Amen. Thank you, brother Terry. Amen. I do have a goodly heritage and I’m thankful for it.
Scripture Reference
Matthew 18:1-9, 10-13, 14
Read together: Matthew 18:1-9, 10-13, 14 (KJV)
Selected verses (KJV):
Matthew 18:1-4 — “At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 18:6-9 — “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.”
Matthew 18:10-14 — “Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones… For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray… Verily I say unto you, He will leave the ninety and nine, and seek that which is gone astray.”
Introduction
We live in a day when commitment to the Bible’s plain teaching is often called “radical” or “extreme.” Jesus’ words in Matthew 18 sound severe to many ears, but He spoke them precisely because the condition of the heart matters and the consequences are eternal. Bro. Cambrin Collins preaches from a clear Independent Fundamental Baptist conviction: Scripture is authoritative, holiness is required, and genuine salvation displays a surrendered heart. This sermon explores why radical Christianity — radical in the sense of going back to the root, fundamental commitment to Jesus — is an essential need for our souls, our families, and our churches.
Amen. Thank you, brother Terry. Amen. I do have a goodly heritage and I’m thankful for it. My brother is here, Kanan, with us today, and he could testify to the same.
Outline
- Radical Humility: The Necessary Beginning
- Scripture and plain meaning
Jesus teaches that unless we become like little children we cannot enter the kingdom (Matt. 18:3-4). This humility is not childish weakness but a surrendered heart — recognizing God’s authority and our need.
- Repentance and empty hands
Bro. Collins emphasizes that repentance is not mere intellectual assent. True saving faith includes a heart-turn from self-rule to Christ’s lordship. Salvation is by grace through faith, but faith that is repentant will show surrender. “It can only be received with empty hands.” This image helps us see that genuine faith refuses self-exaltation and clutching at personal autonomy.
- Practical fruits
A repentant heart changes how we feel about sin. We do not become sinless instantly, but we grieve when we transgress and promptly seek reconciliation. The Christian life begins with humility and continues with daily dependence.
- Scripture and plain meaning
- Radical Hatred of Sin: Protecting the Vulnerable
- Context of the warning
Jesus’ hyperbolic language — cutting off a hand or plucking out an eye — is metaphorical (Matt. 18:8-9). He demands decisive action against the things that lead us into sin, because the internal moral condition defiles the life (cf. Matt. 15:11).
- Offense and responsibility
Offenses (stumbling blocks) are inevitable in a fallen world, but we must not be the occasion of offense for others, especially the weak and young in faith (Matt. 18:6). The preacher warns that our lifestyle and choices can either protect or endanger the flock.
- Parental and pastoral seriousness
Raising children and shepherding souls may require decisions that look “radical” to the world — refusing worldly activities, guarding heart and eyes, and setting boundaries that protect spiritual life. Loving discipline can appear severe now but proves mercy later.
- Context of the warning
- Radical Love: The Heart that Reaches the Lost and Restores the Erring
- Love that costs
Bro. Collins compares the willingness to risk much to save one pilot to the Christian’s calling to value each soul. A radical heart of love will invest time, resources, and humility to reach the lost and restore the saved.
- Love over being right
Scripture instructs how to restore a brother (Matt. 18:15-17). Love pursues restoration; pride pursues vindication. Doing right is superior to merely proving you are right. A loving posture seeks reconciliation and restoration, even when standards are strongly held.
- Love that is not soft on sin
True Christian love hates sin because it destroys souls, yet it loves sinners enough to confront them and lead them to repentance. This balance is radical: fierce against sin, tender toward the sinner.
- Love that costs
- Radical Consistency: Living What We Profess
- Guarding our witness
One who lives as an offense makes it harder for newcomers and young Christians to trust Christ. Radical Christianity insists believers’ lives match their confession so the gospel remains attractive and credible.
- Holiness in daily disciplines
Bro. Collins urges simple, consistent practices: daily Bible reading and prayer. The secret of spiritual growth is not complexity but faithfulness. These habits fuel a life capable of radical devotion without resorting to arrogance.
- Approach to conflict
When disputes arise, follow Christ’s correction steps (Matt. 18:15–17). Avoid social media vendettas; seek in-person restoration. Consistency in loving discipline protects the church’s testimony and promotes health.
- Guarding our witness
Summary
Jesus’ stern words in Matthew 18 are meant to draw indispensable lines for those who would follow Him. Radical Christianity, properly understood, is not showy extremism but a return to the biblical root: humility, hatred of sin, love for sinners, and consistent holiness. Salvation begins with humble repentance — a willing surrender of self to Christ’s lordship. From that surrender flows a life that decisively separates from sin, protects the vulnerable, pursues the wandering, and loves sacrificially. That kind of Christianity will always look radical to the world, and sometimes to other Christians, but the question is not whether it draws attention — it is whether it honors Christ and brings souls to Him.
We must be willing to cut anything out of our life that stands between us and the Lord.
Application for the Week
Make these practical steps your plan for the next seven days. Each item is an invitation to a radical — but biblical — discipline that will deepen your walk with Christ and protect your witness.
- Daily Surrender: Morning Prayer of Repentance
Each morning this week, spend five minutes confessing known sin and asking the Lord to have full lordship over your day. Say aloud: “Lord Jesus, I surrender my plans, my desires, and my rights to You today.”
- Read the Word: Matthew 18 with a Notebook
Read Matthew 18 slowly once each day this week. Write one verse that challenges you and one practical step you will take because of it. Keep these notes and review them at the end of the week.
- Cut a Stumbling Block
Identify one habit, relationship, or entertainment that weakens your walk or could be an offense to a young believer. If it cannot be simply reformed, take concrete steps this week to separate from it. Tell a trusted brother or sister and ask them to pray and hold you accountable.
- Active Restoration
If there is a Christian you know who has drifted, pray for them daily this week and reach out in love (private, gentle, personal). Follow Matthew 18:15’s spirit: seek restoration, not revenge or public shaming. If the issue is between you and another, do the one-on-one conversation Scripture prescribes.
- Practical Acts of Radical Love
Do one deliberate, costly thing this week for someone who cannot repay you — a visiting new believer, a single mother in the church, or a neighbor in need. Radical love is shown in costly, sacrificial service.
- Faithful Habits
Commit to at least 15 minutes daily for Bible reading and 10 minutes of prayer for the next two weeks. Mark each day on your calendar. Faithful repetition creates growth; the Spirit uses the Word and prayer to strengthen us.
May God grant each of us a humility that leads to true conversion, a hatred of sin that spares others, and a love that pursues the lost. Be radical for Christ — not for show, but for souls.
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