{"id":80,"date":"2009-03-23T17:24:47","date_gmt":"2009-03-23T17:24:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.crossroadchristianfellowship.org\/?p=80"},"modified":"2015-03-17T09:58:08","modified_gmt":"2015-03-17T13:58:08","slug":"sunday-march-22-2009","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.crossroadchristianfellowship.org\/?p=80","title":{"rendered":"Sunday, March 22, 2009"},"content":{"rendered":"

How to Have Status with God<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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Matthew 18:1-14, 19:14<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Introduction\u201d\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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\u201cI am opposed to millionaires, but it would be dangerous to offer me the position.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Mark Twain <\/span><\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/span>In today\u201d\u2122s world, the face of \u201cstatus\u201d IS changing due to all of the corruption \u201cat the top\u201d. <\/span>But, nonetheless, it seems the common human experience to desire status.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Do you like to be well-thought-of? <\/span>Do you ever envy the place one of your friends occupies\u201d\u201dtheir job or their social status? <\/span>Do you like it when someone recognizes you as excelling in your work or at school? <\/span>Truth be told\u201d\u201dwe all desire to have status and be recognized for it. <\/span>Whatever our desired status might be, we all have some goal, some level we\u201d\u2122d like to reach. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Even Jesus\u201d\u2122 own disciples had a desire for status. <\/span>And, at first glance, you might even admire their quest. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

READ Matthew 18:1-14, 19:14 (NLT)\u201d\u201dOn Overhead<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/span>The <\/strong>only \u201cstatus\u201d that matters in the end is our status with God. <\/span>What God thinks of us, how He ranks us, is the bottom line in life. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

*To have status with God, a person must have a simple faith in Jesus.<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

WHAT<\/span><\/span><\/strong> <\/span>does it mean to have status with God by having a simple faith?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Jesus gives us 5<\/span><\/em> Patterns of Living <\/strong>that are found in the lives of those who get God\u201d\u2122s attention: <\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

1. <\/span><\/span><\/span>I must have simple faith to enter God\u201d\u2122s kingdom<\/span><\/strong>. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

(1-3)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The disciples\u201d\u2122 perspective on \u201cstatus\u201d was much like ours\u201d\u201dvery self-centered, each one jockeying for position above the other. <\/span>The parallel passage in Mark 9 informs us that they knew they were being self-centered\u201d\u201d\u201cAfter they arrived at Capernaum, Jesus and his disciples settled in the house where they would be staying. <\/span>Jesus asked them, \u201d\u02dcWhat were you discussing out on the road?\u201d\u2122 <\/span>But they didn\u201d\u2122t answer, because they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

READ verses 2-3<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSimple faith\u201d like that of \u201clittle children\u201d is required to even have a relationship with God<\/span><\/em>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLittle children\u201d\u201d\u201dactual children, <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>But also . . .<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>ANYONE<\/span> with SIMPLE FAITH<\/span><\/strong>=<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>—Uncomplicated Trust<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/em>—Wholehearted Dependence<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/em>—Helpless Confidence<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

—Humble Awareness of being Little and Needing Someone Big<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

These are NOT Natural Characteristics of people over 10!<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

But the only folks that can truly know God are those who come to Jesus with the simple faith of a child!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

–Review Gospel<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

I must have simple faith to enter God\u201d\u2122s kingdom.<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

2. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong> <\/span>I must have simple faith to be great in God\u201d\u2122s kingdom. <\/span><\/span><\/strong> <\/span>(4)<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Mark 9:35\u201d\u201d\u201cAnyone who wants to be the first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGod\u201d\u2122s best gifts are not on a high shelf but on a low one to which we must stoop. <\/span>The badge of greatness is greatness in humility\u201d (J. Oswald Sanders).<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Philippians 2:1-11 [READ, NLT]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Martin Luther: <\/span>\u201cOh, do not think to be great but to be little. <\/span>Becoming great will come of itself if you become little.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

1 Peter 5:5b-7\u201d\u201d\u201cAnd all of you, serve each other in humility, for \u201d\u02dcGod sets himself against the proud, but he shows favor to the humble\u201d\u2122. <\/span>So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and in his good time he will honor you. <\/span>Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you.\u201d (NLT)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Let me show you a picture of a conversation between God and one of His \u201cgreats\u201d that shows just what it means to have a simple faith:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

READ Psalm 131 (NLT)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

I must have simple faith in order to be great in God\u201d\u2122s kingdom, because greatness (real status) in God\u201d\u2122s eyes is humility!<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

3. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong>I must treat others with simple faith like I would treat Jesus. <\/span><\/strong>(5-6)<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Jesus is talking about how we relate to at least 2 groups of people\u201d\u201dand He makes the point that relating to others is really about relating to HIM<\/span><\/em>!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

First, to seekers<\/span><\/em>\u201d\u201dthose who are on the verge of trusting Jesus with a simple faith. <\/span>It matters HOW we relate to folks when we\u201d\u2122re sharing our faith\u201d\u201dwe need to be sensitive to them and talk to them on their level and show them that Jesus meets them right where they are. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>We must be gentle, not overbearing; patient, not pushy; simple and clear, not fancy in our words; welcoming and humble, not intimidating, spiritual know-it-alls.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

But also, to new believers<\/span><\/em>. <\/span>It takes time to grow up. <\/span>It takes many experiences to gain maturity. <\/span>God tells us not to exasperate our children\u201d\u201dnot to frustrate them by expecting them to be grown-ups when they\u201d\u2122re children. <\/span>Sometimes in the church, because of our own pride\/self-righteousness and resulting legalism, we expect new believers to act like they\u201d\u2122ve walked with Jesus for years\u201d\u201dand it WILL hurt them! <\/span>And when we hurt them, we hurt Jesus! <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>And don\u201d\u2122t forget\u201d\u201dno matter how long we\u201d\u2122ve walked with Jesus, greatness in the kingdom is about humility! <\/span>You know, if we were as mature as we often think we are, we\u201d\u2122d be less judgmental and more childlike and simply trust Jesus with whatever\/whoever anyway!<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Matthew 25:31-46 <\/span>(*44-46) [READ, NLT]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

And this whole deal extends to ALL believers. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

I must treat others with simple faith (whether seekers, new believers, or even mature believers) like I would treat Jesus!<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

4. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong>I must be willing to do spiritual surgery on myself in order to protect the family of simple faith. <\/span><\/strong>(7–<\/strong>9)<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Jesus really values simple faith that results in simple obedience\u201d\u201dand He\u201d\u2122ll hold us accountable if we hurt someone who is trying to simply \u201ctrust and obey\u201d!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Matthew 16:24-26\u201d\u201d\u201cIf any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow me. <\/span>If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. <\/span>But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life. <\/span>And how do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul in the process? <\/span>Is anything worth more than your soul?\u201d <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>Is there anything in your life that is hindering YOUR simple faith in Jesus, wherein you trust and obey Him? <\/span>Is anything in your life hindering someone else\u201d\u2122s childlike trust and obedience to Jesus? <\/span>If so, cut it out! <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

I must be willing to do spiritual surgery on myself in order to protect the family of simple faith!<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

5. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong>I must remember how much God loves those with simple faith. <\/span><\/strong>(10-14)<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Does it not overwhelm you to realize that God loves you like that?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

a) <\/span>God\u201d\u2122s love for His own should make us patient in loving others!<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>When we remember how God loves so continually us, we\u201d\u2122ll be encouraged to be more patient in loving others\u201d\u201dwhether seekers or other believers.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

b) <\/span>God\u201d\u2122s love for His own should make us urgent in sharing His love with others!<\/em><\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>When we remember how God\u201d\u2122s love pursued us\u201d\u201dand still pursues those who will simply trust Jesus\u201d\u201dwe\u201d\u2122ll find ourselves urgently talking to others about God\u201d\u2122s love as seen in Jesus!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

I must remember how much God loves those with simple faith!<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Conclusion\u201d\u201d<\/span><\/em>You may attain to many positions and enjoy a high status in various organizations or circles of influence. <\/span>But unless I have status with God, unless I\u201d\u2122m great in His eyes, it\u201d\u2122s all useless. <\/span>Because when this life is over, the only status that will remain is what God thinks of you!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTo rise to the greatness of grace, we must go down to the littleness, the simplicity, and the trustfulness of childhood\u201d (Spurgeon).<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Lyrics from Jars of Clay song, “Like a Child”:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Dear God, surround me as I speak,
\nThe bridges that I walk across are weak
\nFrustrations fill the void that I cant solely bear
\nDear God, dont let me fall apart,
\nYouve held me close to you
\nI have turned away and searched for answers I cant understand<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Chorus:<\/p>\n

They say that I can move the mountains
\nAnd send them falling to the sea
\nThey say that I can walk on water
\nIf I would follow and believe
\nWith faith like a child<\/p>\n

Sometimes, when I feel miles away
\nAnd my eyes cant see your face
\nI wonder if Ive grown to lose the recklessness
\nI walked in light of you<\/p>\n

[chorus]<\/p>\n

Little girl:
\nIve got joy like a fountain!
\nBe kind one to others
\nIn jesus christ your son<\/p>\n

They say that love can heal the broken
\nThey say that hope can make you see
\nThey say that faith can find a savior
\nIf you would follow and believe
\nWith faith like a child<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Simply trust Jesus and follow in His steps <\/span>day by day for the rest of your life\u201d\u201dtrusting\/loving Jesus and loving others with God\u201d\u2122s love for them. <\/span>Then, you\u201d\u2122ll have all the status you need with God\u201d\u201dall by, and because of, Jesus!<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

How to Have Status with God Matthew 18:1-14, 19:14 Introduction\u201d\u201d \u201cI am opposed to millionaires, but it would be dangerous to offer me the position.\u201d Mark Twain In today\u201d\u2122s world, the face of \u201cstatus\u201d IS changing due to all of … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-80","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-messages"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.crossroadchristianfellowship.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/80"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.crossroadchristianfellowship.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.crossroadchristianfellowship.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.crossroadchristianfellowship.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.crossroadchristianfellowship.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=80"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"http:\/\/www.crossroadchristianfellowship.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/80\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1701,"href":"http:\/\/www.crossroadchristianfellowship.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/80\/revisions\/1701"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.crossroadchristianfellowship.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=80"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.crossroadchristianfellowship.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=80"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.crossroadchristianfellowship.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=80"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}