Growing Up To Be Children

I. Introduction:

II. To grow, we must become like children.

A. Matthew 18:3-4

B. The disciples were arguing about who would be the greatest in the kingdom. Each could probably make a good case for himself and why he should be the greatest—their minds were set on greatness and priority.

C. Jesus told them that they would have to change their minds—be converted.

D. A conversion is a change of one state into another. We can take American dollars and convert them into Euros or Yen. We can take a house and convert it into a store or restaurant. To convert something you do not build from scratch but instead take something that exists and change it into something else. Jesus wanted to convert them from power seeking men into men who sought the best for others and would be servants instead of lords. He told them to be like children.

III. Converted to be like children (From Matthew Henry)

A. Not

B. foolish as children (1 Co_14:20) fickle (Eph_4:14) playful and irresponsible 1 Cor 13:11

C. But

D. As children, we must seek food from our Father 1 Pe_2:2

E. Most kids are not concerned about where their next meal is coming from—the parents provide. The parent needs the faith of the child—the Lord will provide.

F. As children, we must trust in our Father’s care Mat_6:31

G. This is the great tragedy of child abuse because parents destroy the only safe haven that children can trust—the home. In the ideal home, the children can trust that the parents will take care of them, protect them, and will help them in a time of need. Do we trust ourselves but not our God?

H. A children, be harmless and void of malice 1 Co_14:20

I. The youngest children do not seek to harm others physically or spiritually—as they grow they may lash out or become bitter. Children of God should do no harm to another, 1 Cor 13:4-5 Romans 13:10: “Love never does anything that is harmful to its neighbor. Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law.”

J. As children we must be humble to God’s authority and realize that we are under his command Gal_4:2

K. Young children are acutely aware of their lack of power—me trying to buy candy at the store—didn’t notice me. Ideally, children realize that there is rule in society, home, the church, and ultimately by God over all creation. Instead of lashing out against authority, the converted mind recognizes the authority established by God and is humble.

L. Jesus’ main point: we must be humble as little children

M. Matthew Henry: Children…do not nor stand upon ceremony or observe societal boundaries; “the child of a gentleman will play with the child of a beggar” Rom_12:16: “Live in harmony with each other. Do not be arrogant, but associate with humble people. Do not think that you are wiser than you really are. (ISV)” James 2:1-9 – showing partiality IN THE ASSEMBLY! Some exalt themselves over brethren because of social status, wealth, ability, knowledge, perceived spiritual insight, number of friends, popularity, exalted sense of one’s own humbleness, and any number of irrelevant traits.

N. The one who is converted like a child, does not care too much about these things but accepts others as being much like himself.

O. Think about the brother or sister that might be bothersome to you: do you think you want to go to heaven more than they do? Do you think that they do not want to do what is right even though you may not agree with what they teach or profess? There are things which we must discuss and study together about, but we should not doubt that the other person wants to go to heaven just as much as we do and that they desire the salvation of their soul and those of their loved ones. Sincerity alone will not please God but let us not doubt the sincerity of those with whom we disagree or with whom we have a personality clash, unless something so obvious demonstrates their hypocrisy. No matter the personality or other problems, if we see such evidence of insincerity, we have the duty to appeal to them in a humble spirit and love for their soul so that they might repent. Romans 14:10-19 – Less criticism—more edification

IV. Conclusion: When we are young we cannot wait to grow up. We want to be “big.” But often we outgrow attitudes and habits that we should retain. We must study God’s word to learn how to think humbly, selflessly, and adopt the servant mind. We must pray to God for wisdom and strength to grow up to be children so that we may truly grow. We may be wise according to the world’s standards and older than the hills but if we do not have the mind of Christ, we will be great fools and immature adults.