True Greatness: Humility and Service in God's Kingdom
Summary
In my sermon, I began by addressing the congregation with a heartfelt prayer, acknowledging our constant struggle with sin and the need for God's help to overcome our old selves. I emphasized the importance of placing faith in Jesus Christ and living boldly and truthfully according to God's Word. I invited those who had not yet put their faith in Jesus to come forward and encouraged the congregation to be strong in their faith.
I then expressed gratitude for the church's faithfulness, especially noting the attendance over the Easter weekend. I humorously commented on the seating arrangements during the services and encouraged the congregation to feel free to sit in the center section in the future.
Transitioning to the main message, I reflected on the character of John the Baptist, a rugged man who lived simply, and posed the question of what we come to church to see. I stressed the importance of coming to church to hear God's Word, not our own opinions, and to avoid the prosperity gospel that misleads many. I reminded the congregation that we are responsible for our own sins and that we come to church primarily to learn how to be saved and how to live differently because of our salvation.
I then spoke about the greatness in God's kingdom, highlighting that it is not measured by wealth, popularity, or power, but by humility and service. I warned against letting the world's standards of greatness influence us, even within the church, and urged us to seek God's definition of greatness.
I continued by discussing the role of John the Baptist as the forerunner of Christ, who prepared the way for the Lord by preaching a baptism of repentance and challenging the status quo. I explained that John's ministry was pivotal in preparing people's hearts for Jesus's message and that he was the greatest prophet because he pointed directly to Christ.
I also introduced the concept of a children's church to better engage the younger members of our congregation during the service, allowing them to learn in a way that is more suited to them.
As I delved deeper into the scripture, I explained that John the Baptist was not a weak man swayed by public opinion but was bold and fearless. I highlighted that John's greatness was not based on worldly standards but on his humility and sacrifice. I challenged the congregation to consider whether they are living fearlessly for Christ, standing firm in the gospel, and seeking true greatness through service and humility.
I concluded the sermon by discussing the violence against the kingdom of heaven since John the Baptist's time and the persecution that followed. I emphasized that John the Baptist came in the spirit of Elijah, fulfilling prophecy, and that Jesus was confirming John's role and identity. I urged the congregation to not just hear but listen and understand the significance of Jesus's message and to respond to the gospel.
Key Takeaways:
1. True greatness in God's kingdom is not measured by the world's standards of wealth, power, or popularity, but by humility and a willingness to serve others. As followers of Christ, we must resist the temptation to adopt worldly measures of importance and instead embrace sacrifice and service as the path to true greatness. [44:08]
2. John the Baptist's role as the forerunner of Christ was to prepare people's hearts for the coming of the Messiah. His message of repentance was a call to genuine faith and transformation, challenging the empty rituals and complacency of the time. We too are called to prepare the way for the Lord in our own hearts and in the world around us. [41:47]
3. The church is not a place to seek affirmation of our own opinions or desires but to encounter the transformative truth of God's Word. We come together to be reminded of our salvation and to learn how to apply God's Word to our lives, seeking to live out our faith in a way that honors Christ. [32:03]
4. The baptism of repentance preached by John the Baptist was a powerful message that called for a heart change, not just outward compliance with religious practices. This message is still relevant today, as we are called to a life of repentance, turning away from sin and toward God with our whole hearts. [39:38]
5. John the Baptist's identity as the Elijah who was to come demonstrates God's intricate plan of redemption and the fulfillment of prophecy. As believers, we must listen and understand the significance of this truth, recognizing that the kingdom of heaven is at hand and responding to the call to repentance and faith in Christ. [57:56]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 11:7-15 - "As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: 'What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written, "Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you." Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What did Jesus ask the crowd about their expectations when they went to see John the Baptist? ([27:43])
2. How does Jesus describe John the Baptist's appearance and lifestyle? ([28:31])
3. According to Jesus, what is the primary reason we come to church? ([32:03])
4. What does Jesus say about the greatness of John the Baptist compared to those in the kingdom of heaven? ([41:47])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus emphasized that John the Baptist was not a "reed swaying in the wind" or a man "dressed in soft clothes"? What does this tell us about John's character and mission? ([27:43])
2. How does the concept of greatness in God's kingdom differ from the world's standards of greatness? ([44:08])
3. What does it mean that John the Baptist came in the spirit of Elijah, and why is this significant for understanding God's plan of redemption? ([57:56])
4. How does the message of repentance preached by John the Baptist challenge the religious practices of his time, and how is it relevant to us today? ([39:38])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own reasons for coming to church. Are you seeking to hear God's Word and be transformed by it, or are you looking for something else? How can you align your expectations with the purpose of encountering God's truth? ([32:03])
2. In what ways can you demonstrate humility and a willingness to serve others in your daily life? Identify one specific action you can take this week to serve someone in need. ([44:08])
3. John the Baptist was fearless and bold in his proclamation of the gospel. Are there areas in your life where you need to be more courageous in sharing your faith? What steps can you take to be more bold and fearless like John? ([59:19])
4. How can you guard against being influenced by the world's standards of greatness and instead seek God's definition of greatness? What practical changes can you make in your life to prioritize humility and service? ([45:23])
5. The sermon mentioned the importance of repentance and heart change. Is there a specific sin or habit in your life that you need to repent of and turn away from? How can you seek God's help in making this change? ([39:38])
6. Jesus emphasized the need to not just hear but listen and understand His message. How can you improve your listening skills when it comes to God's Word? What practices can you implement to ensure you are truly understanding and applying His teachings? ([57:56])
7. Consider the role of John the Baptist in preparing the way for Jesus. How can you prepare the way for the Lord in your own heart and in the lives of those around you? What specific actions can you take to be a forerunner for Christ in your community? ([41:47])
Devotional
Day 1: Humility: The Measure of Greatness
Humility is often overlooked in a world that celebrates the loud and the ostentatious. Yet, in the kingdom of God, true greatness is found in the quiet act of serving others, in the gentle spirit of humility that puts others before oneself. This is a radical departure from the world's view, where wealth, power, and popularity are the usual markers of success. In God's kingdom, these are turned upside down. The call to humility is a call to live counter-culturally, to value what God values, and to find joy in the act of giving rather than receiving. It is in this upside-down kingdom that one finds the path to true greatness, a path marked by the footsteps of Jesus Himself. [44:08]
"But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 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 10:43-45 ESV
Reflection: How can you demonstrate humility in your interactions today, and in what ways can you serve someone else without seeking recognition?
Day 2: Preparing the Way for the Lord
John the Baptist's ministry was not one of comfort or ease, but of calling people to a radical transformation. He urged those around him to prepare their hearts for the coming of the Messiah, to turn away from superficial religious practices and embrace a genuine faith that changes lives. This message of repentance is as relevant today as it was then. It is a personal call to each individual to examine their own life, to make straight the paths for the Lord within their heart, and to embrace the transformative power of the gospel. The act of preparing the way is an ongoing process, one that requires vigilance, honesty, and a willingness to be changed by the Holy Spirit. [41:47]
"As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, 'The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.'" - Luke 3:4 ESV
Reflection: What areas of your life need to be straightened out for you to fully embrace the way of the Lord, and what practical steps can you take to begin this process?
Day 3: Encountering Transformative Truth
The church is not a social club or a place to have our egos stroked; it is the gathering of believers seeking to encounter the transformative truth of God's Word. It is where we come to be challenged, to grow, and to be reminded of the great salvation that has been offered to us. This truth calls us to live differently, to apply the teachings of Scripture to our lives in a way that honors Christ. It is a call to authenticity, to live out our faith with integrity and purpose, allowing the Word of God to shape us into the image of Jesus. [32:03]
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." - Romans 12:2 ESV
Reflection: In what ways have you allowed cultural or personal opinions to influence your understanding of God's truth, and how can you align your life more closely with the transformative power of Scripture?
Day 4: A Heart Changed by Repentance
The call to repentance is a profound one, demanding more than just outward conformity to religious norms. It is a call to a heart change, to a life that is turned away from sin and toward God. This kind of repentance is a daily journey, one that acknowledges personal failings and seeks the grace of God for transformation. It is a recognition that true change comes not from our own efforts but from the work of the Holy Spirit within us. This message of repentance is a cornerstone of the Christian faith, reminding us that our relationship with God is based on grace and a continual turning towards His love and truth. [39:38]
"Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham." - Luke 3:8 ESV
Reflection: What specific sin or habit do you need to turn from today, and what steps can you take to produce fruit in keeping with repentance?
Day 5: The Fulfillment of Prophecy
Understanding the role of John the Baptist as the Elijah who was to come is crucial in recognizing the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. This understanding deepens our faith and reminds us that the kingdom of heaven is indeed at hand. It is a call to listen intently to the words of Jesus, to grasp the significance of His message, and to respond with a heart of repentance and faith. The fulfillment of prophecy in the person of John the Baptist underscores the reliability of Scripture and the sovereignty of God in the unfolding of history. It is a powerful reminder that we are part of a larger story, one that calls us to live in anticipation of the kingdom and to be active participants in God's redemptive work. [57:56]
"Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction." - Malachi 4:5-6 ESV
Reflection: How does the fulfillment of prophecy in the life of John the Baptist strengthen your faith, and what can you do to actively participate in God's redemptive plan today?
Quotes
"Jesus is saying in God's kingdom, in God's economy, humility and sacrifice is what makes one great. So he says, but the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. So if you want to be great in the kingdom, serve humbly. Don't seek recognition. Don't seek popularity. Don't seek power. Seek to serve. Seek to serve whenever, wherever, however God desires." [48:19]
"John the Baptist comes. And I kind of laughed. It's like nobody had come. Every once in a while, someone would come up and say he was God. But he would be killed and everyone would scatter. And one of the Pharisees actually tells the Sanhedrin, says, Hey, if this isn't real, then don't worry about it. If it's fake, he'll disappear. But if this is real, then you're going to find yourself fighting against God." [50:29]
"I want to be the kind of Christian that stands firm on the gospel, that stands firm on God's word. And when somebody tries to question that, I am not moved. I want to be that kind of Christian. I want you to be that kind of Christian that understands that there is truth and it's found in God's word and it's exemplified in Jesus Christ and live that way every day and don't let anybody move you off of that." [01:02:01]
"John the Baptist came to prepare the way for the Lord. And so can I just, I think all of us have that in us as we're all supposed to prepare the way for the Lord? Because it may be that some of you in here have no relationship with Christ. Maybe you've been in church. Maybe you haven't. But can I just put this out there? That the message that John the Baptist came and was preparing the way for is that the God who created the heavens and the earth loves you." [01:04:19]
"What did you come here to see? Jesus is asking the people, what did you go out into the wilderness to see? And so, I think about that. What did you come to church to see? Why, why do you come here each week? What kind of message do you expect to hear? It's important that we remember what we come here to see and to hear. That when you come to the church, you're here to see and to be a part of the word of God being proclaimed." [30:20]
"Two things that are, that are primary on a Sunday morning. One is we are here to know how to be saved. And some of you may say, well, I've been saved a long time. Well, we all need a reminder of how God saved us, why God saved us. And every time you hear it, even though you've already believed it, every time you hear it, remember. Remember that you're just learning another way. You can tell the next person, right?" [32:03]
"God's definition of greatness is someone who is willing to sacrifice themselves for others and somebody who is humble. The world, power, popularity, wealth, the kingdom of God, humility, and sacrifice. And so it shouldn't surprise us that Jesus is saying, hey, John is the most important prophet to everyone. Ever live. But the greatest in the kingdom of heaven is not the one who has the biggest, the most prestige and the most power, the most wealth, the most popularity, the most recognition." [44:08]
"John the Baptist could have been the next popular preacher if he would have just stayed in Jerusalem where he could have a following and he could print out flyers, and have everybody come to hear him, and sell tickets, and that was possible back then. Why did he go way out there in the wilderness? Because God does not do things the way the world wants them done. And so his popularity, or excuse me, his greatness was not based on this world, but based on humility and based on sacrifice." [59:55]
"Salvation is simply recognizing that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died on a cross for your sins and He rose again on the third day and He gives you eternal life and forgiveness of sins if you will just believe in who He is and what He did. Period. I'm not asking you to do a whole bunch of other stuff. I mean, do I want you to serve in the children's ministry? Yes. Is that going to save you? It'll save you from hearing me preach every Sunday, but that's it." [01:05:38]
"Jesus is saying, I don't want you to just hear what I'm saying. Listen and understand, because it's for your good that you listen and you understand that what God is doing here is for us. He's saying, the Messiah has come. Salvation is available. Don't let this go in one ear and out the other. Respond to the truth of the gospel. Respond to the Messiah. John the Baptist is here in the spirit of Elijah, and he's telling you to repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." [58:32]
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