BECOMING LIKE LITTLE CHILDREN

BECOMING LIKE LITTLE CHILDREN

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 18:1-4

Key Verse: “And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3)

Supporting Texts: Mark 10:14-15, Psalm 131:1-2, 1 Peter 2:2, James 4:6, Philippians 2:5

Description: This study teaches believers the spiritual qualities represented by little children and reveals the importance of humility, dependence upon God, sincerity, and teachability in the kingdom of God.

INTRODUCTION

In Matthew chapter 18, the disciples came to Jesus asking who would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Instead of discussing status or authority, Jesus called a little child and placed the child among them. He then declared that unless they were converted and became like little children, they could not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus was not teaching childishness or immaturity, but childlike qualities that are precious before God. Children often demonstrate humility, trust, simplicity, sincerity, dependence, and openness to instruction. These are qualities that believers must develop spiritually.

The world encourages pride, self-sufficiency, competition, and self-promotion, but God’s kingdom values humility, submission, purity of heart, and dependence upon Him. Becoming like little children means surrendering pride, arrogance, selfish ambition, and hardened attitudes in order to walk closely with God.

Believers who maintain childlike faith and humility remain spiritually teachable, sensitive to God’s voice, and open to spiritual growth and transformation.

1. CHILDLIKE HUMILITY IS ESSENTIAL IN GOD’S KINGDOM

Humility opens the heart to God’s grace and presence.

a) Jesus taught that believers must become like little children (Matthew 18:3)
Entry into God’s kingdom requires humility, surrender, and recognition of dependence upon God.

b) Children naturally depend upon others for guidance and provision (Psalm 131:1-2)
Believers must trust God completely rather than relying solely upon personal strength and wisdom.

c) Pride hinders spiritual growth and fellowship with God (Proverbs 16:18)
Self-exaltation creates resistance to correction, instruction, and divine guidance.

d) God gives grace to the humble (James 4:6)
Humility attracts God’s favour, wisdom, help, and spiritual strength.

Biblical Example:
Naaman received healing only after humbling himself and obeying God’s instruction through the prophet Elisha (2 Kings 5:10-14).

2. CHILDLIKE FAITH PLEASES GOD

Simple trust and confidence in God are vital for spiritual growth.

a) Children often believe sincerely and wholeheartedly (Mark 10:15)
God desires believers to trust Him with sincerity and confidence.

b) Faith requires dependence upon God beyond human reasoning (Hebrews 11:6)
Childlike faith trusts God even when circumstances appear difficult or unclear.

c) Doubt and self-reliance weaken spiritual confidence (James 1:6-8)
Divided trust hinders believers from fully receiving God’s promises.

d) God honours sincere faith regardless of human limitations (Matthew 21:22)
Genuine faith connects believers to God’s power and intervention.

Biblical Example:
David trusted God with childlike confidence when confronting Goliath despite overwhelming opposition and danger (1 Samuel 17:45-47).

3. CHILDLIKE TEACHABILITY LEADS TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Believers must remain willing to learn and receive correction.

a) Children are naturally open to instruction and guidance (Proverbs 9:9)
Spiritual maturity requires a teachable spirit and willingness to grow continually.

b) Hardened hearts resist correction and truth (Hebrews 3:15)
Pride and stubbornness hinder spiritual progress and wisdom.

c) God uses His Word and Spirit to shape believers continually (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Scripture instructs, corrects, and equips Christians for righteous living.

d) Spiritual growth requires continual hunger for God’s truth (1 Peter 2:2)
Believers should desire God’s Word with eagerness and humility.

Biblical Example:
Young Samuel remained attentive and responsive to God’s voice, allowing him to grow into a faithful prophet and servant of God (1 Samuel 3:8-10).

4. CHILDLIKE PURITY AND SINCERITY REFLECT GOD’S HEART

God values sincerity, purity, and simplicity of devotion.

a) Children often display sincerity and openness without hypocrisy (Matthew 5:8)
God desires believers to serve Him with pure hearts and genuine devotion.

b) Worldliness and sin corrupt spiritual simplicity (2 Corinthians 11:3)
Believers must guard their hearts from compromise and deceit.

c) God looks beyond outward appearance to the heart (1 Samuel 16:7)
True spirituality flows from inward sincerity rather than external performance.

d) Pure devotion strengthens fellowship with God (Psalm 24:3-4)
Clean hands and pure hearts position believers to enjoy God’s presence.

Biblical Example:
Josiah maintained a tender and sincere heart before God, leading to spiritual renewal and reform in the nation (2 Kings 22:18-20).

CONCLUSION

Jesus taught that becoming like little children is essential for those who desire to walk closely with God and enter His kingdom. Childlike humility, faith, teachability, sincerity, and dependence upon God are qualities highly valued in heaven.

Believers must reject pride, self-sufficiency, stubbornness, and hypocrisy while cultivating humble trust and sincere devotion toward God.

As Christians maintain childlike hearts before the Lord, they grow spiritually, experience God’s grace, and reflect the character of Christ more fully.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord, remove every form of pride and self-sufficiency from my life in Jesus name

2. Father, help me to develop childlike humility and dependence upon You in Jesus name

3. Lord, strengthen my faith to trust You completely in every situation in Jesus name

4. Father, give me a teachable and obedient spirit in Jesus name

5. Lord, help me to hunger continually for Your Word and truth in Jesus name

6. Father, purify my heart and remove every form of hypocrisy from my life in Jesus name

7. Lord, help me to remain spiritually sensitive and responsive to Your voice in Jesus name

8. Father, let my relationship with You grow deeper and stronger daily in Jesus name

9. Lord, help me to walk in sincerity, purity, and genuine devotion in Jesus name

10. Father, transform my life continually into the image and character of Christ in Jesus name

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. Every spirit of pride and stubbornness shall lose its power over your life!

2. The Lord shall fill your heart with humility, sincerity, and teachability!

3. Your faith in God shall grow stronger and deeper continually!

4. The Holy Spirit shall guide and transform your life daily!

5. You shall walk in purity, obedience, and spiritual sensitivity!

6. Every distraction and corruption seeking to weaken your devotion to God shall fail!

7. Your hunger for God’s Word and presence shall increase continually!

8. The grace and favour of God shall rest mightily upon your life!

9. You shall reflect the character and humility of Jesus Christ!

10. Your life shall continually please God and bring glory to His name in Jesus’ name!