"Unless you repent and become like a little child you cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven, Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven" Matt 18:3,4
-repent - turn around - we DO IT
-become like a child (not childish)
-humbles themselves - make SELF little, no fear, no agendas
QUALITIES OF CHILDLIKENESS
1 SIMPLICITY - few important things, people, and activities, not complicated, not done with agendas,
-Mary and Martha - to be seen, get approval??
-"seek ye first the kingdom of God" Luke 12:31
2 AT REST IN LOVE - SECURITY -sleeps in Dads arms
-Watches Dad
NOT STRIVING - Dad makes it happen
"Fear not little flock it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom" Luke 12:32
3 BELIEVES - whatever Dad says, he'll do it - doesn't analyse Dad!
- "Trust in the Lord with all your heart"
"Whatever you ask in prayer believing, you will receive" Matt 21:22
4 COPIES DAD - wants to be like Dad!
John 5:19 Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever he does, that the Son does likewise.
5 SPONTANEOUS - No self consciousness - just acts from heart
-Inner Pharisee - analyzing everything, fears of rejection, failure
Romans 8:7 … the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God
6. ENJOYS NEWNESS OF LIFE - The delight of Gods love and goodness
Luke 10:17 ¶ And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.
John 16:24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.