Mark 9:33
True greatness is found in the Kingdom of God, achieved through faithful service and humility, not through ambition or striving for glory.
Chuck Smith discusses the natural human desire for greatness, emphasizing that many strive for worldly glory, which is fleeting and ultimately unfulfilling. He highlights the disciples' argument about who would be the greatest, revealing their misguided motives in following Jesus. Smith teaches that true greatness in God's Kingdom is not achieved through ambition but through humble service to others. He reassures that the desire for greatness is God-given, but the path to it lies in serving faithfully rather than seeking personal glory. Ultimately, those who humble themselves will be exalted in God's eyes.
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"THE PATH TO GREATNESS"
I. NATURAL DESIRE FOR GREATNESS.
A. Motivating force behind many men.
1. They will subject their bodies to torturous exercise routines
to become the...
a. Greatest runner.
b. Halfback.
c. Kicker.
d. Boxer. Ali's classic statement: "I'm the
greatest."
2. The real motivating drive is for the glory and honor that comes
to the greatest.
a. The glory of the world is so short-lived.
1. Who was the M.V.P. of the '77 World
Series?
2. The '74 Superbowl?
b. Who won the Indy 500 in 73?
3. Some men spend their entire life training, sacrificing, denying
themselves, just to stand for a few minutes in the glory light.
a. Do you know a tragic truth?
b. Once you have stood there, it's empty.
B. As Jesus was walking with His disciples to Capernaum, they were
arguing with each other as to who would be the greatest.
1. This reveals how wrong their motives were, for following Jesus.
a. The Lord is so gracious, He just takes what He can get.
Imperfect man.
b. He then seeks to improve and develop that imperfect man
into an instrument.
2. Jesus said, "What were you arguing about back their on the
path?"
a. They were silent.
b. They were too embarrassed to tell Him.
c. Have you ever said things that should Jesus
ask, "What did you say?", you would be ashamed
to tell?
3. Jesus knew what the argument was about.
a. He knows what you say.
b. He knows what you do.
c. You can never hide from God.
4. How does He deal with their folly?
a. With patience and love.
b. He sits down and teaches them what true
greatness is and how to attain it.
II. SO YOU WANT TO BE GREAT.
A. True greatness is not to be found in the kingdom of man, but in
the Kingdom of God.
1. Greatness in man s kingdom is attained by the ambitious
through blood, sweat and tears.
a. Look at the price being paid by men who want to
be governor or senator.
b. It is like the flash of a sky rocket, it fades
so rapidly.
2. Greatness in God's Kingdom is given to those who
serve faithfully in humility.
a. "If you want to be great in God's Kingdom, learn to be
the servant of all."
b. "He that humbleth Himself shall be exalted, but He
that exalteth..."
c. Those who are great in God's Kingdom will shine as
stars forever.
3. Notice there was no rebuke for the desire to be great.
a. That desire to be, something planted there by
God.
b. Their concept of how to achieve it was wrong.
1. Not attained through strife.
2. Reward to be given for faithful
service.
Sermon Outline
- Natural Desire for Greatness
- So You Want to Be Great
- A points: - True greatness in God's Kingdom - Attained through faithful service - Reward for humility
- B points: - Jesus' disciples arguing over greatness - Wrong motives - Jesus' gracious response
Key Quotes
“I'm the greatest.” — Chuck Smith
“He that humbleth Himself shall be exalted, but He that exalteth shall be abased.” — Chuck Smith
“If you want to be great in God's Kingdom, learn to be the servant of all.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We should strive for greatness in God's Kingdom by serving faithfully and humbly.
- Our desire for greatness should be driven by a desire to serve and honor God, not just to achieve personal glory.
- Faithful service and humility are the keys to true greatness in God's Kingdom.