Like A Little Child(From our 1-26-25 Worship)
Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/Dh6rooqjN7k
Summary:
The Power of Childlike Faith and Continuous Learning: A Deeper Look
Summary:
The Power of Childlike Faith and Continuous Learning: A Deeper Look
I. Success and the Power of Learning
One-time success is common, but repeated success requires a deeper trait—continuous learning. Many people achieve a great accomplishment once and then settle into comfort. However, some individuals, like Elon Musk, show that growth is limitless when one remains curious and open to learning.
Elon Musk began with a company that few remember, but he eventually co-founded PayPal. After selling it to eBay in 2002 for $175 million, he could have retired in luxury. Instead, he pursued new, seemingly impossible challenges: electric cars with Tesla and interplanetary travel with SpaceX. The problem? He knew nothing about rockets.
Rather than letting ignorance stop him, he immersed himself in learning—reading textbooks on orbital mechanics, studying engineering principles, and asking experts deep questions. His ability to self-educate made him proficient enough to revolutionize multiple industries.
This demonstrates an important truth: the willingness to learn is a superpower. The moment a person decides they know enough and stops growing, they begin to decline. True success is not a single achievement, but a lifestyle of continuous learning.
II. Jesus' Teaching on Childlike Faith (Matthew 18:1-4)
In Matthew 18, the disciples asked Jesus a prideful question: “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Instead of pointing to a powerful leader or an experienced teacher, Jesus brought a child before them and said:
“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3-4, ESV)
Why a child? Because children have a natural humility and a desire to learn.
- Children ask questions – They recognize they don’t know everything and are eager to discover the world around them.
- Children trust easily – They believe what they are told, especially by those they look up to.
- Children remain dependent – They acknowledge their need for guidance and support from parents.
By contrast, adults often act as though they have everything figured out. Pride prevents many from seeking wisdom, even when they need it. Jesus was teaching that spiritual greatness is not about self-sufficiency, but about humility and a willingness to learn from God.
III. The Lesson from 2 Kings 6 – Elisha’s Servant
To illustrate this principle, we can look at an Old Testament example of childlike faith and trust.
A. The Situation
Elisha, a prophet of God, was secretly revealing the plans of the King of Syria to the King of Israel. Frustrated by his strategies being foiled, the King of Syria sent an army to capture Elisha in the city of Dothan.
Early in the morning, Elisha’s young servant woke up, stepped outside, and saw the city surrounded by enemy horses and chariots. In panic, he rushed back inside, crying out:
“Alas, my master! What shall we do?” (2 Kings 6:15, ESV)
The boy recognized that they were outnumbered and outmatched. He knew they were in trouble, but instead of trying to fix it himself, he immediately turned to his master for guidance.
B. Elisha’s Response – Seeing the Unseen
Elisha, calm and full of faith, responded with one of the most powerful statements in Scripture:
“Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” (2 Kings 6:16, ESV)
The servant must have been confused. He could only see two men against an entire army. From his perspective, the numbers didn’t add up.
But then, Elisha prayed:
“O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” (2 Kings 6:17, ESV)
At that moment, God opened the servant’s spiritual eyes, and he saw the mountains filled with fiery chariots and the heavenly army surrounding them.
C. The Lesson: Trusting the Unseen
The servant faced a choice:
- Would he trust only in what he could see (the enemy army)?
- Or would he trust in what his master told him, even though he couldn’t see it yet?
This mirrors our faith journey. God is always working, even when we don’t perceive it. Sometimes we focus only on the problems in front of us instead of recognizing that “those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
IV. Key Takeaways from the Servant’s Example
What lessons can we learn from this young servant?
A. Be Active and Alert
- The boy got up early to do his responsibilities.
- Likewise, Christians must actively engage in their faith.
- Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we were created for good works, which God prepared for us to walk in.
B. Seek the Master First
- Instead of panicking or making reckless decisions, the boy turned to Elisha.
- Likewise, we must seek God first in times of trouble.
- Philippians 4:6 says: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
C. Trust in What You Cannot See
- The servant had to trust Elisha before he saw the heavenly army.
- Likewise, faith requires us to trust God’s promises, even when we don’t immediately see results.
- Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
V. The Bigger Picture – God’s Protection and Presence
The armies of heaven were there in 2 Kings 6, and they are still present today. We may not see them in the hills and valleys around us, but God’s protection is real.
Beyond angelic protection, we also have the family of God.
- The church is a global body of believers.
- No matter where we go, we have spiritual brothers and sisters who will support us.
- “There is more with us than with them.”
God has not left us alone. When we feel surrounded by trouble, He is still in control.
VI. The Ultimate Hope – Seeing What We Believe
The young servant was given the gift of seeing God's army. One day, those who remain faithful will also have their eyes opened—to the full glory of God in heaven.
Revelation 21 describes the moment when:
- Every tear will be wiped away.
- Sin and suffering will be no more.
- Believers will finally see the One they have trusted in faith.
At the beginning of the lesson, Jesus said:
“Unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3, ESV)
In the end, this remains the key lesson:
- Stay humble.
- Keep learning.
- Trust God even when you cannot see.
Just as the young servant learned to trust Elisha, we must trust our Master. And one day, when our eyes are fully opened in eternity, we will see the fulfillment of every promise.
Conclusion: The Call to Childlike Faith
The lesson is clear:
✔ Never stop learning – Whether in life or faith, continuous growth is key.
✔ Stay humble and curious – Like a child, always be willing to seek truth.
✔ Trust God’s unseen work – Even when we feel outnumbered, God is always with us.
✔ Never stop learning – Whether in life or faith, continuous growth is key.
✔ Stay humble and curious – Like a child, always be willing to seek truth.
✔ Trust God’s unseen work – Even when we feel outnumbered, God is always with us.
Just like the servant boy, we all have a choice: Will we trust in what we cannot see?
If we do, one day, we will see what we have believed.
