Children's Praises - Matt. 21:16
The sermon emphasizes the value of children's praises and the importance of being childlike in our faith, trusting and dependent on God.
Bernard Fell preaches on the purity and power of praise coming from the mouths of children, emphasizing the genuine and unreserved worship that children offer to God. He highlights the simplicity and beauty of a child's faith, like Andrew's joyful declaration of 'Jesus loves me, this I know,' which can inspire and uplift even in the midst of challenges. Bernard encourages embracing childlike faith in forgiveness, faith, and love, as Jesus taught, recognizing the importance of youthful voices in a world filled with wrong.
Text
Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings
Thou hast perfected praise.
Matthew 21:16
Andrew brightens days of gloom
When he sings with face aglow;
Sweet the theme of his first lay--
"Jesus loves me, this I know."
Fearless in his unreserve.
What though singers do appear?
They encourage with a smile,
Deaf to faults the well-tuned ear!
Melodies may be revised,
Stanzas may not always rhyme,
But the tune is carried well,
Set to Andrew's special time!
Vocal stars in classic style
Sang their arias to a king;
Sweeter far this simple lisp,
With the joy a child can bring.
Gathered round the Saviour's feet,
Loud hosannas children sang;
But the leaders were displeased
As the temple praises rang.
Jesus spake when they complained,
"From the lips of even babes-
Have ye never read this word?-
God hath perfected His praise."
Youthful voices never quench
In a world so full of wrong;
Heaven and earth would poorer be,
If arose no infant song.
Jesus, one day in the midst,
Set a child and taught that we,
In forgiveness, faith, and love,
Childlike only, ever be.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Praise of Children
- A. The Bible says that even babes and sucklings can offer perfect praise (Matthew 21:16)
- B. Children's praises are often simple and genuine
- C. Their voices bring joy and encouragement to others
- II. The Value of Children's Praises
- A. Children's praises are a reminder that God can use anyone to bring glory to Himself
- B. Their voices are a balm to the soul and a comfort to those who are hurting
- III. The Importance of Childlike Faith
- A. Jesus taught that we must be childlike in our faith, trusting and dependent on Him
- B. This means being open to forgiveness, faith, and love
- C. It means being willing to learn and grow in our relationship with God
Key Quotes
“Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings Thou hast perfected praise.” — Bernard Fell
“God hath perfected His praise.” — Bernard Fell
“Jesus, one day in the midst, Set a child and taught that we, In forgiveness, faith, and love, Childlike only, ever be.” — Bernard Fell
Application Points
- We should strive to offer our praise to God with genuine sincerity and simplicity.
- We can learn from children about the value of joy and enthusiasm in our worship.
- We should be willing to be childlike in our faith, trusting and dependent on God.