What Makes Someone Great

Goal:

To realize that the Incarnation was God's way of coming along side of us and a response to it is required from all men.

Scripture Basis:

Gen 15:6, James 2:21, Dan 6, 9:23 & 10:11, Eccl 12:13-14, Luke 11:28, Ruth 2 & 3, and 2 Cor 8:9

Inclusion Activity:

• Read 2 Cor 8:9

Have you ever desired greatness? If not as an adult, perhaps as a child? Take a minute to fill in the blank in the following sentence.

-> I always wanted to be a great _____________________.

Being considered "great" by people is something many of us strive for. In our work we strive to perform, to gain recognition and reward. In relationships we strive to gain friends, to be liked, appreciated or loved. To be held in high esteem by our friends and family is indeed a noble goal. But I would like to have you think beyond family and friends right now. Think what would it be like to be held in high esteem by the Creator?

The BackDoor:

Each year in January, the President of the United States gives the State of the Union Address. In it he outlines the current state our country is in and what he would like to see done in the coming year. Pretend you have just heard the presidents speech on TV. As part of the closing remarks the president asked Amaerican to do the following 3 things.

1. Be 10% more productive in your work
2. Give 1% of your income to the poor
3. Buy solely American

Now I ask you. Would you do them?

Take a minute now and recall the story of the "president's visit" from Chapter 1. (A Wonderful Purpose) Read it again.

You have been given the opportunity to be introduced to the President of the United States. Being conscious of his superior position, you might decide to allow him to take the initiative in any conversation. You might like to ask all sorts of questions or debate issues with him, but you realize that doing this is matter for him to decide. You might therefore resolve yourself to be content with a simple handshake and formal greeting.

Well the day is here, the introduction occurs but to your surprise, the President gives you a hug rather than a handshake and begins at once to discuss things of importance with you. He tells you he has studied you, values you and cares about you. And if that is not enough he tells you he is coming home with you to spend the week. During the week he experiences how you live. When you go to work, he goes with you. He stands behind you and supports you when you talk to your boss, he shops with you and helps you with your kids. When each day is over he sits down with you and discusses the problems that face the nation. Finally when the week ends you privately see him off at the airport. And to your surprise He invites you to participate in various undertakings he is in control of and asks you to be available for future consultations.

.Now if after this, the president personally asked you to do these three things now would you consider doing them?

Students Teach Students:

Well, the Bible tells us that people can be held in high esteem by God. So let's investigate what it takes for this. Lets look at what it took for the great personages of the Bible to be considered noteworthy enough to be included in the Book.

1. Find out why Abraham was considered "righteous" by God. (Gen 15:6)
2. Find out why Daniel was "highly esteemed" by God. (Dan 6, 9:23, 10:11)
3. Find out what Ruth did that was so noteworthy. (Ruth chapter 2)
4. Find out what Solomon concluded was most important (Eccl. 12:13,14)
5. Find out what Jesus said when someone suggested that Mary was blessed for being Jesus mother (Luke 11:28)

General answers are ;

1. Abraham believed God even when it seemed impossible
2. Daniel humbled himself obeyed and prayed openly
3. Ruth humbled herself and acted as a servant
4. Solomon told us to fear God and obey his commands
5. Jesus said, " those who obey God are blessed"

Do we find anything consistent here? Yes, we do.

Key Message: You see, throughout scripture God consistently asks for belief, reverence and obedience. He does not expect us to solve the world's problems for Him. The great persons of the Bible were not great because of their deeds, capabilities or skills, even though their deeds were great and served God's purpose. They were great because of their belief and their obedience. For me the last few verses of Ecclesiastes have become a crisp, clear statement of what God holds in high esteem.

Summary:

God created us and placed us on earth to learn to love Him and while we are here He simply wants us to revere Him and obey Him.

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus, Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross! Phil 2:5-8(NIV