Matt. 18:1-4

Matt. 18:1-4- Disciples concerned who will be greatest

- Caused by their misconception of the kingdom

“Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

Matt. 18:3-4

Changed, transformed

Problems – not converted

Teach = convert

Baptize -- teach again

Realize my dependence

Child depends on parents

We depend upon God

James 1:17 “from above”

Humble as a little child

Child does will of parents

Commands of God

Matt. 7:21 “does the will of My Father in heaven.”

Child trusts his parents

Men who trusted in God

Job 13:15

Daniel 6:20-22

Paul - 2 Tim.1:12

“Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.” 1 Cor. 14:20

Child has forgiving spirit

Child wants to be big

Desire to grow spiritually

“by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food” Heb. 5:12

“as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby”

1 Pet. 2:2

“but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

2 Pet. 3:18

Loves parents above all others

We love God above all others

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.”

1 Jn. 5:3

Defend against attacks

What happens when the church is attacked?

1 Pet. 3:15 “ready to give an answer”

Support in old age

I will support the Lord

Time - Talent - Influence - Money

Name is given at birth

God has given us a name

Acts 11:26 “Christians”

Connection with Christ

Child inherits goods of father

We will receive a reward

Must remain faithful

“and if children, then heirs; heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.”

Rom. 8:17

“to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you”

1 Pet. 1:4

“whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

Matt. 18:4

Converted

Humble

Not own will

Trusts

Forgives

Grow

Loves

Defends

Supports

Name

Inheritance

If you are a Christian, you are not a citizen of this world trying

to get to heaven; you are a citizen of heaven making your way

through this world...

• HearHear John 12:48John 12:48

• BelieveBelieve John 8:24John 8:24

• RepentRepent Luke 13:3Luke 13:3

• ConfessConfess Matt. 10:32-33Matt. 10:32-33

• BaptizedBaptized Mark 16:16Mark 16:16

• FaithfulFaithful Matt. 24:13Matt. 24:13