Redefining Greatness: Humility in God's Kingdom
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the concept of greatness in the kingdom of heaven, contrasting it with the world's definition of greatness. The world often equates greatness with success, power, money, and status. However, Jesus offers a radically different perspective. In Matthew 18:1-4, Jesus uses a child as an example to illustrate that true greatness in the kingdom of heaven is rooted in humility. He emphasizes that unless we change our perspective and become like little children, we will never enter the kingdom of heaven. This humility is not about self-deprecation but about recognizing our dependence on God and trusting Him fully.
We also discussed the nature of the kingdom of heaven, which is characterized by humility, servanthood, and self-denial. Jesus, our humble King, set the tone for His kingdom by coming to earth in humility, serving others, and ultimately sacrificing His life. His actions teach us that true leadership in the kingdom of heaven is about serving others rather than seeking to be served.
Furthermore, we examined how the kingdom of heaven measures greatness. It values humility over pride, serving over being served, self-denial over selfishness, and action over apathy. Jesus' teachings and actions consistently demonstrated these values. For instance, in Mark 10, He taught His disciples that anyone who wants to be great must become a servant. This upside-down kingdom challenges our natural inclinations and calls us to live counter-culturally.
Finally, we were reminded that greatness in the kingdom of heaven is about faithfulness, often in unseen and uncelebrated ways. It's about being faithful in the little things, interceding in prayer, and serving others without seeking recognition. Jesus and Paul both spoke about the rewards in the life to come for those who live faithfully. This faithfulness is not about perfection but about continually getting back up and following Jesus, even when it's hard.
### Key Takeaways
1. Humility Over Pride: True greatness in the kingdom of heaven is rooted in humility. Jesus taught that we must become like little children, recognizing our dependence on God and trusting Him fully. Humility gives us the right perspective, while pride is the idolatry of self. [10:17]
2. Serving Over Being Served: In the kingdom of heaven, leadership is about serving others. Jesus exemplified this by washing His disciples' feet and teaching that anyone who wants to be great must become a servant. True leadership is about putting others first and leading by example. [23:55]
3. Self-Denial Over Selfishness: Selfishness is at the root of many of our problems, but Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. This means making His agenda the priority of our lives and being willing to sacrifice our own desires for the sake of His kingdom. [27:17]
4. Last Over First: Jesus taught that many who are first will be last, and the last will be first. Greatness in the kingdom of heaven is about faithfulness, often in unseen and uncelebrated ways. It's about being faithful in the little things and serving others without seeking recognition. [32:24]
5. Action Over Apathy: The kingdom of heaven values action over apathy. Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan teaches us to take action on behalf of others, especially those who are marginalized and in need. When we take action, we demonstrate the kingdom of God to a broken world. [35:20]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:42] - Opening Prayer
[04:38] - Story of Perspective
[06:19] - Greatest of All Time
[08:38] - Who is the Greatest in the Kingdom?
[10:17] - Humility in the Kingdom
[11:55] - Nature of the Kingdom of Heaven
[13:45] - Jesus' Humility
[15:40] - Jesus Washing Feet
[17:27] - Upside-Down Kingdom
[19:07] - Measuring Greatness
[20:41] - Humility Over Pride
[23:55] - Serving Over Being Served
[25:38] - Leadership and Service
[27:17] - Self-Denial Over Selfishness
[30:41] - Denying Our Own Agenda
[32:24] - Last Over First
[35:20] - Action Over Apathy
[38:49] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 18:1-4: "At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, 'Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?' He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: 'Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'"
2. Mark 10:42-45: "Jesus called them together and said, 'You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.'"
3. Philippians 2:5-8: "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!"
#### Observation Questions
1. What example does Jesus use in Matthew 18:1-4 to illustrate true greatness in the kingdom of heaven?
2. According to Mark 10:42-45, how does Jesus describe the difference between worldly leadership and leadership in the kingdom of heaven?
3. In Philippians 2:5-8, what actions did Jesus take to demonstrate humility and servanthood?
4. How does the sermon describe the nature of the kingdom of heaven in terms of humility and servanthood? ([11:55])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus use a child as an example of greatness in Matthew 18:1-4? What qualities of a child are being highlighted?
2. How does the concept of servanthood in Mark 10:42-45 challenge our natural inclinations and societal norms about leadership? ([23:55])
3. In Philippians 2:5-8, what does it mean for Jesus to "make himself nothing" and how does this relate to our understanding of humility?
4. The sermon mentions that the kingdom of heaven values "faithfulness in the little things" and serving without seeking recognition. How does this perspective differ from the world's view of success and recognition? ([32:24])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled with pride. How can you practice humility in your daily life, recognizing your dependence on God? ([20:41])
2. Jesus taught that true leadership is about serving others. In what specific ways can you serve those around you this week, whether at home, work, or in your community? ([23:55])
3. Self-denial is a key aspect of following Jesus. What personal desires or agendas might you need to set aside to prioritize God's kingdom in your life? ([30:41])
4. Think of a situation where you were tempted to seek recognition for your actions. How can you shift your focus to being faithful in the little things, even when no one is watching? ([32:24])
5. The sermon emphasized taking action over apathy. Identify one area in your life where you have been passive. What steps can you take this week to actively demonstrate the kingdom of God to those around you? ([35:20])
6. Jesus' example of washing the disciples' feet is a powerful act of servanthood. How can you incorporate acts of humble service into your routine, especially towards those who may not expect it? ([15:40])
7. Reflect on the idea that greatness in the kingdom of heaven is often unseen and uncelebrated. How can you find joy and fulfillment in serving others without seeking external validation? ([32:24])
Devotional
Day 1: Humility as True Greatness
True greatness in the kingdom of heaven is rooted in humility. Jesus taught that we must become like little children, recognizing our dependence on God and trusting Him fully. Humility gives us the right perspective, while pride is the idolatry of self. Jesus' teaching in Matthew 18:1-4 emphasizes that unless we change our perspective and become like little children, we will never enter the kingdom of heaven. This humility is not about self-deprecation but about recognizing our dependence on God and trusting Him fully. [10:17]
"Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:4, ESV)
Reflection: Think of an area in your life where you struggle with pride. How can you practice humility in this area today by recognizing your dependence on God?
Day 2: Leadership Through Service
In the kingdom of heaven, leadership is about serving others. Jesus exemplified this by washing His disciples' feet and teaching that anyone who wants to be great must become a servant. True leadership is about putting others first and leading by example. This concept challenges the world's view of leadership, which often equates it with power and authority. Jesus' actions and teachings consistently demonstrated that serving others is the highest form of leadership. [23:55]
"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one person in your life whom you can serve today. What specific action can you take to put their needs before your own?
Day 3: Embracing Self-Denial
Selfishness is at the root of many of our problems, but Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. This means making His agenda the priority of our lives and being willing to sacrifice our own desires for the sake of His kingdom. Self-denial is not about neglecting our needs but about prioritizing God's will over our own. It requires a daily commitment to follow Jesus, even when it is difficult. [27:17]
"And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'" (Luke 9:23, ESV)
Reflection: What is one desire or habit you need to deny today to follow Jesus more closely? How can you take a practical step towards this self-denial?
Day 4: Faithfulness in the Unseen
Jesus taught that many who are first will be last, and the last will be first. Greatness in the kingdom of heaven is about faithfulness, often in unseen and uncelebrated ways. It's about being faithful in the little things and serving others without seeking recognition. This faithfulness is not about perfection but about continually getting back up and following Jesus, even when it's hard. [32:24]
"Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful." (1 Corinthians 4:2, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a small, unseen task you can do today to serve someone else. How can you perform this task faithfully without seeking recognition?
Day 5: Taking Action Over Apathy
The kingdom of heaven values action over apathy. Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan teaches us to take action on behalf of others, especially those who are marginalized and in need. When we take action, we demonstrate the kingdom of God to a broken world. This requires us to move beyond mere feelings of compassion to tangible acts of love and service. [35:20]
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." (James 1:22, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a specific need in your community or church. What action can you take today to meet that need and demonstrate God's love?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "The kingdom of heaven is both now and also future. We get glimpses of the kingdom as we follow and submit to Jesus and want to do his will. The kingdom of heaven is within us, and we're demonstrating that to the world around us. Physically, literally, one day when Jesus returns and at the resurrection and when he renews the heavens and the earth, all things will be perfect and his will will be perfectly done." [11:55] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Our king is a humble king. Think about the son of God, God the son, the second member of the trinity, who is eternal, the eternal living word of God. He came to this earth in humility. He humbled himself, and God became one of us. He entered into our life, into this world, into this broken world. And he took on an additional nature to forever be the God-man. He will always be the God-man." [13:45] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Humility always gives us the right perspective. Pride is the idolatry of self. It is putting too much stock into ourselves, making too much out of ourselves. Again, Jesus said, it is the man or person who can be as humble as this little child who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." [20:41] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus led by example. Jesus never asks anything of you and I that he didn't do or wasn't willing to do himself. Jesus is the ultimate servant leader. And in the kingdom of heaven, leadership is about serving. My job as a pastor is to serve, to be lead servant, if you will. And, and anybody in a place of leadership, as you follow Jesus, it is to serve, not to be served." [25:38] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When you fail, you get back up. And you continue being faithful. Repentance and faithfulness. Repentance and faithfulness." [35:20] (8 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "The kingdom of heaven is where Jesus is king. It's where he is recognized as king. It's the place where his will is done, where his will is always done. Jesus taught us to pray, our Father in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Your kingdom come, your will be done on the earth as it is in heaven. God's will is always done in the kingdom of heaven, and we should be praying that his will is done on the earth." [10:17] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The kingdom of heaven is an upside-down kingdom. It's an upside-down kingdom. It's the opposite of the way of the world. It's countercultural. It's counterintuitive to the ways of the world. In Matthew 5 through 7, it's the lengthy version of the Sermon on the Mount. And in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says several times, he says, you've heard it said in the old or in the law. That it's eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, love your enemies. Bless those who persecute you." [17:27] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Humility is a right assessment of ourselves before God and before each other. Humility is a full dependence upon our creator and our savior. Pride is the dependence upon self and thinking we can do things that only God can do for us, like save ourself and provide and all of that. So, humility over pride." [23:55] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "For us to be great in the kingdom is to not have our own agenda for our lives, is to take our life as a blank, piece of paper. Say, Lord, I'm just going to sign my name on the bottom. You tell me, what do you want to do with my life? How do you want me to live my life? It's making his agenda the priority of our life." [30:41] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Greatness in the kingdom of God is faithfulness. And sometimes it's faithfulness when nobody sees. Nobody sees your prayers. Nobody sees you interceding. Nobody sees you being faithful in the little things, faithful in the small things. That's greatness in the kingdom of God." [32:24] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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