When we selflessly serve the needs of others, we embody God's ministerial authority. Kingdom service is true greatness because behind kingdom service is the omnipotent power of God.
Scripture: Mark 9:30-50
Sermon Notes:
- In spite of all the disciples have seen up to now, they don’t understand the mission of Jesus to suffer and die, instead arguing about who is the greatest.
- So often we begin to focus on ourselves instead of on the Lord; we begin to feel sorry for ourselves when we do not receive the attention or position we desire.
- Advancing the gospel of the Kingdom should be at the center of our desire; not personal gain.
- Pride is a subtle sin which we hate in others and fail to identify in ourselves. How well we see the faults in others, how little we see of our own.
- We have a God-given desire to exercise power in our areas of responsibility; in God’s world, all authority must be governed and exercised in submission to Him.
- Having authority doesn’t make it godly authority. Sinful authority doesn’t serve others but dominates and abuses.
- Jesus brings a little child into His arms, demonstrating the servanthood of kingdom in kindness toward a child.
- We are to extend the gospel welcome by engaging in service in Christ’s name.
- Be able to share the gospel in simple terms; if you can’t explain the gospel to children you probably don’t understand it.
- Because all power and authority belongs to Jesus this service in His name is true praise.
- Christians are all Christ’s diaconate, His servants who minister in God’s authority.
- Ministry is not about meeting our personal needs; but we receive satisfaction in serving the needs of others.
- We can get far too preoccupied evaluating what others are doing; but what are we doing in the service of God?
- There are always people willing to deliberately plant snares before God’s children; to deliberately lead others to ruin is to plot your own destruction.
- Misleading the young to their own ruin is a serious crime in Christ’s kingdom economy.
- The modern school system is bringing about the ruin of children and families in their self-conscious revolution against God.
- We do not want to see children thrown into ruin. Instead, through work in Christian education, we are raising up godly leaders for the future.
- Even giving a cup of water to those who belong to Christ is greatness.
- Sin is a destructive force; left unchecked in ourselves it will ruin others, and we are told to put sin to death (Col. 3:5).
- We are not only to deal with the causes of sin in our lives; we are to be good salt which has a preserving influence upon others.
- The Word of God transforms us into true disciples of Christ.
- Kingdom service is true greatness because behind kingdom service is the omnipotent power of God.
Application Questions:
- What is pride, and what role does it play in the disciples’ argument?
- Does our pride prevent us from associating with the lowly and ministering to their needs?
- What is the basis for greatness in the Kingdom?
- In what areas of my life am I called to exercise God-given ministerial authority?
- What areas of our lives and behavior may be causing others to sin? How can we avoid being a snare to others?