OH Lord It’s Hard To Be Humble (Lesson Two of Three)

We like to use our own standards when we measure greatness and more times, than not our standards and God’s standards are different.

This series look at Christ-like humility

Luke 9:46-50 NASB

(46)  An argument started among them as to which of them might be the greatest.

(47)  But Jesus, knowing what they were thinking in their heart, took a child and stood him by His side,

(48)  and said to them, "Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me; for the one who is least among all of you, this is the one who is great."

(49)  John answered and said, "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name; and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow along with us."

(50)  But Jesus said to him, "Do not hinder him; for he who is not against you is for you."

A person with Christ-like Humility ministers to those who are insignificant.  Jesus knew all about the argument.  I cannot help but picture it like kids fighting in the back seat of the car.

Jesus brings a child by his side, why a child?  A child has no status, power, or influence.  A child in the world’s eyes is insignificant.

Jesus is telling us to focus on helping and ministering to those who the world labels insignificant.  Many times churches have no problem welcoming the wealthy and turn their noses at the unemployed or uneducated.

Remember, Jesus said the least would be the greatest.  

OH Lord It’s Hard To Be Humble (Lesson One of Three)

We like to use our own standards when we measure greatness and more times, than not our standards and God’s standards are different.

This series looks at Christ-like humility

Luke 9:46-50 NASB

(46)  An argument started among them as to which of them might be the greatest.

(47)  But Jesus, knowing what they were thinking in their heart, took a child and stood him by His side,

(48)  and said to them, "Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me; for the one who is least among all of you, this is the one who is great."

(49)  John answered and said, "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name; and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow along with us."

(50)  But Jesus said to him, "Do not hinder him; for he who is not against you is for you."

A person with Christ-like Humility doesn’t think about his status or position.  An argument took place.  One may have said, “Well I’m the one Jesus loves”.  Another might have said, “It’s me I take care of all the money”.  Can’t you just one saying, “It has to be me because I am the one taking careful notes”.

They all envisioned Jesus as ruler and wanted to know who was going to be the vice-president.  These same things can happen today if we are not careful.  We might find ourselves saying, “I’m the Sunday school teacher and I do more than anybody”.  “I know I do more as Deacon than anybody else”.  “As pastor, I should be catered to what would these people do without me”?  “I am the one that takes care of the dinners and we couldn’t have full-fellowship if I did do the planning”.  Church ministries always function better when no one cares who gets the credit.

The Perfect Storm (Lesson Two)

In October of 1991 a storm stronger than any in recorded history hit the coast off of Gloucester, Massachusetts.  Boats encountered waves of 100 feet.

The Sea of Galilee is mostly peaceful but at times the surrounding mountains act like a funnel.  Cold winds crash into hot air rising off the water, producing storms.  Jesus and the Disciples set sail for the other side heading toward a Perfect Storm. 

Many times in our lives, things line up and produce a Perfect Storm.  We need to exercise faith no matter what the circumstances.

Luke 8:22-25 NASB

(22)  Now on one of those days Jesus and His disciples got into a boat, and He said to them, "Let us go over to the other side of the lake." So they launched out.

(23)  But as they were sailing along He fell asleep; and a fierce gale of wind descended on the lake, and they began to be swamped and to be in danger.

(24)  They came to Jesus and woke Him up, saying, "Master, Master, we are perishing!" And He got up and rebuked the wind and the surging waves, and they stopped, and it became calm.

(25)  And He said to them, "Where is your faith?" They were fearful and amazed, saying to one another, "Who then is this, that He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him?"

Last week we looked at everyone involved.  This week, we will explore the principles learned. 

Following the Lord is not a safeguard against trials and tribulations.  We never know what any 24-hour period holds.  One phone call, one doctor’s visit, one storm and we are left devastated and depressed.

There was no one like Job and yet he faced trials and tribulations.  Joseph’s brothers after mistreating him sold him into slavery taking him away from his home and family.

John 16:33  "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."

Trusting the Lord glorifies Him.  Abraham fully believed in God and it pleased God.  God is always pleased when his children maintain faith in His Word.

Hebrews 11:6  And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

Christ is worthy of worship whether He calms our storms or not.  Sometimes he calms the storms.  Sometimes he calms our hearts in the midst of the storm.

How is your faith? 

Ask Him now to strengthen your faith in the mist of the storm.

The Perfect Storm (Lesson One)

In October of 1991 a storm stronger than any in recorded history hit the coast off of Gloucester, Massachusetts.  Boats encountered waves of 100 feet.

The Sea of Galilee is mostly peaceful but at times the surrounding mountains act like a funnel.  Cold winds crash into hot air rising off the water, producing storms.  Jesus and the Disciples set sail for the other side heading toward a Perfect Storm. 

Many times in our lives, things line up and produce a Perfect Storm.  We need to exercise faith no matter what the circumstances.

Luke 8:22-25 NASB

(22)  Now on one of those days Jesus and His disciples got into a boat, and He said to them, "Let us go over to the other side of the lake." So they launched out.

(23)  But as they were sailing along He fell asleep; and a fierce gale of wind descended on the lake, and they began to be swamped and to be in danger.

(24)  They came to Jesus and woke Him up, saying, "Master, Master, we are perishing!" And He got up and rebuked the wind and the surging waves, and they stopped, and it became calm.

(25)  And He said to them, "Where is your faith?" They were fearful and amazed, saying to one another, "Who then is this, that He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him?"

In any circumstance, we must look at everyone involved.  In this instance, we have Jesus and the disciples. 

Jesus possessed sovereign authority.  He spoke peace be still.  He responded to human desperation.  These men were fishermen.  How many storms had they been in before?  This must have been a huge storm.  Lastly, we see Jesus confronting fear and faithlessness.  Jesus asked, how can you be afraid when I’m in the boat?

The Disciples were devoted followers.  Yet Jesus asks them where their faith is?  Times of crisis clouds our thinking and puts our faith to the test.  On one hand they believed in the Lord’s ability to rescue them.  On the other hand, they questioned if He even cared.  How could he sleep when they were going to die?

How is your faith?  

Non-existent, Weak, Mediocre, Growing, Strong, Fantastic.

Now that we have explored everyone involved, next week we will look at the principles learned.