Become Like A Baby - To Enter God’s Kingdom — Zac Poonen -- September 7, 2022
https://rlcf.church/media/sermons/become-like-a-baby-to-enter-gods-kingdom River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
Jesus taught that to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, one must become like a little child, emphasizing humility and complete dependence. The speaker contrasts this with the human tendency toward pride, which stems from the desire to be like God, a sin originating with Lucifer. True faith, therefore, requires adopting the helpless, dependent posture of a baby, recognizing that apart from Christ, we can do nothing.
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' question about greatness reveals a common pride found both in the world and in Christendom, prompting Jesus to use a child as an example.Matthew 18:1–4
Conversion means becoming like a little babyJesus equates conversion with becoming like a little baby who lies in a cradle, completely helpless and dependent on its mother for everything.
Apart from Christ I can do nothingTrue humility means recognizing our total inability apart from Christ, just as a branch cannot bear fruit apart from the vine.John 15:5
The original sin of wanting to be like GodThe first sin introduced by the serpent was the desire to be like God and demand respect, a poison that still affects believers who try to act like God in other people's lives.Genesis 3:5
Revelation is revealed to little infantsSpiritual revelation is hidden from the proud and intelligent, and is revealed only to those who approach God like little infants.Matthew 11:25
Balanced understanding: mature in thinking, child-like in evilBelievers are instructed to be mature in their thinking and understanding, but completely like babies regarding evil and malice.1 Corinthians 14:20
God's kingdom led by a little childScripture prophesies a future kingdom where creation is restored and a little child leads, exemplifying the value of child-like humility.Isaiah 11:6
No desire to impress anyoneLike a baby in a cradle, a truly humble person has zero desire to impress others with their knowledge, cleverness, or ability.
Avoiding unnecessary judgment of othersWhile spiritual leaders must exercise discernment and have opinions within their God-given responsibilities, believers should avoid judging others outside their sphere.
The kindergarten lesson of overcoming offenseJust as babies have no rights and do not stand up for them, believers must learn the kindergarten lesson of never getting offended.
No stored-up anger or memory of evilA child-like mind holds zero stored-up anger or bitterness against others, recognizing that harboring resentment only destroys oneself.
Rejecting the voice that avoids the crossWhen Peter tried to stop Jesus from going to the cross, Jesus rebuked him as Satan, showing that any voice telling us to avoid self-death is the voice of the devil.
Trusting the Father with future plansBelievers should make plans for earthly life but submit them entirely to their Heavenly Father, trusting Him to direct their paths.
The Son can do nothing from HimselfJesus lived in constant dependence, stating clearly that He could do nothing on His own initiative apart from the Father's prompting.John 5:19
God gives grace to the humblePride prevents spiritual growth and separates a person from God, whereas helpless dependence on Him invites abundant grace.
Secular ability versus spiritual dependenceWhile people can accomplish great inventions and secular tasks using natural intelligence, pleasing God in the Christian life requires the helpless dependence of a little child.
