Introduction

Matthew 18 is all about the King’s kids:

1. How they enter the Kingdom of Heaven - Matt 18:3-4
2. How they're to be treated - Matt 18:5-9
3. How they're to be cared for - Matt 18:10-14
4. How they're to be disciplined - Matt 18:15-20
5. How they're to be reconciled and forgiven - Matt 18:21-35

I The Simplicity of Children

Mark 9:33-34 “Then He came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them, "What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?" But they kept silent, for on the road they had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest.”

1. At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying: [Verse 1]
2. “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

Greatest = Meizon = “Larger, eldest, greatest”

Kingdom of Heaven = “The sphere of God's rule”

1. The Kingdom of God emphasizes the ruler
2. The Kingdom of heaven emphasizes the character of His ruling

Jesus had just taught in Matt 16:24 that if any would come after Me:

1. Let him deny himself
2. Let him take up his cross
3. Let him follow Me
4. Let him lose his life and he will find it

Summary: “The cross before the crown and grief before glory!”

But the disciples are so skewed in their biblical understanding of the mission and agenda of the Messiah that they remained adamant in their pursuit of position, promotion, prominence and personal greatness – and they would remain so until after Christ’s resurrection!

May God bless you through this message!

You can support this ministry: Donate

The Epic Life https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com

Introduction

Matthew 18 is all about the King’s kids:

1. How they enter the Kingdom of Heaven - Matt 18:3-4
2. How they're to be treated - Matt 18:5-9
3. How they're to be cared for - Matt 18:10-14
4. How they're to be disciplined - Matt 18:15-20
5. How they're to be reconciled and forgiven - Matt 18:21-35

I The Simplicity of Children

Mark 9:33-34 “Then He came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them, "What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?" But they kept silent, for on the road they had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest.”

1. At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying: [Verse 1]
2. “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

Greatest = Meizon = “Larger, eldest, greatest”

Kingdom of Heaven = “The sphere of God's rule”

1. The Kingdom of God emphasizes the ruler
2. The Kingdom of heaven emphasizes the character of His ruling

Jesus had just taught in Matt 16:24 that if any would come after Me:

1. Let him deny himself
2. Let him take up his cross
3. Let him follow Me
4. Let him lose his life and he will find it

Summary: “The cross before the crown and grief before glory!”

But the disciples are so skewed in their biblical understanding of the mission and agenda of the Messiah that they remained adamant in their pursuit of position, promotion, prominence and personal greatness – and they would remain so until after Christ’s resurrection!

May God bless you through this message!

You can support this ministry: Donate

The Epic Life https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com

The Bible teaches us that we are to:

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

"Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise -- the fruit of lips that confess his name.” Hebrews 13:15

As Christians, we certainly have much to be thankful for:

1. We have been forgiven of our sins
2. We have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit
3. We have direct access and fellowship with God through His Word and prayer
4. We have the knowledge that God is always working for our ultimate good
5. We have been placed in the family God with wonderful sisters and brothers
6. We have assurance of eternal life
7. We have the promise of an eternal inheritance with Christ

In light of the many blessing that God has given us, our lives should be full of praise, thanksgiving, and joy.

May God bless you through this message!

The Epic Life 3-2600 Kaumualii HWY STE 1300 #513 Lihue, HI 96766 https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com