Topic: “TRUE GREATNESS” [Church of God Mission International] Above Only Daily Devotional 25 September 2022
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CGMI ADULT SUNDAY MANUAL
DATE:
SUNDAY 25th SEPTEMBER 2022
HYMN:
S,S & S 237 “ROCK OF AGES CLEFT FOR ME…”
TOPIC:
“TRUE GREATNESS”
TEXT:
Matt 20:25-28; Lk 12:1-21
CENTRAL THOUGHT:
TRUE GREATNESS LIES IN THE QUALITY OF SERVICE ONE RENDERS TO GOD AND MAN
INTRODUCTION:
Every human being on earth desires to be seen as great. We all want to be applauded for who we are and what we have. We like to parade our titles and declare our worth and importance before men.
Indeed, we want to be adjudged to be above the normal average in performance both in quatity or quality in every area of life endeavour. This is the world view or perception of greatness. However, God’s measure of greatness is significantly different from the standard set by the world.
From God’s word, we see greatness defined by the quality and quantity of Service one render to God and humanity. To be truly great therefore, one must be a humble servant of God.
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
The objectives of this study are to:
- To explain the term ‘Greatness’
- Examine how our Lord Jesus Christ manifest true greatness
- Discuss what is expected of believers arising from Christ’s example
- Mention the hinderances to true greatness and
- Highlights the benefits of true greatness
BIBLE TRUTH:
QUESTION 1A
WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY THE TERM “GREATNESS” ?
The word “greatness” derives from the adjective “great” which speaks of something that is extremely good in ability and therefore admire by people. This greatness can be manifested in different life settings such as music, business, academic or scholarship, preaching/teaching, sports e.t.c. Thus, everyone wants to manifest greatness in one area or the other and be so recognized or admire in that particular area, and dominating others who are less endowed more than him. He tends to exercise rulership over others on account of his privileged endowment
QUESTION 1B
HOW IS THE ABOVE EXPLANATION DIFFERENT FROM BIBLICAL DEFINITION OF GREATNESS ? (Matt 20:24-28)
From the scriptural text above, biblical greatness is measured by the quality and quantity of Service one render to God in humility. It is using one’s gifts, talents, skills, wealth, status and other endowments to serve God and humanity. Only those who appreciate the fact that their status in society, talents and wealth are derived from God and utilize these advantages for kingdom advancement are truly great
Also Read: Open Heaven SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25TH 2022 – Topic: FROM PROPHECY TO DECREE
QUESTION 2A.
HOW DID JESUS MANIFEST TRUE GREATNESS?
Our Lord Jesus Christ came to this world with the full complement of His divine power and authority. He could have fully dominated the whole human race given the amount of power he wielded. Instead, He lived the life of humility and Service to His creatures. He showed that by ;
I. Washing the feet of His disciples (Jn 13:1-17), a function reserved for slaves or servants in the house
II. He healed lepers, blind and others of their disabilities (Acts 10:38),
III. He tried to please the civil authorities of His day by paying tax even when He was legally exempted from such responsibility (Matt 17:24-27)
IV. He fed the hungry (Mk 6:39-44). This, though Jesus was God, He served the people He created and did not wait to be served. This is true greatness
QUESTION 2B.
WHAT IS EXPECTED OF BELIEVERS ARISING FROM OUR LORD’S EXAMPLE ?
Our Lord Jesus Christ lifestyle should be an example for believers to follow:
I. We must diligently serve in any area of our calling either in the secular or spiritual spheres. We should live above board and not be found wanting (Dan 6:2-4)
II. As believers in Christ we should see whatsoever work we do both in civil or spiritual realms as service unto God (Col 3:27) who alone rewards faithfulness (1Cor 15:58)
III. Believers should labour to edify or bless others (2Cor 12:19)
IV. Like Christ, we should be compassionate and loving towards others (2Pt 3:8)
QUESTION 3
WHY WAS JOHN THE BAPTIST CONSIDERED A GREAT MAN ? (Lk 7:18-30; Matt 3:1-17)
John the Baptist was born to herald the coming of the Messiah and to introduce Him to the world. This he did with all sense of humility. From his solitary abode in the wilderness, he led the big and mighty in the religious world to repentance. His message was blunt and unadulterated. His high sense of humility showed up when he initially declined to baptise the Lord Jesus at River Jordan. He felt unworthy to baptise Him but later performed this duty as a mark of obedience to the Lord Jesus. John the Baptist was truly great. He fulfilled God’s purpose for his life.
QUESTION 4
WHAT ARE THE HINDERANCES TO TRUE GREATNESS ?
The Lord Jesus Christ left us a good example of a personality that was truly great (Phil 2:5-9). One basic hindrance to true greatness is pride. The rich fool took pride in his accomplishments and lost the opportunity to be great (Lk 12:19-20). Another hindrance to true greatness is refusal to accord God His due glory in our lives. Herod the king suffered a humiliating death at the peak of his glory (Acts 12:20-23). Lack of discipline can hinder one from true greatness. Though Samson was anointed to be great, his lack of moral discipline made him to die with his enemies (Judges 14:1-3; 16:1). Also lack of knowledge of God’s word can hinder a believer from attaining true greatness (2Tim 2:15-16). Above all, anyone living a sinful life style cannot be truly great.
QUESTION 5.
HIGHLIGHTS THE BENEFITS OF TRUE GREATNESS
Any believer who attain true greatness as shown in the life of Christ must be blessed. He certainly will be rewarded by God in this life (1Cor 15:58). He will be a vessel unto honour that will be qualified for the master’s use (2Tim 2:20-21). True greatness makes the believer a role model that is worthy of emulation. He will be a positive reference point.
Above all, he will be welcomed into the joy of the Lord on the last day.
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION
Greatness in the Bible was never determined by how much money someone had or how much influence or power he wielded in the society. It was not about the title one possessed. Scriptural greatness is all about how much impact one made in the life of others through humble and obedient service to God and humanity. It is sad to note that today, many believers cherish worldly greatness and popularity instead of pursuit of their Godly calling. No wonder some believers have left their calling in search of fame and money. May God help us all to pursue true greatness.
MEMORY VERSE
Luke 22:27
“For whether [is] greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? [is] not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.”
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