Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ
A reminder - Please: Turn off your cell phone or set to vibrate only Turn off sound to all electronic devices Use the nursery or cry room if your child is fussy Get up during the preaching only if absolutely necessary (please sit in back if you must leave early)
Marks of Greatness Matthew 11:7-15; Luke 7:24-30 Our society evaluates greatness on the basis of fame, prestige, power and wealth William Hazlitt - “the true test of greatness is the page of history.”
Marks of Greatness Matthew 11:7-15; Luke 7:24-30 A solemn & religious regard to spiritual & eternal things is an indispensable element of all true greatness – Daniel Webster
Review Luke 7:18-23 Herod Antipas had imprisoned John the Baptist for confronting him about his relationship with Herodias John began to have doubts about Jesus’ identity and sent two disciples to ask Him directly
Review Luke 7:18-23 When doubts arise, you need to go to the source of truth, the Bible, to find the answers
The Setting Matthew 11:7; Luke 7:24 As John’s disciples leave, Jesus begins to commend John to the multitudes John was considered to be a prophet by the people, but his situation would cause doubts to arise
A Truth Seeker Matthew 11:7 John was more concerned about knowing the truth than what people thought of him A great leader cares more about where he is leading than what those following think of him
A Truth Seeker Matthew 11:7 John was not a man who was unsteady or vacillating - yielding to pressure from others
Strong Convictions Strong convictions based on truth are good and proper John preached based on his convictions of truth, not on tickling ears to gain an audience
Strong Convictions Those who are great have strong convictions based in truth - they are here to serve God, not gain popularity Our purpose is to know, follow and proclaim God’s word & will even when disparaged by others
Humble Humility is the natural outgrowth of being a truth seeker Pride is a curse against true greatness - John was humble and gained greatness
Self-denial Matthew 7:8; Luke 7:23 Soft-clothing refers to the self-indulgent man and those in the king’s court living in luxury John willing denied himself in order to be set apart from the corrupt religious and political systems
Self-denial Matthew 7:8; Luke 7:23 John’s self-denial was without any thought of gaining meritorious blessings because of it - unlike ascetics Those who will be great in God’s eyes will be self-disciplined to keep the proper priorities to glorify God
His Calling Matthew 11:9-11 John was more than a prophet because he himself was the fulfillment of prophecy of Malachi 3:1 John was the herald preparing the way for the coming of the Messiah No human prior to John was greater
His Calling Matthew 11:9-11 The Christian is greater than John because we have the full gospel message A Christian achieves greatness as he fulfills God’s calling on his life
Faithful Matthew 11:12-15 Matthew 11:12 is confusing in most English versions because it is difficult to translate Alternative: . . .the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and vigorous men lay hold of it . . .
Faithful Matthew 11:12-15 Context: Many people were repenting, but only those with courage, fortitude & determination would repent Being poor in spirit is contrary to human nature - godliness grows by the power of the Holy Spirit
Faithful Matthew 11:12-15 John was faithful to his calling fulfilling the role of Elijah, but he was not the prophet Elijah - John 1:21
The Call and Response Matthew 11:15; Luke 7:29-30 Jesus calls the people to respond to His message Luke 7:29-30 - those who had been baptized by John rejoiced, while those who had not rejected Jesus
Conclusions Are you hesitant about Jesus Christ? Search out the truth to answer your doubts
The marks of greatness in a Christian A truth seeker Strong convictions based on truth Humble Self-disciplined. Recognizes call of God Faithful to God’s call
Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ