Simplicity and Purity of Devotion to Jesus

July 31, 2015

Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3-4

Childlike Faith. The greatest in God’s Kingdom is the person who humbles himself, and becomes not childish but childlike. The Scriptures say that Jesus increased in wisdom and stature (Luke 2:52), but He still maintained complete reliance on God, only doing what He saw His Father doing (John 5:19). The fruitfulness of our future depends on staying reliant on and sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit.

But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:3

Fellowship with God. You are the greatest threat to the devil when you enjoy sweet fellowship with God. When the devil deceived Adam and Eve, he convinced Eve that God was holding out on her, and a great breach took place (Genesis 3). Paul warned the Corinthian church not to get deceived and be led astray from simple and pure devotion to Christ.

Where Are You? Jesus came to restore what was lost. Just like God called out to Adam and Eve in the garden when they hid from Him, God is calling out to us, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9). Jesus’ voice is described as the sound of many waters (Revelation 1:15b). When you listen to the roar of a waterfall, a Missouri thunderstorm, or the clapping of waves, think about God’s deep, rich, profound voice calling out to you. Wherever you are, draw near to Him and let your life be changed by the simplicity and purity of devotion to Jesus.

Daily Confession
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). I walk in joy, love, and peace (Galatians 5:22). God’s grace is sufficient to see me through at every turn (2 Corinthians 12:9). Though my outer man perishes, my inner man is being renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16). Surely goodness and mercy are following me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23:6).

Sim·pilic·i·ty, noun
The quality of being easy to understand or use. The state of being simple, uncomplicated, or uncompounded. Freedom from pretense or guile. Directness of expression.

God Bless You,
Pastor Jeff

Copyright © 2015 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. “Simplicity.” Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 29 July 2015.