Placed in Good Hands | Arik Hayes | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

Placed in Good Hands

2819 Church • Apr 19, 2026 • 48 min

Start a Devotional

Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In this message from the Wisdom & Wonder series through Matthew, Elder Arik Hayes examines Jesus's interaction with little children in Matthew 19. Jesus corrects His disciples' low view of children by welcoming, elevating, and blessing them, demonstrating the heart and exact nature of our Heavenly Father. We are invited to approach God with childlike dependence and humility, resting in the comforting truth that we are forever secure in His hands.

Themes

Childlike Faith and DependenceThe Fatherhood of GodValuing Children in the KingdomEternal Security in God's HandsIntimacy and Communion with GodGodly Masculinity and Parenting

Key Points

1.
Jesus intentionally elevated children, rebuke-correcting His disciples' low view of them and commanding that little children be allowed to come to Him.
2.
Entering the Kingdom of Heaven requires believers to humble themselves and approach God with childlike dependence rather than adult self-sufficiency.
3.
True spiritual depth is built on the fundamental practices of reading the Bible, praying, and daily walking out God's truth.
4.
Young children love their parents simply for who they are; in the same way, believers should seek God's presence for Him alone rather than chasing emotional highs.
5.
Jesus is the exact imprint of the Father's nature, revealing a Heavenly Father who is deeply loving, protective, and tender toward His children.
6.
Godly parenting and leadership require a balance of standing firm on godly standards (tough), giving undivided personal attention (time), and offering gentleness (tender).
7.
True godly masculinity involves finding a safe place in God's presence to drop all ego and be vulnerable before the Father.
8.
Believers possess absolute security because they are held securely in both Christ's hand and the Heavenly Father's hand, from which no one can snatch them.

Sermon Moments

“The image of young children running to the door shouting 'Daddy!' simply to be in their father's arms and celebrate his presence.”

“The reminder that before sin entered the world, God's original design was simply to walk with Adam in the cool of the day with no other agenda.”

“The definition of true childlike humility as being able to raise your hands without ego and ask, 'Daddy, can you help me?'”

“The contrast between chasing cheap digital or worldly alternatives and digging deep into God's presence through prayer and Scripture.”

“The realization that Jesus reveals the exact nature of the Father, proving that God's heart toward us is tender, personal, and loving.”

“The description of godly masculinity as finding the one place you feel safe enough to be weak before God.”

“The powerful comfort of realizing believers are held simultaneously in Christ's hand and the Father's hand.”

This Week

Set aside daily, undistracted time to read Scripture and pray, seeking God's presence for who He is rather than just seeking an emotional experience.

Approach God in prayer with childlike vulnerability, freely asking Him for help with your daily cares and burdens.

Reach out to young relatives or neighbors this week to encourage them and ask how you can pray for their spiritual growth.

If you carry wounds from an earthly father, bring those hurts to God and allow the tender love of your Heavenly Father to bring healing.

Intentionally put down your smartphone or digital distractions during family time to give your loved ones your undivided, present attention.

Rest in the assurance of your eternal security when facing anxiety, remembering that you are doubly secured in the Father's and Son's hands.

Explore serving in your church's children's ministry or discipling younger believers to help usher the next generation into the hands of Jesus.

Remember This

Believers are called to approach God with childlike dependence, resting securely in the truth that they are forever held in the Father's loving hands.

A Challenge for You

Look at yourself as a dependent child of God, turn the corner, and run into the Father's arms to enjoy daily intimacy with Him.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.