Introduction:
The Lord’s philosophy is in reverse with the world’s philosophy. To be great in the world is to put importance on oneself. In the eyes of the world, you are great based on the position or title that preceeds or follows your name. You may be a lawyer, an engineer, a doctor, and that makes you great according to the world’s standard. The world’s value system runs dramatically opposite to the system of God. This present world being controlled by Satan is being ruled by categorical pride. Because of this world’s value system, pride is a must and worldly pride demands that you enter into this system before you can be accepted, applauded and respected. This is satan’s spirit that controls this world the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and pride of life. (1 John 2:16).
The Lord’s value system in His Kingdom for greatness is the total opposite of what we have known in this Satan - controlled world. Since the very beginning even during the old testament times, when a man was introduced, he is always known by what he does. In 1 Kings 3:11, Elisha was introduced as the "pourer of water" on Elijah’s hand. Here, he was destined to become a prophet of God, but he was not introduced like the people of today as doctor of divinity, doctor, attorney, engineer, etc. In the Lord’s Kingdom, you are known by what you do as service.
The 4 outlines of How To Become Great in God’s Kingdom:
Service. (Luke 22:24-27)
In the Kingdom of God, we are not only spectators but participants. We must have service in the Kingdom. Each of us have been called to have a special ministry in the body of Christ. Here we don’t worry about ranks and status but focus on our service to God.
Humility. (John 13:12-17; Luke 14:11)
It is putting away all importance from yourself and giving all the importance to the Lord and His will. It is not condescension. It is putting all the importance on the value system of God’s Kingdom.
Total obedience to His commandments. (Matt. 5:19-20)
We must have unconditional obedience to the will of God. It is also called absolute obedience which is a sign that the Kingdom of God is now among His people. Total obedience is being wise in God’s sight. (Matt.7:24-25). Total obedience to God assures us of His abundant blessings. (Deut. 28)What about the disobedient? God calls them liars and no truth is in them according to 1 John 2:3-6. Also the Lord calls them foolish. (Matt. 7:26-27)
Filled with the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-26)
The Holy Spirit of God gives us Spiritual fruit. The 9 fruit of the spirit will be manifested in us in order for us to be able to minister to others. We can do this only through the power of the Holy Spirit working in us. We also receive the gift of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Conclusion:
God’s Kingdom is an entirely different world controlled by His great Spirit. When the Lord prayed "thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven" He is actually saying that the value system of the will of this Kingdom is already in effect in heaven and He wants this rule to be present in this world also. It can only be done when there are people who are willing to come out of this world’s system and accept and submit themselves to the value system of this Kingdom which is God’s Kingdom and He sits there as King and ruler over His people.
By: PASTOR APOLLO C QUIBOLOY
