[1] #315, Despise Not Little Ones, Pastor David McIntosh, Sunday, 06-15-2008

Text: Matthew 18:1-4; 10

INTRODUCTION

• As we continue to look at the Christian home these next few weeks, this morning we will focus our attention on “little ones.”
• I would like to go directly to the scriptures this morning and right to the words that Jesus spoke in Matthew 18:1-4; 10.
• This command of Jesus to despise not one of these little ones was initiated by a question His disciples asked him: “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
• KINGDOM GREATS:
  • Greatest in the kingdom of computers: Bill Gates
  • Greatest in the kingdom of TV talk shows: Oprah
  • Greatest in the kingdom of rock-n-roll: Elvis Presley
  • Greatest in the kingdom of baseball: Babe Ruth
  • Greatest in the kingdom on authors: William Shakespeare
  • Greatest in the kingdom of composers: Bach
• The greatest in the kingdom of heaven is a whole different question. (eternity)
• Jesus calls a little child to himself and basically shocks the disciples.
• Then in Matt. 18:10 – Jesus says, take heed that you despise not one of these little ones!

THE BIBLE IS VERY CLEAR IN WHO IS KEY IN RAISING “THESE LITTLE ONES”

1. Malachi 4:6 – “And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children.”
2. Luke 1:17 – “And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children.”
3. Proverbs 23:36 – “My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.”
4. Ephesians 6:4 – “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

WHAT IS THE ENEMY’S GOAL IN EVERY HOME?

1. Matthew 12:29 – “Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? And then he will spoil his house.”
2. The enemy wants the spoils, the little ones, the next generation. So he is active in binding the strong man (dad) so he can get at the hearts & minds of the children.
3. Psalm 127:3 – “Children are a heritage of the Lord.”

WHAT IS THE ENEMY’S PLAN?

1. To persuade men to “despise” the little ones God has given them.
2. Jesus commanded, “Take heed, that ye despise not one of these little ones.”
3. What does Jesus mean and why did He have to warn us of it?

DESPISE

1. The word that Jesus used for despise implies motion downward, have an opinion of.
2. Despising a little one begins by thinking that they are not very important or valuable.
3. Right away we dismiss ourselves because we believe our little ones are very important and valuable to us.
4. But is what we think a reality in the lives of our children.
5. About 85% of young people raised their hand when asked the question: “Have you done things that you know are wrong and have not yet told your dad about?”
6. Why? Because my dad loves me but he doesn’t understand me.
7. The things in our lives that are important and valuable to us we take the time, energy and investment to understand them.
8. Our sons & daughters will trust us as far as we understand them, after that they pull back and trust friends, TV, movie, music, sport heroes and whoever else is available.
9. Three things hinder every dad: Mark 4:19 – “The cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.”

OBSTACLES

1. Two of the greatest obstacles for every dad to overcome are these:
2. Despising little ones is caused by thinking that they have little or nothing to contribute to our lives and that we are more important than they are.
3. Despising little ones is often motivated when our personal freedoms are limited because of their needs or weaknesses.
4. If we are obligated to make adjustments in our schedules or choices of activities in order to advance the welfare of a little one, we tend to get frustrated and resentful.

ANSWER

1. Pursue your children’s heart. Go and get it. Win their favor.
2. Make a life changing covenant that your goal is now to get their heart.
3. It will cost you time, energy, money, hobbies, maybe even friendships, but the reward will far outweigh all of those and more put together.

HOW

1. LETTER
2. CALL
3. DATE
4. ALL THREE BATHED IN PRAYER

• I personally make myself available to any dad here that will take up his cross and follow the call the win the hearts of sons and daughters for Jesus Christ.
• www.david.mcintosh@laog.org is my e-mail I make myself available to help anyone get started.

CLOSING

Have all five of my children come up front:

• Matthew = son of my old age, sit and sing with him every night (gift of God)
• Andrew = 2nd son, I am the 2nd son we relate. (courageous)
• David = 1st born son, sign of my strength (beloved)
• Hannah = 2nd born child, I am the 2nd born child, (graceful)
• Rebecca = 1st born, paves the way (faithful)

Read Hannah letter, share date with Rebecca

• “Has not the Lord made them one? In flesh and spirit they are his. And why one? Because he was seeking Godly offspring.” -Malachi 2:15
• “You have wearied the Lord with your words.” -Malachi 2:17
• Altar Call for dad & all men to make a covenant with the Lord to pursue the heart of your children, with letters, calls and dates, bathed in prayer!