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>.

1Humble.

2Trust 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.

3Not 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.

1Want instant gratification.

2Only want to receive but do not know how to give.

3Very easily deceived.

·      Read <Ep 4:14>.

4No 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.