WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM? True Greatness Mark 9:30–50 Ken

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WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM? True Greatness Mark 9:30–50 Ken Lewis, Senior Pastor Lord’s Day, February 14, 2016 I. Greatness Exemplified (9:30-32) Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” II. Greatness Redefined (9:33-37) A. Jesus confronts their prideful hearts (vv. 33-34) B. Jesus contradicts their standard for greatness (vv. 35-37) 1. Radical reversal of roles (v. 35) Mark 10:42–44 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. > Illustrated (vv. 36-37) 2. Radical reversal of values (Matt. 18:1-4) 1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them 3 and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. III. Greatness Displayed (9:38-50) A. Through unity (vv. 38-40) Philippians 1:15–18 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. B. Through hospitality (v. 41)

C. Through purity (vv. 42-50) 1. Don’t cause others to sin (v. 42). 2. Don’t you sin (vv. 43-48). Romans 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Colossians 3:5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 1 Corinthians 9:24–27 24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises selfcontrol in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 3. Don’t loose your influence (v. 49-50). “Unless we maintain the purity of our own lives (plucking our the eye, etc.) and are purified by the flames of testing, and remain faithful to Christ, our life will have no preserving influence on this corrupt world.” - Sinclair Ferguson – Mark, p. 155