Matt

What Does It Take To be Great Where It Counts?
Matt. 18:1-14

INTRO: Who shall be great in heaven? This was a question on the disciples minds. No doubt there was at least a bit of jealousy and envy in their minds. No doubt many of them wanted to be the boss. No doubt some wanted more of Christ's attention than others. It was getting to be rather political. Maybe there was bragging and posturing, positioning to outdo the others. So finally they just came out and asked Christ…Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? Well, Christ told them. I am not sure it was what they expected. Let us look today at His reasoning.

First let us consider…

Many wrong ideas of what is great…

People with money (Rockerfeller, Vanderbilt, Gates, etc.)

People with influence (Politicians, statesmen, heroes, etc.)

People that are smart (Einstein, scientists, etc.)

People that are talented (artistic, athletically, or academically)

People that are in a position (by birth or accomplishment)

People that are strong (physically, politically and mentally)

People that control others (Presidents, CEOs, Generals, Admirals, Dictators, etc.)

People that are ruthless (Hitler, Genghis Kahn, Stalin)

While we are looking at these wrong ideas, let us have…

Just a glimpse of what will happen to some of these in the future…

Rev. 6:15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;

16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:

17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
It is easy to see that many will trade their souls for greatness in this life, but there is coming a time when they would trade their greatness for salvation, but it will be too late!

Now let us consider…

How much credence did Christ place upon "greatness?" (None)

He called for conversion - not greatness

Letting go of sin

Trusting God not self

More than just religion

Matt. 5: 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

He called for a changing of attitude -vs. 3 - " and become as little children"

Loving

Dependent - (Least)

Pure and innocent

Loyal

Follower

Trusting

He called for our encouraging "little ones" v5

(not only young in age, but in the Lord)
5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
Receiving them

Encouraging them

Not hindering them - vs.6-9

Understanding how much God cares for them

He said they have a hard time getting into heaven

Matt. 19: 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.

They will miss heaven because they are too great in their own eyes.

Are you small enough to trust in Christ today?

Gary Marcum - East 38th Street Free Will Baptist Church - 070900am