A Rumbling In The Ranks
Mark 9:33-50
Intro: Tonight I want to look at a portion of scripture found in Mark, mostly the latter half of the chapter. It is evident when we glance at this that we immediately notice the disciples were human. They were definitely filled with feelings of ambition and feelings we often experience ourselves.
Let us understand tonight that we are all creatures of weakness, and often succumb to our human frailties and at times no doubt potentially hinder the work of Christ.
Let us all determine in our hearts that we will ever hold up the work of Christ supreme in our hearts and devotion. That we will always encourage His work that it might prosper against the cause of Satan.
First let me deal with the first of four major questions I want to ask…
Who shall be greatest????
Is it…
One who gives the most money???
The widow who gave two mites
One who serves the longest?????
Parable of Laborers of the Vineyard - Mark 20:1-11
One who is oldest???
Christ calls for childlike obedience/innocence
One who lords it over others?
No - servant is first
We also see the disciples feelings about others, which gives the question…
Should everyone see it our way????
We are not all of the same group - vs. 38
We can still be on the same side even if we are on a different group
We need to be careful and forbid them not
Every part is important - vs 41
One item Christ stopped to get their attention, and we ask…
Is it important that we avoid offending God’s "little ones?" - vs. 42
His little ones are Christians that are young in years
His little ones are Christians that are young in Christianity
We are warned to be careful!
And the fourth question that jumps out to me…
How much do we really listen to Him and His word? - vs. 50
We see in 10:13, the disciples still wanted to control those around Christ
In closing…
Let us hear some points Christ made while talking to His followers…
We are to serve each other - vs. 35
We should be willing to accept His younger members - vs. 37
We should not hurt others’ efforts for Christ - vs. 38
We should not discourage other workers - vs. 39
We should have peace with one another - vs. 50
Gary Marcum - East 38th Street Free Will Baptist - 120300pm