The Greatness of Childlikeness

Sermon preached by Matthew DelValle on May 17, 2026 at First Baptist Church in Delphi, Indiana. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠First Baptist Church⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is an evangelical church in Delphi, Indiana helping people find and follow Jesus. Our mission is to declare God's truth, disciple God's people, delight in God's Son, and display God's glory. Join us for Sunday Worship at 10:30am. Sunday School begins at 9:30am. We gather at 103 S. Indiana Street, Delphi, Indiana 46923.

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Introduction

Big Idea: True greatness in the kingdom belongs to those who humble themselves like little children.

1. The Disciples’ Question [Mt. 18:1]

A. The Context of the Question [Mt. 18:1a]

B. The Content of the Question [Mt. 18:1b]

2. The Necessary Conversion [Mt. 18:2–3]

A. The Visible Lesson [Mt. 18:2]

B. The Verbal Lesson [Mt. 18:3]

1) The Necessity of Being Turned

2) The Nature of Becoming Childlike

3) The Negation of Entering the Kingdom Otherwise

3. The Kingdom Implications [Mt. 18:4–5]

A. The Vertical Humbling Before God [Mt. 18:4]

B. The Horizontal Welcoming of Christ’s People [Mt. 18:5]

Conclusion