02-05-06 The Greatest Are the Servants

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RELATIONSHIP PRINCIPLES OF JESUS

THE GREATEST ARE THE SERVANTS:
Demonstrating Care in Our Relationships

Deacon Ordination Service: the word deacon means attendant, waiter or servant.

Acts 6:1-5
But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. Those who spoke Greek complained against those who spoke Hebrew, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food. 2So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers.
"We apostles should spend our time preaching and teaching the word of God, not administering a food program," they said. 3"Now look around among yourselves, brothers, and select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. We will put them in charge of this business. 4Then we can spend our time in prayer and preaching and teaching the word."
5This idea pleased the whole group,

Relationship Principle #5:
THE GREATEST ARE THE SERVANTS: Demonstrating Care in Our Relationships

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. 43Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:42-45 (NIV)


“The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Matthew 23:11-12

True Servants Demonstrate C.A.R.E. through Humble Acts of Service and Submission.

What does it mean to be humble?
What is Humility?

Philip. 2:5-8
Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. 6Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God. 7He made himself nothing; he took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form. 8And in human form he obediently humbled himself even further by dying a criminal's death on a cross.


Everyday we face the simple test of greatness (check one):

r Exalt yourself

r Humble yourself

If I desire to be a Servant who truly cares,

1. HOW DOES HUMILITY IN ME HANDLE MY TENDENCY TO Compare?

“But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ … For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Luke 14:10-11

Exalt yourself: Get the UPPER HAND.

Humble yourself: Take the LOWEST PLACE

Remember: Humility is not seeing ourselves as less important, it is seeing others as more important.


“Take the lowest seat” What does that mean in everyday life – and how do you do this? The seats at the banquets were not places of responsibility, but of honor. The advice behind this parable:

DON’T WASTE TIME WORRYING ABOUT HONOR!

LIVE YOUR LIFE FOR AN AUDIENCE OF ONE!


2. HOW DOES HUMILITY IN ME HANDLE Ambition?

“Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:4

The disciples were arguing about which of them would be the greatest. Jesus taught them a very important lesson:

Let humility manage your ambition.


1. Whoever humbles himself like this child

Humility means dependence on God.

2. Unless you change and become like children

Humility means asking God for what you need.

3. HOW HUMILITY IN ME HANDLE MY DESIRE FOR Recognition?

“The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Matthew 23:11-12

Exalt yourself: You NEED other’s notice

DON’T be like the Pharisees, Jesus said:

“Everything they do is done for men to see…”

“they make their phylacteries wide…”
The Love of SYMBOLS

“they love the places of honor at banquets…”
The Love of RECOGNITION

“they love… to have men call them ‘Rabbi’”
The Love of TITLES

Humble yourself: You notice other’s NEEDS.



4. HOW DOES HUMILITY IN ME HANDLE THE REALITY OF MY Election?( Luke 18:9-14)

Two Pray-ers

• The Pharisee

• The Tax Collector

Two Prayers

• “God, I thank You that I am not like all other men – robbers, evildoers, adulterers – or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.”

• “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

Exalt yourself: Do it YOURSELF!

Three signs of “do it yourself” religion…

1. CONFIDENT in yourself

“… confident of their own righteousness…”

2. CONDEMNING of others

“… looked down on everyone else…”

3. CONCERNED with externals

“… I fast… I tithe…”


Humble yourself: Trust God

In order tot rust God you must recognize:

1. Who YOU really are

2. Who GOD really is

“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.” 1 Peter 5:5-6


HUMILITY IS THE MARK OF GREATNESS!

YOUR CARE FOR OTHERS IS THE MEASURE OF YOUR GREATNESS!

“Now came an argument among them as to which of them would be greatest (in the coming Kingdom)! But Jesus knew their thoughts, so He stood a little child beside Him and said to them, ‘Anyone who takes care of a little child like this is caring for Me! And whoever cares for Me is caring for God who sent Me. Your care for others is the measure of your greatness.’” Luke 9:46-48 (TLB)