so that believers would never be left as helpless orphans.John 14:16–18
Crying out 'Abba, Father'The Holy Spirit dwells within believers and causes them to cry out to God as 'Daddy' with childlike intimacy and assurance.Romans 8:15
Seeking God's kingdom firstThose who put God's kingdom first experience His unfailing faithfulness to provide for every need.
God gives power for victoryJust as a father helps a child carry only what it can handle, God provides the power for believers to overcome sin and live in peace.
