God's Measure Of Our Humility Series

GOD’S MEASURE OF OUR HUMILITY

Please open your Bible to Matthew 18 as we continue our series with today’s message, “God’s Measure of our Humility.” As I have said several times, this series is very important. With each passing day, we are drawing closer and closer to the Judgment Seat of Christ, where the Lord will measure our lives not to condemn us, or to shame us, but to reward us with great rewards. On that day, He will search every part of our lives looking for anything good that He can find to reward us, and one of the things that He will most certainly be looking to reward… is our humility.

Matthew 18:1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" 2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them,

3 and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. NKJV

THE GREATEST IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN...

I want to begin by pointing out there are two versions of greatness in God’s kingdom.

First, in God’s eyes, everyone in His kingdom is considered great. Not because of what we have done, but because trusted in the of the finished work of Jesus Christ at the cross. We are great in His kingdom because we He has made us perfect and clothed with His robe of greatness.

Second, in addition to being great, Jesus also said there will be those who are called the greatest in His kingdom. The big question is, how can we become great in God’s kingdom? How can prove we are trustworthy to be rewarded with greater responsivities and privileges in God’s kingdom? That’s what the judgment seat of Christ is all about.

In Matthew 5:12 Jesus said great will be your reward in heaven when you are persecuted for your faith in Him.

In Matthew 5:19 Jesus also said that whosoever teaches and lives by God's commandments will also be called great in God’s kingdom. So, here are 2 things Jesus said would make us greater in His Kingdom.

But in Matthew 18:4, Jesus said… …whoever humbles himself as this little child is (not just great, but) the greatest... in the kingdom of heaven.

Do you see the difference? Humbleness is a direct line to greatness in His kingdom.

He who is humble in spirit, humble in childlike faith to trust God, and love God, is called the greatest in God’s kingdom. Humbleness is very important to God.

THE MEASURE OF HUMBLENESS

What does it mean to be humble? In one of the great paradoxes in the Bible, Jesus said… Matthew 23:11 he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. NKJV

What a paradox! Greatness in God’s kingdom is not measured by earthly power and might,

but by our faithful service to Jesus Christ. The world mocks the idea that being a lowly servant leads to eternal greatness. That’s because the world measures greatness by fame, riches and power. But none of these things will ever bring greatness in God’s kingdom. Jesus said if you truly desire to be the greatest in His kingdom you must choose the heart of a humble servant. You must choose humbleness...

THE FIRST STEP OF HUMBLENESS

The first step of humbleness that leads to eternal greatness is to turn from the ways of the world, and humbly submit yourself to God and His ways. We are to turn from pursuing the corrupt ways of the world, to pursue godly and righteous living. That’s the first step. We must stop thinking like the world and be focused on Jesus Christ. We must stop chasing the American dream and be focused on the eternal dream found only in Jesus Christ.

HUMBLENESS IS NOT…

Humbleness that leads to greatness in God's kingdom is not determined by your position of earthly power and authority, but by serving others in the name of Jesus Christ. Greatness in heaven is NOT determined by our greatness on earth. You can be the greatest and most powerful person on earth, and still have the lowest position in heaven. That’s why only humbleness leads to greatness in God’s kingdom.

The world scorns humility because the attitude of the world is to place yourself above others. That’s not Biblical humbleness; that’s pride and arrogance.

Those who are proud and arrogant are self-centered and self-serving.

Pride and arrogance says I know better than God, which is how most of the world thinks…

Pride will destroy your walk with God, and does not lead to greatness in God’s kingdom.