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The Greatest: Week 2

The Greatest: Week 2

This week we are looking at who is the greatest in the kingdom.

All believers are a part of the Kingdom of God.

When we become a follower of Jesus our primary allegiance changes to reflect the life of a citizen of that kingdom.

There are many differences between living for the world and living for God.

Jesus explained that what makes someone great in the Kingdom of God is completely different than what makes someone great by the world’s standards.

Luke 19:23-30 (NLT)

This worlds value system is so much different than the value system in the kingdom of God.

So, what is it that makes someone “the greatest” in the kingdom of God?

Let’s look at the two things that scripture tells us that makes someone the greatest in the kingdom of God

The Greatest is Humble
Matthew 18:1-4 (NLT)

Humility is so important because the opposite of humility is pride, and pride is the exact reason why there is sin in the first place…

In fact, the Bible says that God actually created a powerful, intelligent, and beautiful angel (the chief among all angels) called Lucifer (meaning ‘Shining One’) – and that he was very good.

But Lucifer also had a will with which he could freely choose. So, in Lucifer’s free will, he chose to sin by

attempting to elevate himself above God…ultimately it was Lucifer’s pride that caused him to be cast out of heaven effectively turning him into who we now call Satan or the Devil

Isaiah 14:12-14 — Ezekiel 28:13-17

Lucifer, like Adam, had a choice. He could accept that God was God or he could choose to decide that he would be god himself.

So, if the original sin of Lucifer was rooted in pride, then every sin after that, too stems from pride. Pride is us saying “Yeah, I think my way is better.”
A requirement for biblical love is humility.

 

1 Corinthians 13:1-8 (NIV)

A requirement for spiritual maturity is humility

3 levels of maturity:

  • Level 1-You take care of you, and I will take care of me (this is immaturity)
  • Level 2-I will take care of you, but you don’t get to take care of me (this is false humility)
  • Level 3-I need you and you need me (this is maturity)

The Greatest is a Servant

Humility is not an action. Humility is a posture we take. Serving is the action that comes from humility

Matthew 20:25-28 (NLT) — Matthew 23:11-12 (NLT)

Will you choose humility or will you be humbled?

Luke 22:24-27 (NLT)

Closing

Philippians 2:1-15

Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. 9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Job 13: 12-17

 

For Small Group Discussion:

Opening Question:

  • Do you find it easier to serve others or to let others serve you?
  • If you have a hard time letting people serve you, why do you think that is?

Main Point: The greatest in the Kingdom must be a humble servant.

Primary Scripture: John 13:1-17 – (Jesus Washing the Disciples Feet)

Questions:

  1. Why do you think Peter said, “You shall never wash my feet”?
  2. Jesus washed everyone’s feet including Judas’. How do you respond to someone who doesn’t deserve your kindness?
  3. Has someone ever shown you great kindness that left you feeling humbled? What was it?
  4. What is your favorite experience of serving someone else?
  5. In what area of your life is it most difficult for you to be humble?
  6. What is a simple way you could show kindness in humility to someone this week?

Additional Scripture to Consider:

  • Matthew 18:1-4
  • Matthew 23:11-12