Embracing Humility: The Path to True Greatness

Summary

### Summary

Good morning, Atkinson Congregational Church. Today, we gather to reflect on the essence of humility and service as taught by Jesus Christ. Our world often tempts us with the allure of success, power, and self-importance, but the teachings of Jesus call us to a different path. In our Gospel reading from Mark, Jesus teaches his disciples that true greatness comes from being the servant of all. He uses the example of a child to illustrate that welcoming and valuing those who are often overlooked is akin to welcoming God Himself.

We are reminded that our lives must be open to God and to others, much like a hydroelectric dam that only produces power when the pipes are open at both ends. This openness allows the flow of God's love and power through us, enabling us to live lives of peace, humility, and service. The Epistle reading from James further emphasizes this by contrasting the disorder and conflict that arise from selfish ambition with the peace and righteousness that come from living according to God's wisdom.

As we strive to live out these teachings, we are called to see every person as valuable, regardless of their status or background. This means embracing a life of generosity, where our actions are guided by the desire to serve and uplift others. By doing so, we align ourselves with the true essence of the Kingdom of God, where the last shall be first, and the humble shall be exalted.

### Key Takeaways

1. True Greatness in Humility and Service: Jesus teaches that to be first, one must be the servant of all. This radical redefinition of greatness challenges us to prioritize humility and service over power and status. By welcoming and valuing those who are often overlooked, we embody the love of God. [31:27]

2. Openness to God and Others: Like a hydroelectric dam that only produces power when open at both ends, our lives must be open to God and to others. This openness allows the flow of God's love and power through us, enabling us to live lives of peace, humility, and service. [30:39]

3. The Harvest of Righteousness: The Epistle reading from James contrasts the disorder and conflict that arise from selfish ambition with the peace and righteousness that come from living according to God's wisdom. This calls us to cultivate an attitude of peace, humility, and inclusion. [36:54]

4. Valuing Every Person: Jesus' teaching to welcome children, who were not highly valued in His time, challenges us to see every person as valuable, regardless of their status or background. This means embracing a life of generosity and service, where our actions are guided by the desire to uplift others. [34:09]

5. A New Way to See: Our prayer should be like that of Saint Francis, asking God to make us channels of His peace. This involves seeking to console rather than be consoled, to understand rather than be understood, and to love rather than be loved. By adopting this mindset, we align ourselves with the true essence of the Kingdom of God. [40:27]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[7:21] - Announcements
[8:04] - Call to Worship
[12:35] - Opening Prayer
[13:29] - Additional Announcements
[14:39] - Prayer of Confession
[15:53] - Assurance of Pardon
[20:41] - Prayer Requests and Intercessions
[24:28] - Offering and Offertory
[25:13] - First Scripture Reading
[28:46] - Second Scripture Reading
[29:37] - Sermon Introduction
[31:27] - True Greatness in Humility and Service
[34:09] - Valuing Every Person
[36:54] - The Harvest of Righteousness
[40:27] - A New Way to See
[46:13] - Closing Hymn and Benediction

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Mark 9:33-37 (NIV)
> They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the road?" But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all." He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."

2. James 3:13-18 (NIV)
> Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

#### Observation Questions
1. What were the disciples arguing about on the road to Capernaum? ([28:46])
2. How does Jesus redefine greatness in Mark 9:35?
3. According to James 3:16, what are the consequences of harboring envy and selfish ambition?
4. What qualities does James 3:17-18 attribute to the wisdom that comes from heaven?

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus used a child to illustrate his point about welcoming and valuing others? ([33:36])
2. How does the analogy of the hydroelectric dam relate to our spiritual lives and openness to God and others? ([30:39])
3. In what ways does the disorder and conflict described in James 3:16 manifest in our personal lives or communities?
4. How can the qualities of heavenly wisdom listed in James 3:17-18 be cultivated in our daily interactions?

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you sought recognition or status. How did it affect your relationships and peace of mind? ([31:27])
2. Jesus calls us to be "servants of all." What are some practical ways you can serve others in your community this week? ([32:55])
3. The sermon mentioned the importance of being open to God and others, like a hydroelectric dam. What are some barriers in your life that prevent this openness, and how can you address them? ([30:39])
4. Think of someone in your life who is often overlooked or undervalued. How can you show them that they are valuable and loved this week? ([34:09])
5. The sermon referenced the prayer of Saint Francis. How can you incorporate the mindset of seeking to console, understand, and love into your daily routine? ([40:27])
6. How can you cultivate an attitude of peace, humility, and inclusion in your workplace or family? ([36:54])
7. Reflect on the idea that true greatness comes from humility and service. How can this perspective change the way you approach your goals and ambitions? ([31:27])

Devotional

Day 1: True Greatness in Humility and Service

Jesus teaches that true greatness comes from being the servant of all. This radical redefinition of greatness challenges us to prioritize humility and service over power and status. By welcoming and valuing those who are often overlooked, we embody the love of God. In a world that often measures success by achievements and accolades, Jesus calls us to a different standard. He uses the example of a child to illustrate that welcoming and valuing those who are often overlooked is akin to welcoming God Himself. This teaching invites us to shift our focus from self-importance to selfless service, recognizing that in God's Kingdom, the last shall be first, and the humble shall be exalted.

As we reflect on this, consider how we can embody this teaching in our daily lives. Are there people in our communities, workplaces, or even families who are often overlooked or undervalued? How can we serve them and show them the love of God? By doing so, we align ourselves with the true essence of the Kingdom of God, where greatness is measured by our willingness to serve and uplift others. [31:27]

Mark 9:35-37 (ESV): "And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, 'If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.' And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, 'Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.'"

Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is often overlooked or undervalued. How can you serve them and show them the love of God today?

Day 2: Openness to God and Others

Like a hydroelectric dam that only produces power when open at both ends, our lives must be open to God and to others. This openness allows the flow of God's love and power through us, enabling us to live lives of peace, humility, and service. When we close ourselves off, either from God or from those around us, we hinder the flow of divine love and grace. Openness requires vulnerability and a willingness to be used by God in ways that may be uncomfortable or challenging. It means being receptive to God's guidance and being willing to extend ourselves to others, even when it is inconvenient.

This openness is not just about being available but also about being intentional in our relationships and interactions. It involves actively seeking ways to serve and uplift others, recognizing that in doing so, we are channels of God's love and power. By maintaining this openness, we allow God's peace and humility to permeate our lives, transforming us and those around us. [30:39]

James 3:17-18 (ESV): "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."

Reflection: In what ways can you be more open to God's guidance and to serving others today? What specific actions can you take to ensure you are a channel of God's love and power?

Day 3: The Harvest of Righteousness

The Epistle reading from James contrasts the disorder and conflict that arise from selfish ambition with the peace and righteousness that come from living according to God's wisdom. This calls us to cultivate an attitude of peace, humility, and inclusion. Selfish ambition leads to envy, strife, and disorder, disrupting our relationships and communities. In contrast, living according to God's wisdom brings about a harvest of righteousness, characterized by peace and harmony. This wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

As we strive to live according to this wisdom, we are called to examine our motives and actions. Are they driven by selfish ambition or by a desire to promote peace and righteousness? By aligning our lives with God's wisdom, we contribute to a community where peace and righteousness flourish, reflecting the Kingdom of God on earth. [36:54]

James 3:16-18 (ESV): "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."

Reflection: Reflect on your recent actions and decisions. Are they driven by selfish ambition or by a desire to promote peace and righteousness? How can you align your motives with God's wisdom today?

Day 4: Valuing Every Person

Jesus' teaching to welcome children, who were not highly valued in His time, challenges us to see every person as valuable, regardless of their status or background. This means embracing a life of generosity and service, where our actions are guided by the desire to uplift others. In a society that often values people based on their achievements, wealth, or social status, Jesus calls us to a different standard. He teaches that every person, regardless of their status or background, is valuable in the eyes of God. This teaching challenges us to look beyond societal norms and to see the inherent worth in every individual.

By embracing this perspective, we are called to live lives of generosity and service. This involves not only giving of our resources but also of our time, attention, and love. It means being intentional in our interactions, seeking to uplift and support those around us. In doing so, we reflect the inclusive and generous nature of God's Kingdom. [34:09]

Matthew 18:5 (ESV): "Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me."

Reflection: Think of someone in your life who may feel undervalued or overlooked. How can you show them that they are valuable and loved by God today?

Day 5: A New Way to See

Our prayer should be like that of Saint Francis, asking God to make us channels of His peace. This involves seeking to console rather than be consoled, to understand rather than be understood, and to love rather than be loved. By adopting this mindset, we align ourselves with the true essence of the Kingdom of God. This prayer challenges us to shift our focus from ourselves to others, seeking to be instruments of God's peace and love in the world. It calls us to a life of selflessness, where our primary concern is the well-being of others.

By adopting this mindset, we align ourselves with the true essence of the Kingdom of God. This involves a radical reorientation of our priorities and actions, seeking to embody the love and peace of God in all that we do. It means being willing to put others' needs before our own, to seek understanding and reconciliation, and to extend love and compassion to all. [40:27]

Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Reflection: Reflect on your interactions with others. How can you seek to console, understand, and love others more selflessly today? What specific actions can you take to be a channel of God's peace?

Quotes

1. "When we try to live the way that God wishes us to live, we still can sometimes follow bad advice. Or walk down the shadowed streets. Yet God watches over us and calls us to confess so we might be welcomed into the embracing arms of mercy and healing." [13:29] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Our cravings for more and more toss us about like leaves in the fall winds. We boast of our great wisdom. Yet do not understand your ways of peace and gentleness. We do not plant ourselves in your hope and grace. And so reap harvest of disorder. And so reap harvest of suffering and conflict." [14:39] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We are given new life and hope. Thanks be to God. We are forgiven. Our first reading this morning comes from the letter of James in the third chapter. And our reader is Adam Southergill." [15:53] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Help us to remain consistent in our relationship with you and in our daily walk as followers of Jesus. May we return good for evil and bless those who curse us. Keep us focused on following the footsteps of Christ and doing as he did. God, help us to remember how precious we are in your sight and to refrain from undermining our worth or the worth of others by comparing ourselves to one another." [20:41] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Make us fitting witnesses and grant us the grace to be the people who reach out at every opportunity that comes to us, to be instruments of your healing and transforming power. We thank you, Lord, not only of ourselves, not only of our families, but we think of the world and those in it who need wholeness, who need peace, who need a reason to have hope." [21:52] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Friends, open your eyes and your ears and your hearts to perceive a life of generosity, to which you've been called to, and for which you have been created. Let us gather our examples of fruitfulness as we receive our offering here. And if you are online, you can scan the QR code or go to the giving page on our website." [25:13] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "If you want to be first, you've got to be last, dead last, and the servant of all. Then he takes a small child in his arms, and having him stand among them, he takes the child and says to them, whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name, welcomes me. And whoever welcomes me doesn't just welcome me, but the one who sent me." [33:36] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Jesus calls the 12, and he calls us away from our arguments about who is greatest, and who deserves more, and who should call the shots, and turns our mind instead to the question of our attitude and how willing are we to be humble and to serve others." [34:09] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "Life lived according to the way of Christ, the life of opening one's arms and welcoming people into our embrace and showing them that we care. It's about opening the pipeline at both ends so that nothing impedes the flow of power, the flow of love that produced the harvest we all need and desire, the harvest that comes when we live as peacemakers." [36:13] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "So friends, what is it that you want out of life? What is it that you want from God? I think most of us are looking for a better life for ourselves and our families and the world. We'd like to feel more at peace. We'd like to have more joy and happiness. We'd like to see an end to the world's problems." [37:37] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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