Embracing Humility: The True Path to Greatness
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound teachings of Jesus on servanthood and the nature of His kingdom, which stands in stark contrast to worldly values. Jesus emphasized that true greatness in His kingdom is not about power or status but about humility and service. This is the essence of the "upside-down kingdom" where the last shall be first, and the greatest is the one who serves others. The disciples, like many of us, struggled to grasp this concept, often caught up in their own ambitions and misunderstandings of Jesus' mission. They envisioned a political kingdom, but Jesus came to establish a spiritual one, calling us to be part of His family and to serve one another selflessly.
We delved into Matthew 18, where Jesus uses a child as an example of the humility required to enter the kingdom of heaven. This humility is not about weakness but about recognizing our dependence on God and our need to let go of our love for power and control. Jesus' call to servanthood is a call to end our pursuit of self-sufficiency and to embrace a life of service, just as He did.
Furthermore, we discussed the importance of recognizing our place within the body of Christ. Each of us has been given unique gifts to serve the church and fulfill God's purpose. It's not about consumerism or finding a church that meets all our preferences, but about submitting to God's will and being where He wants us to be. Our purpose is to spread the gospel and make disciples, living in such a way that others see the hope within us and are drawn to Jesus.
In a world that values independence and self-sufficiency, we are called to a different path—a path of humility, service, and community. By embracing our role in the body of Christ and using our gifts to serve others, we fulfill our purpose and participate in God's kingdom work.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Upside-Down Kingdom: Jesus teaches that true greatness is found in humility and service, not in power or status. This challenges us to let go of our love for control and embrace a life of servanthood, reflecting the values of God's kingdom rather than the world's. [41:59]
2. Childlike Humility: Entering the kingdom of heaven requires a childlike humility, which means recognizing our dependence on God and relinquishing our pursuit of self-sufficiency. This humility is not about weakness but about trusting God and serving others. [46:39]
3. Recognizing Our Place in the Body: God has placed each of us in the body of Christ with unique gifts to serve His purpose. It's not about finding a church that meets all our preferences but about submitting to God's will and being where He wants us to be. [57:43]
4. Discovering and Using Our Gifts: Every believer has spiritual gifts, and discovering them often involves serving and making ourselves available. As we serve, our gifts emerge, and we find our place in the body of Christ, contributing to His kingdom work. [01:09:00]
5. Fulfilling Our Purpose: Our purpose as believers is to spread the gospel and make disciples, living in such a way that others see the hope within us. By embracing our role in the body of Christ and using our gifts to serve others, we participate in God's kingdom work. [01:11:18]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [41:59] - The Upside-Down Kingdom
- [43:18] - Misunderstanding the Kingdom
- [44:26] - Jesus' Second Coming
- [45:27] - Humility and Childlikeness
- [46:39] - Ending the Love Affair with Power
- [47:41] - The Sons of Zebedee
- [49:29] - Misplaced Ambitions
- [50:22] - The Cup of Suffering
- [51:10] - Indignation Among the Disciples
- [52:08] - Listening to the Lord
- [53:11] - Servanthood in the Kingdom
- [53:57] - The Last Supper Dispute
- [54:50] - Jesus' Example of Service
- [55:37] - The Challenge of Selfishness
- [57:43] - Celebrating Our Place in the Body
- [01:09:00] - Discovering Spiritual Gifts
- [01:11:18] - Fulfilling Our Purpose
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 18:1-5
- Matthew 20:20-28
- 1 Corinthians 12:18-20
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Observation Questions:
1. In Matthew 18:1-5, what example does Jesus use to illustrate the kind of humility required to enter the kingdom of heaven? How does this example challenge the disciples' understanding of greatness? [45:27]
2. According to Matthew 20:20-28, what request does the mother of the sons of Zebedee make, and how does Jesus respond to it? What does this reveal about the nature of His kingdom? [50:22]
3. How does 1 Corinthians 12:18-20 describe the placement of members within the body of Christ? What does this imply about the diversity and unity within the church? [58:34]
4. In the sermon, what does the pastor say about the disciples' misunderstanding of Jesus' mission and the nature of His kingdom? How does this reflect our own struggles with understanding God's ways? [43:18]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Jesus' use of a child as an example in Matthew 18:1-5 suggest about the values of His kingdom compared to worldly values? How might this challenge our own perceptions of power and status? [45:27]
2. In Matthew 20:20-28, Jesus speaks about drinking the cup He is about to drink. What does this metaphor of the cup represent, and how does it relate to the concept of servanthood in His kingdom? [51:10]
3. How does the concept of being placed in the body of Christ, as described in 1 Corinthians 12:18-20, challenge the idea of church as a consumer choice? What does it mean to submit to God's will in this context? [01:01:44]
4. The sermon discusses the disciples' ambition and misunderstanding of Jesus' mission. How does this reflect our own tendencies to pursue self-sufficiency and control? What does it mean to embrace a life of service? [46:39]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you sought recognition or status in a way that contradicted the values of Jesus' upside-down kingdom. How can you shift your focus towards humility and service in your daily life? [41:59]
2. Jesus calls us to end our love affair with power and control. Identify an area in your life where you struggle with this. What practical steps can you take to relinquish control and trust God more fully? [46:39]
3. Consider your unique gifts and how you are currently using them within the body of Christ. Are there new ways you can serve your church community that align with God's purpose for you? [01:09:00]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of being placed in the body of Christ. How can you discern where God wants you to be, and what steps can you take to be more involved in your church community? [01:01:44]
5. Think about someone in your life who may not know Jesus. How can you live in such a way that they see the hope within you and are drawn to Him? What specific actions can you take this week to share the gospel with them? [01:11:18]
6. Reflect on the pastor's discussion about the disciples' misunderstanding of Jesus' mission. How can you ensure that your ambitions align with God's kingdom values rather than worldly ones? [43:18]
7. In what ways can you cultivate a childlike humility in your relationship with God and others? Identify one specific area where you can practice this humility in the coming week. [45:27]
Devotional
Day 1: The Paradox of Greatness
In the kingdom of God, greatness is redefined. Unlike worldly standards that equate greatness with power and status, Jesus teaches that true greatness is found in humility and service. This "upside-down kingdom" challenges us to let go of our desire for control and embrace a life of servanthood. Jesus exemplified this through His life, showing that the greatest among us is the one who serves others selflessly. This radical teaching invites us to reflect on our own ambitions and align them with the values of God's kingdom. [41:59]
Matthew 20:26-28 (ESV): "It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Reflection: In what ways can you practice servanthood in your daily life, especially in situations where you are tempted to seek control or recognition?
Day 2: Embracing Childlike Humility
Entering the kingdom of heaven requires a childlike humility, which is not about weakness but about recognizing our dependence on God. This humility involves relinquishing our pursuit of self-sufficiency and trusting in God's provision and guidance. Jesus used a child as an example to illustrate the kind of humility needed to be part of His kingdom. By letting go of our love for power and control, we open ourselves to a deeper relationship with God and others. [46:39]
Matthew 18:3-4 (ESV): "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: What is one area of your life where you struggle to let go of control? How can you practice childlike trust in God in that area today?
Day 3: Celebrating Our Unique Role
Each believer has a unique place within the body of Christ, equipped with spiritual gifts to serve God's purpose. It's not about finding a church that meets all our preferences but about submitting to God's will and being where He wants us to be. Recognizing our place in the body of Christ involves celebrating our unique gifts and using them to serve others. This perspective shifts our focus from consumerism to contribution, aligning our lives with God's kingdom work. [57:43]
1 Corinthians 12:18-20 (ESV): "But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body."
Reflection: What unique gifts has God given you, and how can you use them to serve your church community this week?
Day 4: Discovering and Using Our Gifts
Every believer has spiritual gifts, and discovering them often involves serving and making ourselves available. As we serve, our gifts emerge, and we find our place in the body of Christ. This process requires a willingness to step out in faith and try new things, trusting that God will reveal our gifts as we serve. By using our gifts, we contribute to God's kingdom work and experience the joy of fulfilling our purpose. [01:09:00]
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 is one new area of service you feel God is calling you to explore? How can you take a step of faith to discover your spiritual gifts?
Day 5: Living Out Our Purpose
Our purpose as believers is to spread the gospel and make disciples, living in such a way that others see the hope within us. By embracing our role in the body of Christ and using our gifts to serve others, we participate in God's kingdom work. This mission requires intentionality and a commitment to live out our faith in everyday life, allowing others to be drawn to Jesus through our actions and words. [01:11:18]
Colossians 3:16-17 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Reflection: How can you intentionally share the hope of Christ with someone in your life this week? What practical steps can you take to live out your purpose as a disciple-maker?
Quotes
1) "It's the upside-down kingdom. We're in the upside-down kingdom. It's the opposite of the way the world works. So, sometimes it's hard, because the world is always pushing its agenda. Sometimes it's hard for us to see God's agenda, and how God works differently than the kingdoms of the world. So, Matthew chapter 18, 1. At that time, the disciples came to Jesus and said, who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven? Which is to say, which one of us, is the best? I mean, think about it. This is a crazy question. I mean, that you would go and ask Jesus, which one of us, okay, Jesus, if you got to pick, and you got to pick, we're saying pick, which one of us is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" [41:59] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "Jesus didn't come in his first coming for a political kingdom, but for a spiritual kingdom, so that he could do the work of redeeming all of history, and bringing all of us into his family. So, so they already have a, they have a preconceived idea of how it should be. So, they missed it. All of the prognosticators about how the first coming was going to manifest itself, they missed it. Guess what? When Jesus comes again, how many of you think the charts that they've all made are going to be right?" [43:18] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "Jesus is saying, he said, my kingdom is just different. My kingdom is not built like the Gentile kingdom. It's not about power and control. It's about serving and laying down your life and laying down your life. It's about laying down power and control. And you would think that that's so interesting. He said, it's just an upside down kingdom. So now we get up, you know, and to the last supper and they've just, Jesus has just shared communion with them. He just told them, this is my body. This is my blood. Would you shed for you?" [53:57] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "So God has placed people in the body. I believe, I believe that God calls people into the body of Christ. And that he sets us in bodies. And I think even in, I think he even operates within a local, like our local body that you're, I think he calls you. I was called into this body 43 years ago by the work of the Lord. And then I think God calls people into the body and he does it, does it different ways." [58:34] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "The very nature of being a Christian is that he calls us to be in his body, his church, the Ecclesiastical The Ecclesiastical church. Yeah. The called out ones. That's where his church, we're the called out. We've been called out of darkness into light. Very nature. There's, there's something that's happened and we've been called into his family and into relationship. And so he uses this term body in church saying, I don't need to go to church to be a Christian is like saying, I don't need a wife to be married or a husband to be married. So God is going to place us in his body as he desires." [01:03:56] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "We need to fulfill the purpose. We, we overcome the pull of the world to selfishness, independence. When we understand that. We understand that God's pulled us into his purpose. God has called us to his purpose. He's building the church. He's building his body. We're in the church. It's not a building. It's not a place. It's us. It's, it's the people of God gathered together under the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ to fulfill his purpose." [01:11:18] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "Our purpose is to do what Jesus told us to do. I mean, he's our commander in chief. He's. He's our Lord and savior. He's the king of Kings and Lord of Lords. What did he tell us to do? Mark 16, 15. He said, go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. So what's our purpose? Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Our, our job is to tell as many people as we possibly can about the saving grace of the Lord, Jesus Christ, that Jesus came and died for the sins and rose again so that we could walk in that victory." [01:11:49] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8) "That's the job. That's the purpose. And so one the things is if you're not serving, you need to be serving somewhere. And if you're not serving because you think just doing mundane task is not important, like greeting the door or passing out donuts or working with kids, you think if it's beneath you, that's the problem. That's a selfishness problem. That's a, I'm more important. I'm, I'm the greatest in the kingdom. I'm the greatest. You're like the Muhammad Ali of church people. The Lord's called us. We've got purpose. We've got a reason. There are lost people that need Jesus all around every one of us, all around of us." [01:14:04] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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