Humility, Glory, and the Power of Love
Summary
In today's world, where the internet amplifies both praise and criticism, it's crucial to examine how we react to these external voices. The challenge lies in discerning whether our concern is for our own reputation or for God's glory. This introspection is humbling, as it reveals our motives and the state of our spirit. The system we live in often sets us up for failure, with fame and glory being dangerous temptations. Yet, our hope lies in Jesus, who navigated these challenges successfully, showing us that it is possible to do the same.
The analogy of the starfish and spider churches illustrates different organizational structures. A spider church centralizes power, making it vulnerable, while a starfish church distributes power, allowing for resilience and growth. This metaphor extends to the invisible web of fame and power that can entrap leaders, highlighting the need for humility and the fear of the Lord. It's essential to remember that God does not share His glory, and selfish ambition leads to vile practices in His eyes.
The temptation to seek personal glory can be subtle, often masked as a desire to reach more people. However, true humility requires us to decrease so that God can increase. This involves using our gifts not for personal gain but for the benefit of others. The story of a worship leader who stepped down due to pride disguised as humility serves as a powerful reminder of the need for genuine self-reflection.
In the pursuit of spiritual gifts, love must be the driving force. Without love, our actions are meaningless, akin to a noisy gong. The church in Corinth serves as a cautionary tale of how gifts can be misused when not motivated by love. The challenge is to cultivate a culture of love and unity, resisting the divisive forces of the world.
In a world that encourages individualism and distraction, we must strive to create a culture of genuine connection and focus. This involves practical steps like reducing screen time to foster deeper relationships and a more focused prayer life. As the end draws near, self-control and sober-mindedness are essential for effective prayer and spiritual readiness.
Key Takeaways:
1. Reputation vs. God's Glory: Our reactions to criticism and praise reveal whether we are more concerned with our reputation or God's glory. This introspection is crucial for spiritual growth and humility. [20:42]
2. The Danger of Fame: The system we live in often sets us up for failure, with fame and glory being dangerous temptations. Our hope lies in Jesus, who navigated these challenges successfully, showing us that it is possible to do the same. [22:41]
3. Starfish vs. Spider Churches: The analogy of starfish and spider churches illustrates different organizational structures and the dangers of centralized power. A starfish church, with distributed power, is more resilient and aligned with the Spirit's work. [23:34]
4. Gifts and Humility: True humility requires us to decrease so that God can increase. Our gifts are meant for the benefit of others, not for personal gain. This involves genuine self-reflection and a commitment to using our gifts for God's glory. [33:26]
5. Love as the Motivation for Gifts: In the pursuit of spiritual gifts, love must be the driving force. Without love, our actions are meaningless, akin to a noisy gong. Cultivating a culture of love and unity is essential for the church's health and witness. [35:51]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [20:09] - The Challenge of Criticism
- [21:49] - The System's Temptations
- [23:00] - Starfish vs. Spider Churches
- [24:41] - The Web of Fame
- [26:39] - Protecting Our Hearts
- [27:32] - The Fear of the Lord
- [29:11] - Decreasing for God's Glory
- [30:15] - Using Our Gifts Wisely
- [31:49] - False Humility and Pride
- [33:26] - Gifts for Others
- [35:17] - Love as the Motivation
- [37:35] - Leaving the Church
- [39:19] - Words from the Lord
- [41:27] - Challenges of House Churches
- [44:09] - Division in the Church
- [49:05] - Creating a New Culture
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. James 3:16 - "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice."
2. 1 Corinthians 13:1 - "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal."
3. 1 Peter 4:7 - "The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers."
---
Observation Questions:
1. What does the analogy of the starfish and spider churches illustrate about different organizational structures? How does this relate to the sermon’s message about power and vulnerability? [23:00]
2. How does the sermon describe the dangers of fame and glory in today's world? What example does the pastor give to illustrate this point? [22:41]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of love in the pursuit of spiritual gifts, and how does this relate to the church in Corinth? [35:17]
4. What practical steps does the sermon suggest for creating a culture of genuine connection and focus in a world full of distractions? [49:05]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon suggest we discern whether our reactions to criticism and praise are more about our reputation or God's glory? What does this reveal about our spiritual growth? [20:42]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the system we live in is set up for failure, particularly concerning fame and glory? How does Jesus serve as a model for navigating these challenges? [22:41]
3. How does the sermon interpret the analogy of the starfish and spider churches in terms of spiritual leadership and the distribution of power? What are the implications for church organization? [23:34]
4. What does the sermon say about the role of humility in using our spiritual gifts, and how does this relate to the concept of decreasing so that God can increase? [29:11]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you received criticism or praise. How did you react, and what does that reveal about your concern for your reputation versus God's glory? [20:42]
2. Fame and glory can be dangerous temptations. Identify an area in your life where you might be seeking personal glory. How can you redirect this desire towards glorifying God? [22:41]
3. Consider the organizational structure of your church or community. How can you contribute to creating a "starfish" model that distributes power and fosters resilience? [23:34]
4. Think about a spiritual gift you possess. How can you use this gift for the benefit of others rather than personal gain? What steps can you take to ensure love is your motivation? [35:17]
5. In what ways can you reduce screen time or other distractions to foster deeper relationships and a more focused prayer life? What specific changes can you make this week? [49:05]
6. Reflect on the concept of false humility. Have you ever stepped back from using your gifts due to pride disguised as humility? How can you overcome this and serve others more effectively? [31:49]
7. How can you cultivate a culture of love and unity in your church or community, resisting the divisive forces of the world? What practical actions can you take to promote this culture? [35:51]
Devotional
Day 1: Balancing Reputation and Divine Glory
In a world where the internet magnifies both praise and criticism, it is essential to examine our reactions to these external voices. Are we more concerned with our reputation or with God's glory? This introspection is crucial for spiritual growth and humility. By focusing on God's glory, we can navigate the challenges of fame and criticism with a heart aligned to His will. This requires a deep, honest look at our motives and the state of our spirit, allowing us to grow in humility and spiritual maturity. [20:42]
Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.'"
Reflection: Think about a recent situation where you received praise or criticism. How did you react, and what does that reveal about your priorities between personal reputation and God's glory?
Day 2: Navigating the Temptations of Fame
The system we live in often sets us up for failure, with fame and glory being dangerous temptations. Our hope lies in Jesus, who navigated these challenges successfully, showing us that it is possible to do the same. By following His example, we can resist the allure of fame and instead focus on living a life that honors God. This involves recognizing the subtle ways in which the desire for personal glory can manifest and choosing to prioritize God's will over our own ambitions. [22:41]
1 John 2:15-17 (ESV): "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever."
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where the temptation of fame or recognition is strong. How can you actively choose to follow Jesus' example in this area today?
Day 3: Embracing the Starfish Church Model
The analogy of starfish and spider churches illustrates different organizational structures and the dangers of centralized power. A starfish church, with distributed power, is more resilient and aligned with the Spirit's work. This model encourages a community where every member is empowered to contribute, fostering growth and resilience. By embracing this structure, churches can avoid the pitfalls of centralized power and create an environment where the Spirit can move freely and effectively. [23:34]
1 Corinthians 12:14-20 (ESV): "For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, 'Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,' that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, 'Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,' that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose."
Reflection: Consider your role in your church community. How can you contribute to a more resilient and Spirit-led environment by using your unique gifts and talents?
Day 4: Humility in the Use of Spiritual Gifts
True humility requires us to decrease so that God can increase. Our gifts are meant for the benefit of others, not for personal gain. This involves genuine self-reflection and a commitment to using our gifts for God's glory. By focusing on serving others, we align ourselves with God's purpose and allow His glory to shine through our actions. This humility is essential for fostering a community that reflects God's love and grace. [33:26]
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. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: Reflect on a spiritual gift you possess. How can you use this gift today to serve others and glorify God, rather than seeking personal recognition?
Day 5: Love as the Foundation for Spiritual Gifts
In the pursuit of spiritual gifts, love must be the driving force. Without love, our actions are meaningless, akin to a noisy gong. Cultivating a culture of love and unity is essential for the church's health and witness. By prioritizing love, we ensure that our gifts are used in a way that builds up the community and reflects God's character. This love-driven approach is crucial for maintaining unity and resisting the divisive forces of the world. [35:51]
Colossians 3:14-15 (ESV): "And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."
Reflection: Think of a recent interaction within your church community. How can you ensure that love is the foundation of your actions and words in future interactions, fostering unity and harmony?
Quotes
In this internet age where people can say very flattering things about you or very harsh and critical things about you, how you react to that is very exposing. Like, you know, I get criticized every day. There's articles written that, yeah, mostly are not true, but the fact that it when they bother me so much, God's saying why does that bother you so much, your reputation or is it really about God's reputation? [00:20:09]
Francis, this system that we have in place is designed to make men like you and I fall. Really it is set up for our failure, the fame, the glory. He goes but he goes my hope is Jesus did it. He was able to do it, so we can also. But it, I so believe what he said everything is set up to make us fall. There's something very demonic in this system that wages war against our spirits. [00:22:41]
The spider Church you have all the power The Authority in the head. You know so if you smash the head you'll kill all the organizations. But they starfish if you could start fishing 10 pieces every piece grows another starfish. It's pretty cool it's really interesting. So he was saying about this organization where the authority and the power of the spirit is like everywhere. [00:23:34]
He says I am the Lord and I will not share my glory with another. He does not want to share that Glory, and so when I realize I am stealing Glory that belongs to him, that foundation of the fear of God I thank God you know like Isaiah 30 like the fear the lord is our treasure. [00:27:32]
Whenever there's selfish ambition, like you want something for you, he says it's going to lead to the most disgusting vile practices in God's eyes. Now we in American Pride Brazil we won't people won't see it no but God will look at it and say that is so disgusting that is such an evil practice. [00:28:08]
There's like this lie where we think we must increase so that he can increase. You know and John's like no I must decrease I've got I have to actively figure out how do I become less and less and him more lifted up. And so I've wrestled with that because there is a truth too. [00:29:11]
God gifts different people in different ways yes and there's a way in which the apostles and Prophets and evangelists and Shepherds and teachers are all supposed to work together to build up the body of Christ and that's where I failed. I thought everyone should be able to do this. [00:30:15]
You can hurt the body by not using your gift and sometimes I remember this worship leader she said to me you know I stepped out of worship leading because I thought you know what I don't want to draw too much attention to me and and it's pride and but then she later on said you know the truth is is it was Pride that caused me to step out of worship leading. [00:31:49]
You have this gift of preaching it's not for you. And if you try to use for you to get something to get famous money or something you failed right. But you got to use to the audience right and that's the Temptation there. In Matthew 4 because he's saying oh use your power to make bread for you. [00:33:26]
I want to heal people, but a lot of times that's not because I love the person I just want to see a miracle right and I want everyone else to see a miracle but is there love in my heart. I want to give a prophetic word I mean that's just fun you know but is it because I so love these people. [00:35:17]
The strongest command in the New Testament is for us to love one another and how this was how the world was going to know that we're his disciples by this deep love and our church we loved each other and I would say even more so than the you know any any mega church I knew of. [00:37:35]
Peter tells us to be self-controlled and clear-minded for the sake of our prayers because the end is near. So there's something about Christ is coming soon so we better not be distracted we better exercise self-control for the sake of our prayers. [00:49:05]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?