The “Greatness” Which The World Does Not Know

Introduction:

* To be “Great”, usually refers to someone or some institution who have extraordinary achievements or who has accomplished astonishing feats.

* Every man search for “greatness” in his definition or personal proportion.

* Human Greatness always captivates the human heart.

* Yet essentially, human greatness doesn’t last. The standard of “greatness” often changes also.

* Human greatness can never be seen as great, because of SIN.

* Yet, the Bible speaks about a “greatness” which pleases God and could last forever.

Read <Mat 18:1-6>

1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. 3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of (Or humbles himself like) this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. 6 “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.

What is it to be like little children?

* Some misunderstood that to mean simple and naive, or not to have too much Bible knowledge.

* A child is one with almost absolute confidence and faith in his parents.

* So being childlike is to believe absolutely in what God said after knowing Him.

* Be careful of being smart in our own eyes, or in the eyes of the world.

How to have a childlike faith toward God?

* It is not by human effort or attempt where we could possess a childlike faith.

* It is by the work of the Holy Spirit – To change to become.

And upon whom does this work of transformation (renewal) come?

* Jesus said: “whoever humbles himself like this child…

* The person who hears the word of God and humbly obeys it.

What should we do for someone whom the Lord sees as great?

* Welcome him in Christ name.

* Be very careful not to stumble him.

* <Mat 18:7> 7 Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come!

Read <Mat 18:8-9>

8 If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.

1) There must be intentional holdback to sinning, even if it means sacrificing.

2) Live a new way of life in Christ.

3) Humility before God, and admiration of Christ greatness will help us overcome sin.