Love Does Not Boast- Eliminating The Me Monster Series

Love does not boast, or to put it another way, love does not brag.INTRODUCTION

- As we continue to learn to love better, the focus of the thing we need to work on in order to be able to love better is getting a handle on the issue of boasting.

- Love does not boast or put another way, love does not brag.

SLIDE 1 (AI TITLE)

- When we have a boastful attitude in life, we tend top make everything about ourselves, we become a Me Monster.

- As Arron Chambers says in his book, Love Better, Me Monsters kill love.

- Me Monsters cannot love others better because they are only in it for themselves.

- If we are Me Monsters, evangelism is a lost cause.

- We must be careful not to make life about ourselves or we will become the Me Monster.

- In 1 Corinthians 13:4, we are told that love does not brag (or boast).

- What does it mean that love does not brag or boast?

- The Greek word translated as “brag” or “boast” is a verb derived from the Greek root, which means to boast or to vaunt oneself.

- In the context of this verse, it’s used to describe how love behaves—it doesn’t boast or draw attention to itself arrogantly.

- It’s a humble kind of love.

- The word suggests a kind of self-promotion or displaying oneself as superior.

- It’s not just about making claims; it’s about an attitude that seeks to elevate oneself above others, often at their expense.

- The issue of love not bragging is tied to what we will deal with next week when we deal with arrogance.

- In the context of love, true love doesn't seek to exalt itself over others.

- It's not about self-glorification or seeking attention.

- Instead, love focuses on the well-being and honor of the other person.

- It's a humble, self-giving the kind of love that doesn't try to overshadow or outdo others.

- In the Gospel of Mark, Chapter 10, verses 35 to 45, we find the story of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, making a bold request to Jesus.

- They ask to sit at his right and left sides in glory.

- This passage is rich with historical and contextual significance that sheds light on the dynamics of the disciples, Jesus’ teachings, and the socio-political environment of the time.

- We will touch on this thought in the message today.

- The request for places of honor indicates their anticipation of political positions in this new order.

- Implications for Early Christian Communities: This passage would have served as an instructive narrative for the early Christian communities grappling with leadership, authority, and service issues.

- It highlights a model of servant leadership that was radical for the time and remains influential.

- Overall, Mark 10:35-45 not only provides insight into the mindset of Jesus’s followers but also serves as a key teaching moment, illustrating the upside-down nature of God’s kingdom compared to worldly expectations.

- This passage encourages a reevaluation of power and success in light of the servant model presented by Jesus.

- Let’s turn to our passage together.

BIBLE SLIDES (VERSES 35-40, 3 SLIDES)

Mark 10:35–40 NET 2nd ed.

35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him and said, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask.”

36 He said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?”

37 They said to him, “Permit one of us to sit at your right hand and the other at your left in your glory.”

38 But Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I experience?”

39 They said to him, “We are able.” Then Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink, and you will be baptized with the baptism I experience,

40 but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give. It is for those for whom it has been prepared.”

SLIDE #2 (POINT 1)

SERMON

I. The Me Monster Seeks Personal Glory.

- When the Me Monster rears its ugly head, everything becomes about me.

- Historical Overview of Disciples: James and John, known as the “Sons of Thunder,” were among Jesus’s closest disciples.

- Their familial ties, along with their personalities, may have emboldened them to make such a request.

- They were part of Jesus’ inner circle, which included Peter, and were present at key moments of Jesus’ ministry.

- For context, Mark 10:35-45 occurred during the later Perean ministry of Jesus.

- The events in the later Perean ministry happened between December 29 A.D. and early 30 A.D., not too far from when Jesus would be crucified.