QUALIFYING FOR THE KINGDOM
Matthew 18: 1-7; 10 Test vs. 3
Our children are precious to each and every one of us.
What did Jesus have in mind when he brought the child and set him in the midst of them, and said…
Verse 3
I. I THINK HE HAD IN MIND THE COMPULSION OF CHILDREN TO GROW
(1Peter 2:2-3) As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
A. They Crawl
B. They Walk
C. They Talk
During this time what are you feeding them? Usually milk.
They might not be successful on the first try but they are not afraid to try again.
II. I THINK HE HAD IN MIND THEIR DESIRE AND EAGERNESS TO LEARN
Mat 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
A. They will ask questions.
We must be dedicated in answering them
I still have a hard time answering a child with “Because”
Curiosity can be dangerous. **Brittany with the air return.**
B. They will try anything expecting success. As children, how much more daring we are.
**Story of record player.**
C. They will look, search, or even work for knowledge. They also have an eagerness to share their knowledge with others.
Not so with adults. They hold back. Job Security.
III. I BELIEVE HE HAD IN MIND THEIR ABILITY TO FORGIVE
Eph 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
A. Mad one minute and friends the next – not like adults.
B. Do not begrudge or harbor malice.
C. They are willing to forgive. Children do not always demand or require an apology.
IV. I BELIEVE HE HAD IN MIND THEIR HUMBLE TRUST
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
A. Humble not boisterous, not “Big I and little you.”
B. They believe without question.
C. Trust their life in the hands of their parents.
Jonathan at the swimming pool.
The Lord taught us a valuable lesson with the character and manners of a child. We are to have their innocence but yet we are to be spiritually mature.
