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 10:35-4535 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. 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 WayTo 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 positionWhat 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 everyonewe meet

be more like Jesus