Like a Child

https://youtu.be/vcuaxQsKvM8

OUTLINE:

MAIN POINT: Being a part of Jesus’s kingdom by living in a covenant community begins with reflecting on Children.

I. Position of the Little Ones v1-4

II. Acceptance of the Little Ones v5.

III. Rejection of the Little Ones v6-9

Beyond the Walls (Grace and Growth)

Weekly Reading:

Day 1 — Becoming Like a Child

Matthew 18:1–4; Psalm 131:1–2

1. What does it mean for you to become like a child in your relationship with God?

2. Where are you tempted to rely on yourself instead of depending upon Christ?

3. What would it look like today to willingly submit to God’s authority like a child trusts a parent?

Day 2 — The Greatest in the Kingdom

Matthew 18:3–4; Philippians 2:3–4

1. How does Jesus redefine what it means to be “great”?

2. Are you more concerned with your position, recognition, or influence than with serving others?

3. Who could you intentionally serve or encourage today without expecting recognition?

Day 3 — Welcoming Jesus’ People

Matthew 18:5; Romans 15:7

1. According to Jesus, what does it mean to welcome one of his people?

2. Are there certain kinds of people you find easier to welcome than others?

3. How could you show the welcome of Christ to someone who might feel overlooked or insignificant?

Day 4 — Do Not Cause Others to Stumble

Matthew 18:6–7; Romans 14:13

1. What does it mean to cause another believer to stumble?

2. Are there attitudes, habits, words, or behaviors in your life that could hinder someone else’s walk with Christ?

3. What is one area where you need to become more careful about how your life affects other believers?

Day 5 — Take Sin Seriously

Matthew 18:8–9; Romans 6:12–14

1. What does Jesus’ strong language about cutting off a hand or foot teach you about how seriously we should treat sin?

2. Is there a particular sin that you have been tolerating rather than actively fighting?

3. What practical step could you take today to remove an opportunity for that sin from your life?

Day 6 — Your Sin Affects Others

Matthew 18:6–9; 1 Corinthians 10:31–33

1. How can your personal sin affect the faith and spiritual growth of other people?

2. Could your use of politics, money, relationships, entertainment, or other areas of life become a stumbling block for someone else?

3. What is one change you could make so that your life would help others grow closer to Christ rather than hinder them?

Day 7 — Life Together Under Christ

Matthew 18:1–5; Ephesians 4:1–3

1. How should our dependence upon Christ change the way we treat other believers?

2. Are you actively helping other Christians grow, or is your primary concern your own position and needs?

3. What would it look like for you this week to humble yourself, welcome someone else, and help another believer grow in Christ?