Simple but Not Naïve Faith <Mt 10:16; 18:3-4; Ep 5:1; 4:14; 1 Co 14:20; 13:11; Heb 5:12-14; Ro 16:17-19>
· Read <Mt 10:16>.
1. Picture of a simple faith: Little children.
· Read <Mt 18:3-4>.
1)Humble.
2)Trust God without doubts.
· Believe whatever God says.
· Trust God more than conflicting circumstances.
· Example of George Müller.
· Not only believe God’s word, but also trust God’s heart and His character.
3)Not master of oneself, but need to obey another.
· Read <Ep 5:1>.
* No matter how much one has grown, must still retain childlike faith and humility toward God.
2. God does not want us to have naïve/childish faith.
1)Want instant gratification.
2)Only want to receive but do not know how to give.
3)Very easily deceived.
· Read <Ep 4:14>.
4)No growth in the understanding of truth.
· Read <1 Co 14:20>.
3. Don’t remain naïve, but grow to be mature.
· Read <1 Co 13:11; Heb 5:12-14; Ro 16:17-19>.
· Beware of “smooth talk and flattery”.
· Cannot be naïve in spiritual knowledge.
· Be equipped in the word of God.
· But after becoming mature, be mindful of becoming “too complicated” and losing simple faith.