Sermon Questions

1. So it is not the will of my ________ who is in heaven that one of these little ones should ______.
2. How did Jesus say that we must enter the Kingdom as?
3. What is another word for “to treat with contempt”?
4. TRUE or FALSE:  In the Kingdom of God, individuals with higher achievements or more resources are often given more recognition and respect.
5. Find and list 5 other verses in your Bible that use the word “refuge” in the same tense as Ps 46 (God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. ² Therefore we will not fear the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, ³ though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.)
6. What Gospel writer mentions us as “sheep” more than the others?
7. What analogy of God and his people did Pastor Winans make near the end of his message that implies “of much value”?
8. What verse warns us to watch for the ministering work of angels? 

Discussion Questions

1. What do we see about the love of the shepherd in Matt 18:10-14 and in Pastor Winans message?
2. How would describe this love the Father has for his people to an unbeliever?
3. What would you show to this unbeliever from the Bible to demonstrate God’s love as a shepherd?
4. In Pastor Winans’ message he likened God as an artist and his people as masterpieces.
5. In this analogy who should get all the credit for the work?
6. Discuss how we might steal the credit from God for his work in creating masterpieces?
7. Discuss what characteristics can we grow in to give credit where credit is due as children of God?
8. There is another parable of lost sheep found in Luke 15:3-7. Compare and contrast the two parables of the Lost sheep: Luke 15:3-7 and Matt 18:10-14.
9. Who is the intended audience in each?
10. What is the intended message in each?
11. How would you explain the differences in the main message of these parables?

Sermon Outline

Pastor Chris searches deeper into the significance of being God's people and part of His Kingdom. Entering God's Kingdom requires childlike faith, trusting in Him as a loving Father who cares for His children. The Kingdom of Light is breaking through in a world overshadowed by darkness. As followers of Christ, we must remain vigilant against the temptations that surround us, recognizing that the world is filled with them. Because God takes sin seriously, we must do the same. As we continue studying Matthew 18, we see the immense value God places on His people, reaffirming His role as our good and faithful Heavenly Father. 

As we explore the series The Heart of God's Kingdom, it's helpful to reflect on the various ways people describe God's Kingdom. Sam Allberry offers this perspective on what it means. 

The Kingdom of God is God's loving rule over his people, begun now in Christ and one day coming in its fullness. - Sam Allberry Christianity Today “Sexuality is not a Minor Issue.” 

We operate under the reign of Christ. But what kind of king is he, and what rule does he follow? As we study this text, we see that being part of God's Kingdom means experiencing His loving rule. This love is shown through the value we receive as His people. In verse 10, Jesus begins with these words... 

Matthew 18:10 – ¹⁰See that you do not despise one of these little ones. 

I have two questions about the first part of verse 10: Who are the "little ones," and what does it mean to not despise them? 

·        Regarding little ones, recall when Jesus answered the question about who would be great. He began by addressing not only who would be great but also what it means to enter the Kingdom. He stated that entering the Kingdom requires one to do so as a child. He emphasized, "Unless you come in as a child, you will by no means enter" (Matthew 18:3). Jesus was referring to the father-like care that God has over his people. He said, "It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin" (Luke 17:2), highlighting God's protective, fatherly care. This reminds us to view ourselves as little ones, embracing childlike faith.

As John Piper notes... 

They are true believers in Jesus, viewed from the standpoint of their childlike trust in God. – John Piper The Surprising Role of Guardian Angels 

Jesus speaks about his followers from the perspective of their childlike faith and trust in God, emphasizing that in his Kingdom, individuals should not look down on one another. 

·          What does it mean to not look down on one another? The term "despise" in English means to treat with contempt, implying strong disapproval. Within the community of believers, this suggests that members should not hold one another in contempt or disdain. However, examining other instances in Scripture where this term is used reveals additional nuances. For example, in 1Timothy 4, when Paul addresses Timothy regarding his age, he says... 

1Timothy 4:12 (NASB) – ¹²Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. 

The language used here is the same Greek word. It suggests not allowing anyone to look down on you due to your youth, nor letting others consider themselves superior because of their age. Another example can be seen in 1Timothy 6, where Paul discusses the context of master and slave, or situations involving a natural hierarchy. 

1Timothy 6:2 (NASB) – ²Those who have believers as their masters must not be disrespectful to them because they are brothers or sisters, but must serve them all the more... 

This language conveys the same message. It advises against looking down upon or disrespecting others. Jesus teaches not only to refrain from hatred but also to avoid showing contempt or disrespect towards one another. Similarly, Paul describes God's goodness in Romans chapter 4. 

Romans 2:4 (NASB) – ⁴Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and restraint and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? 

The language here describes the phrase think lightly of. This term is used in contexts such as "don't look down on" and "don't make light of one another." According to this interpretation, value is conferred upon individuals differently in religious contexts compared to societal contexts. Society often values people based on their accomplishments, abilities, appearance, wealth, or influence. For instance, individuals with higher achievements or more resources are often given more recognition and respect. In contrast, within the Kingdom of God, as described in religious texts, value is attributed to individuals because they are considered God's children, and all are regarded as valuable. This perspective is illustrated in James 2, where the allocation of respect and value is discussed in the context of wealth. 

James 2:3-6 – ³If you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,”...⁶you have dishonored the poor man. 

The world may work one way, but God's Kingdom works differently. Disrespect and looking down on others is not acceptable. In God's Kingdom, everyone holds equal value. Jesus teaches us to respect each other, as the value we have comes from Him, and He demonstrates this in 2 different ways. 

The first example appears in verse 10… 

Matthew 18:10 – ¹⁰For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. 

When something holds value, it is naturally protected. Do we not take measures to safeguard what is precious to us? This is precisely what Jesus conveys—His people are of great worth, every single one of them, and He takes deliberate steps to protect them. There are spiritual forces assigned to guard God’s people, and Jesus specifically refers to angels who stand before the face of His Father in heaven. These are not the cherubic figures often depicted with wings and diapers—let us not be mistaken. The angels described in Scripture are warriors, beings of immense strength. Jesus emphasizes that even the least among His people hold great value, and He demonstrates this by the spiritual protection He provides. A powerful reminder of this truth appears over 200 times in the Old Testament, where God is called the "Lord of Hosts." This title signifies His command over heavenly armies. Psalm 46 opens with a resounding declaration of this assurance: "God is our refuge and strength." 

Psalm 46 (NLT):1, 11 – ¹God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.¹¹The LORD of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. 

He is the Lord of Heaven’s armies, the God of Israel, and our fortress. As the commander of a mighty spiritual army, He has assigned protection to His people. In the same way that governments designate security details for individuals, God provides His own form of divine security. If you visit a government website, you can find explanations for why certain people receive protection. But why is a security detail assigned in the first place? Sometimes, it is legally required, such as for the president. Other times, it is based on discernment and necessity. Likewise, God, in His wisdom, assigns spiritual protection to those under His care. 

·        Someone's role or importance. Individuals who hold significant roles or are viewed as prominent are more likely to be assigned a security detail. 

·        Threat assessments. 

If a person faces credible threats to their life, they are more likely to be assigned protection. 

Consider these two key truths about God’s people. Jesus declares that every single one of His followers is important. You matter to God because He has given you a specific role in His kingdom. The question is, are you stepping into that role and walking in His purpose for you? God values you deeply—your life has significance, and you have a place in His divine plan. As we discussed last week, we live behind enemy lines, surrounded by a world filled with challenges. Jesus warns, “Woe to the world for the temptations that come,” reminding us that we are in a spiritual battlefield. There are forces of evil working against us, but God does not take this lightly. In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus prays, “Deliver us from evil,” affirming God’s commitment to protect His people. Hebrews 1 further reinforces this truth, declaring… 

Hebrews 31:14 – ¹⁴Are angels not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation? 

Do we recognize the ministering work of angels? Scripture reminds us, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (Hebrews 13:2). This verse highlights a profound truth—God is actively working in your life and in the lives of His people, often in unseen yet powerful ways. However, we must also be aware that forces of evil oppose us, even within the church, as much of the world denies the existence of the supernatural altogether. Yet, we are not without help. Spiritual forces of good, aligned with the Lord, are also fighting on our behalf. Never forget: He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. God values you so much that He surrounds you with His divine protection. 

Finally, we see God’s deep love for you through the lengths He is willing to go on your behalf. He declares… 

Matthew 18:12 – ¹²What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? 

My people are so valuable that no one should perish. In John 10, Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd, whose sheep hear His voice and follow Him. He promises them eternal life, declaring that no one can snatch them from His hands. He further assures us that His Father in heaven has given them to Him, and no one can take them from the Father’s hands. He will find you. We can wander for many reasons. Sometimes, we grow weary and withdraw, feeling unseen and alone. But God sees you. He sees your pain, and He is coming for you because you matter to Him. Other times, like sheep, we stray. Yet Jesus says, I will find you and bring you back. The Lord affirms that it is not His Father’s will for any who truly believes in Him to perish. Consider the incredible lengths God has gone for you. 

There is an account of a woman named Terry Horton who purchased a painting for $5. Subsequently, someone identified it and suggested that it resembled a work by Jackson Pollock, an American abstract artist. Consequently, the painting's value escalated from $5 to $50 million. At the time of purchase, neither Terry nor the seller recognized its true value. The painting was undervalued and regarded with disdain. It’s worth increased because an individual was willing to pay its justified price. This scenario illustrates the concept of value, as determined by what someone is prepared to offer for it. The genuine worth of the painting rests in the fact that Jackson Pollock created it. The value of the artwork comes from the artist, Jack Pollack, who is well-known and highly regarded. It’s worth is not only due to someone's willingness to pay a high price but also because of the reputation of the artist. Similarly, consider that each person can be seen as a unique piece of art, valuable due to their inherent qualities and contributions. 

Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) - ¹⁰For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. 

Imagine yourself as a piece of art being shaped by the most renowned artist. Your soul serves as the canvas for his brushstrokes, making you invaluable. This value is not due to any actions you have taken, but because of the artist's skill and the price he was willing to pay, which demonstrates your worth. 

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