1. Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

2. 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)

3. 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.”

4. 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

5. 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

6. Review Luke 7:18-23
When doubts arise, you need to go to the source of truth, the Bible, to find the answers

7. 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

8. 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

9. A Truth Seeker Matthew 11:7
John was not a man who was unsteady or vacillating - yielding to pressure from others

10. 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

11. 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

12. Humble
Humility is the natural outgrowth of being a truth seeker
Pride is a curse against true greatness - John was humble and gained greatness

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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 . . .

18. 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

19. 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

20. The Call and Response Matthew 11:15; Luke 7:29-30
Jesus calls the people to respond to His message
Luke 7: those who had been baptized by John rejoiced, while those who had not rejected Jesus

21. Conclusions
Are you hesitant about Jesus Christ? Search out the truth to answer your doubts

22. 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

23. Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ