Embracing Humility for Greatness in God's Kingdom
Summary
In our journey of faith, we are called to embrace humility and seek greatness in the kingdom of God. Jesus teaches us that to be the greatest, we must humble ourselves like little children, free from pride and self-exaltation. Humility is not about thinking less of ourselves but thinking of ourselves less, focusing on serving others and fulfilling God's purpose for our lives. This humility allows us to respond to God's commands without hesitation, trusting in His plan and timing for our exaltation.
The desire to excel and be the best version of ourselves is not prideful; rather, it is a holy ambition to fulfill God's calling. We must have a drive and determination to pursue God's will, not settling for mediocrity but striving to be everything He wants us to be. This ambition should be rooted in humility, recognizing that our achievements are for God's glory and not our own.
True humility also involves recognizing the need for unity within the body of Christ. We are called to support and build one another up, avoiding judgment and envy. Our unity is strengthened through humility, as we submit to one another and work together for the common goal of advancing God's kingdom. This unity brings about a greater flow of anointing and blessing, as we align ourselves with God's purpose.
Moreover, humility is essential for the operation of spiritual gifts within the church. These gifts are given to edify and strengthen the body, not to elevate individuals. We must seek these gifts with a heart of service, desiring to minister to others and contribute to the growth of the church. As we humble ourselves and serve, God will exalt us in due time, using us to accomplish His will.
Finally, humility leads to restoration and reconciliation. We are called to restore those who have fallen, approaching them with a spirit of meekness and understanding. By bearing one another's burdens and fulfilling the law of Christ, we create an environment where healing and growth can occur. In this way, humility becomes a powerful tool for building a strong, unified, and thriving church community.
Key Takeaways:
1. Embrace Childlike Humility: Jesus calls us to humble ourselves like little children, free from pride and self-exaltation. This humility allows us to respond to God's commands without hesitation, trusting in His plan and timing for our exaltation. [55:22]
2. Pursue Holy Ambition: The desire to excel and be the best version of ourselves is not prideful; it is a holy ambition to fulfill God's calling. We must strive to be everything God wants us to be, rooted in humility and recognizing that our achievements are for His glory. [59:36]
3. Foster Unity Through Humility: True humility involves recognizing the need for unity within the body of Christ. By supporting and building one another up, we strengthen our unity and align ourselves with God's purpose, bringing about a greater flow of anointing and blessing. [01:24:17]
4. Operate in Spiritual Gifts with Humility: Spiritual gifts are given to edify and strengthen the body, not to elevate individuals. We must seek these gifts with a heart of service, desiring to minister to others and contribute to the growth of the church. [01:59:25]
5. Restore with a Spirit of Meekness: Humility leads to restoration and reconciliation. We are called to restore those who have fallen, approaching them with a spirit of meekness and understanding, creating an environment where healing and growth can occur. [01:49:15]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [55:22] - Embracing Childlike Humility
- [57:32] - Holy Ambition and Drive
- [59:36] - Striving for Greatness in God's Kingdom
- [01:01:11] - The Parable of Humility
- [01:03:54] - Recognition and True Humility
- [01:06:29] - God's Plan for Exaltation
- [01:15:59] - The Importance of Winning
- [01:19:00] - Trusting God with His Glory
- [01:21:55] - Building Up God's People
- [01:24:17] - Unity and Humility in the Church
- [01:28:25] - The Role of Spiritual Gifts
- [01:31:14] - The Power of Preaching
- [01:34:17] - Spiritual Warfare and Humility
- [01:37:40] - The Fruit of the Spirit
- [01:40:08] - Unity in Ministry
- [01:42:59] - Service and Miracles
- [01:45:30] - Commitment Over Position
- [01:49:15] - Restoration and Meekness
- [01:52:41] - The Promise of Harvest
- [01:55:17] - The Need for Leadership
- [01:57:44] - Building the Kingdom
- [01:59:25] - Gifts of the Spirit in Operation
- [02:02:06] - Praying in the Holy Ghost
- [02:05:37] - Humility and Service
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 18:1-4
2. Luke 14:7-11
3. Psalm 37:1-11
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Observation Questions:
1. In Matthew 18:1-4, what does Jesus say is necessary to enter the kingdom of heaven, and how does this relate to the concept of humility? [55:22]
2. According to Luke 14:7-11, what lesson does Jesus teach about choosing places of honor, and how does this relate to humility and exaltation? [01:06:29]
3. In Psalm 37:1-11, what promises are given to those who trust in the Lord and practice humility, and how do these promises contrast with the fate of evildoers? [01:06:29]
4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between humility and the operation of spiritual gifts within the church? [01:59:25]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of childlike humility in Matthew 18:1-4 challenge common perceptions of greatness in today's society? [55:22]
2. In what ways does the parable in Luke 14:7-11 illustrate the dangers of self-exaltation and the benefits of humility? [01:06:29]
3. How does Psalm 37:1-11 encourage believers to respond to the success of evildoers, and what role does humility play in this response? [01:06:29]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of unity within the body of Christ. How does humility contribute to fostering this unity, according to the sermon? [01:24:17]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled with pride. How can embracing childlike humility help you respond to God's commands more readily? [55:22]
2. Consider your personal ambitions. How can you ensure that your drive to excel is rooted in humility and aimed at fulfilling God's calling rather than self-glorification? [59:36]
3. Think about a situation where you felt the need to be recognized. How can you practice the humility described in Luke 14:7-11 in similar situations? [01:06:29]
4. How can you actively contribute to unity within your church community? Identify one specific action you can take this week to support and build up others in your congregation. [01:24:17]
5. Reflect on the spiritual gifts you believe you possess. How can you use these gifts with a heart of service to edify and strengthen your church community? [01:59:25]
6. Have you ever been in a position to restore someone who has fallen? How can you approach such situations with a spirit of meekness and understanding? [01:49:15]
7. Identify one area in your life where you need to practice more humility. What specific steps can you take to cultivate this humility and align yourself with God's purpose? [01:19:00]
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace Childlike Humility
Humility is a cornerstone of spiritual growth, and Jesus emphasizes the importance of adopting a childlike humility to truly excel in the kingdom of God. This humility is not about diminishing oneself but about shifting focus from self-centeredness to serving others and fulfilling God's purpose. By embracing humility, believers can respond to God's commands without hesitation, trusting in His plan and timing for their exaltation. This approach allows individuals to live a life free from pride and self-exaltation, aligning themselves with God's will and opening their hearts to His guidance. [55:22]
Matthew 18:3-4 (ESV): "And said, 'Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle with pride? How can you practice childlike humility in your daily interactions this week?
Day 2: Pursue Holy Ambition
The desire to excel and become the best version of oneself is not inherently prideful; rather, it is a holy ambition to fulfill God's calling. This ambition should be rooted in humility, recognizing that achievements are for God's glory and not personal gain. Believers are encouraged to strive for greatness in God's kingdom, driven by a determination to pursue His will and not settle for mediocrity. By aligning their ambitions with God's purpose, individuals can ensure that their efforts contribute to the advancement of His kingdom and the fulfillment of His calling in their lives. [59:36]
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Reflection: What is one area where you feel called to excel for God's glory? How can you pursue this ambition with humility and dedication this week?
Day 3: Foster Unity Through Humility
True humility involves recognizing the need for unity within the body of Christ. Believers are called to support and build one another up, avoiding judgment and envy. By submitting to one another and working together for the common goal of advancing God's kingdom, unity is strengthened. This unity brings about a greater flow of anointing and blessing, as individuals align themselves with God's purpose. Through humility, the church can become a powerful force for good, demonstrating the love and grace of God to the world. [01:24:17]
Ephesians 4:2-3 (ESV): "With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Reflection: How can you actively contribute to unity within your church community this week? What steps can you take to support and build up others in humility?
Day 4: Operate in Spiritual Gifts with Humility
Spiritual gifts are given to edify and strengthen the body of Christ, not to elevate individuals. Believers are encouraged to seek these gifts with a heart of service, desiring to minister to others and contribute to the growth of the church. By operating in spiritual gifts with humility, individuals can ensure that their actions are aligned with God's purpose and contribute to the overall health and vitality of the church community. As believers humble themselves and serve, God will exalt them in due time, using them to accomplish His will. [01:59:25]
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ."
Reflection: What spiritual gift do you feel called to develop and use for the benefit of your church community? How can you approach this with a heart of service and humility?
Day 5: Restore with a Spirit of Meekness
Humility leads to restoration and reconciliation within the church community. Believers are called to restore those who have fallen, approaching them with a spirit of meekness and understanding. By bearing one another's burdens and fulfilling the law of Christ, an environment of healing and growth is created. This approach fosters a strong, unified, and thriving church community, where individuals are supported and encouraged in their spiritual journeys. Humility becomes a powerful tool for building a community that reflects the love and grace of God. [01:49:15]
Galatians 6:1-2 (ESV): "Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: Is there someone in your life who needs restoration and support? How can you approach them with a spirit of meekness and understanding this week?
Quotes
"Humility is not thinking less of yourself. Humility is thinking of yourself less. Humility is not thinking about you. Humility is serving somebody else. Jesus said that he didn't come to be served, but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many. Jesus was meek. Moses was the meekest man in all the earth." [01:05:18] (23 seconds)
"Delight yourself also in the Lord, and he shall give you the desires of your heart. Now that is a powerful verse. You get excited about the things of God, and God will give you the desires of your heart. I think that's amazing. Not only, I think there's two ways of viewing that. Not only is he going to give you what you want, but he's going to give you your wants." [01:07:17] (28 seconds)
"Humility has to be enjoined with unity. We need each other. You can't have unity without humility. You see where God's going with this? You humble yourself. He'll exalt you. But what's the purpose to bring the church together and make it stronger? Okay, to lift the body up. Don't speak evil of one another." [01:24:51] (26 seconds)
"Submit yourselves therefore to God resist the devil he'll flee from you draw nigh to God he'll draw nigh to you cleanse your hands you sinners purify your hearts you double -minded be afflicted and mourn and weep and let your laughter be turned to mourning your joy to heaviness humble yourselves in the sight of the lord and what" [01:12:31] (24 seconds)
"Bear ye one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. Bear ye one another's burdens. Isn't that a beautiful verse? For if a man think himself to be something, when he's nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, not in another." [01:51:40] (18 seconds)
"God's going to call some of you into a greater level of sacrifice and commitment. He's not going to call you to a greater level of notoriety and position. He's not looking for your sermon titles. He's looking for your sacrifice and your commitment. And if you don't have commitment, you're not going to have a title." [01:45:13] (26 seconds)
"Let the discerning of spirits work in your life. Let things work that need. Come on, don't let anything be done through selfish ambition or conceit. But in lowliness of mind, let each esteem others better than himself. You got to care about somebody else more than yourself. It's not about your promotion." [02:06:27] (38 seconds)
"Service is where the miracles happen. The servants see the miracles and the fruit of the spirit is an outflow of your life. You've got to have a lot of fruit to work with bus children because they ain't going to be lovely all the time. So Sunday school teachers, get some more fruit in your life." [01:43:19] (20 seconds)
"Do you love the body? Do you love the body? Do you love the people of God? Do you love them? Let love flow. Let love flow. It flows through ministry. It flows through prayer. It's the ministry of the body to the saints. I'm telling you, this is will of God. It's the will of God that you prosper." [02:04:13] (27 seconds)
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