The Compass

A Daily Personal Reflection & Small Group Discussion Guide

by John Hay, Jr.
Senior Pastor, West Morris Street Free Methodist Church

Series: Summer Growth Series
Week's focus: "Like a Child"
Scriptures: Matthew 18:1-9; 19:13-15
Week of: July 10, 2005

TRACKING THE WORD IN WORSHIP
What does Jesus teach us about children and mature faith?

1. HOSPITALITY to children is a sign of MATURING faith. Matthew 19:13-15; 18:5

2. In children's lives and faith we get to OBSERVE and embrace clear SIGNS of the Kingdom of heaven. Matthew 19:14; 18:3-4

3. We should do all within our capacity to avoid HINDERING children--or anyone--in their reach for GOD and GRACE. Matthew 19:14; 18:

4. Jesus' invitation to all is to CHANGE, become like children, and so become GREAT in His Kingdom. Matthew 19:14; 18:3-4

EXPLORE THE SCRIPTURES
Get into the Word daily; what truth and promise does it hold?

Mon
Ephesians 6:1-4
1. What are Paul's instructions for children?
2. What are Paul's instructions for parents?

Tue
Matthew 19:13-15
1. What is Jesus response to the disciples' rebuke of the parents and children?
2. What 2 positive declarations does He make?

Wed
Matthew 18:1-4
1. Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
2. What must we do to become great in the kingdom of heaven?

Thur
Matthew 18:5-6
1. Who do welcome in a child?
2. What warning does Jesus give?

Fri Matthew 18:7
1. What "woe" does Jesus talk about?
2. Who is the "woe" directed toward?

Sat
Matthew 18:8-9
1. Why do you think Jesus uses such powerful imagery to warn against sins that impact others?

GUIDED JOURNALING / DISCUSSION
For personal devotions & journaling or small group discussion

1. What are the characteristics of children that you most admire? What particular characteristics of children do you think Jesus was commending to his disciples in Matthew 18 and 19? List and explore your responses in your journal, or discuss in your small group.

2. Jesus warns against hindering children or causing those who believe in Him to sin. What are ways children are hindered from knowing Jesus or caused outright to sin? Are these more actions or inaction? What can one personally do to prevent this? What can be done as a group, church, or community to prevent this? Journal or discuss your responses.

3. "Whoever welcomes a child welcomes me." List ways in which you see our congregation welcoming children. List ways in which you personally welcome children. What are some simple acts of hospitality, education, or care that you or we together can offer to extend our welcome to children?

4. Do you need to become like a child? In what ways? In prayer, ask God to show you ways in which your adult thinking and acting may be preventing the power of God working in and through you. Ask God to create a childlike heart in you and lead you to live in such faith as a maturing believer.

MARKINGS LEFT BY PREVIOUS TRAVELERS
Selected quotes on children and faith

DO WE ANTICIPATE? "One characteristic that marks the average church today is lack of anticipation. Christians when they meet do not expect anything unusual to happen; consequently only the usual happens, and that usual is as predictable as the setting of the sun... We need today a fresh spirit of anticipation that springs out of the promises of God. We must declare war on the mood of nonexpectation, and come together with childlike faith. Only then can we know again the beauty and wonder of the Lord's presence among us." - A. W. Tozer in God Tells the Man Who Cares

KEEP FOCUSED ON THE CHILDREN. "If we forget that it matters, the thorns and thistles of discouragement will slow us down on our path to reach kids. Even though we don't always see the plans God has for us, He still sees them. (Jer. 29:11)." - Sue Miller & David Staal in Making You Children's Ministry the Best Hour of Every Kid's Week.

WHAT DO WE SEE? "When every child is seen as bursting with kingdom potential, the urgency of children's ministry increases." - Miller & Staal

RESPONSES & OPPORTUNITIES TO ENGAGE
Want to explore The Compass with others? Have questions?

If you'd like to connect with others who are working weekly with The Compass, e-mail me or call the church office (317.632.8311)

If you have questions about Scriptures or some of the questions, or just want to share what your are discovering through The Compass, you are welcome to e-mail me.

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