Be Servant Minded: Let Others Shine James 4:7,8 “…Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant...” Mk 10:42b

Mark 10:35-45 35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” 36 “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. 37 They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” 38 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” 39 “We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, 40 but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”

41 When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. 42 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. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 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.”

Theme Since we are all called to be Kingdom Great, it is essential we help others be truly great.

Introduction: Are you spiritually wealthy? Definition: Kingdom Great Useful here as a representative of the Kingdom Rewarded later because of preparation here & usefulness here

1. The Worldly Way To Greatness 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. 42

Problem 1: Greatness is NOT control of others (“lord it over”) 1Cor Problem 1: Greatness is NOT control of others (“lord it over”) 1Cor. 4:5 For we do not [declare] ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. Problem 2: Greatness is NOT the acquiring of position (“exercise authority”) Status is fleeting, position is temporary, you only have what God gives you Problem 3: Greatness is NOT just in this life (“rulers of the Gentiles”) Life involves Part A and Part B: On Earth (preparation) & In Eternity (rewards)

2. The Worthy Way To Greatness 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. 43, 44

Solution 1: Realizing our true position What do I have that makes serving so great? Ephesians 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 In love He chose us…to be holy & blameless in his sight 5 He predestined us to be adopted as his sons 6 He has freely given us grace 7 He gave us forgiveness of sins by grace 8 He gave us love…lavished…with all wisdom and understanding

9 He made known to us…His will according to his good pleasure 10 He put into effect…the fulfillment of all things: heaven and earth together 11 He chose us (there are no accidents): EVERYTHING WILL CONFORM TO HIS WILL 12 He marked us with a seal – Holy Spirit – guaranteeing our promised inheritance 18 I pray… that the eyes will be opened to see all you have inherited as believers: the great power, the mighty strength that raises the dead, our father and God who is on top of everything! 21 He is “far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.”

If you do NOT know these truths in your heart… The more insecure you are… The more you want others to notice you The more you want others to meet your needs The easier it is to get upset if things don’t go your way The more judgmental you become …And… The more you want to hide your weaknesses and faults The more you run away from risk, work, or any situation where your faults might show The more you talk too much to fill the air or talk not at all to run from anything that might hurt Too insecure to be great for God by serving others.

Theme Since we are all called to be Kingdom Great, it is essential we help others be truly great.

Solution 2: Realizing the benefits of following How will I find out what/who to serve? Matthew 8:8-10 8 The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 10 When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, “I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.”

Solution 3: Recognizing our real mission Serve others doing what? “…the most effective leaders are people who are servants of other people especially from a biblical point of view.” “Expending your energy and resources in the interest of others can be exhausting but biblically speaking this is how we’re called to invest our lives.” Ken Boa

3. The Wondrous Way To Greatness 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.” 45 Confirmation 1: His example before us. He is loving, smart, clever, resourceful, patient & kind Confirmation 2: His simple strategy Phil. 4:13 “I can do all things through him who gives me strength.” Confirmation 3: His victory made evident. Look at the results of his purchases, promises and predictions!

Theme Since we are all called to be Kingdom Great, it is essential we help others be truly great.

Our Challenge Is To Use Our… Gift Position Knowledge Skills & Talents To help everyone we meet be more like Jesus