CENTRAL THOUGHT
Greatness and promotion come from God.
TEXT: Mark 10:35-45,
Matt. 16:21-23, 18:1-6
INTRODUCTION
Carnality was one of the attitudes displayed by the disciples of Jesus which He seriously condemned. Carnality refers to the Adamic nature of man which can also be defined as worldly, selfish, and fleshly. It also has to do with concern and crave for physical things which perish with usage. In Romans 8:7, Paul talked of the carnal mind as one who walks after the flesh, who cannot submit to the law of God, rather is in enmity against God. In another scripture, Paul referred to it as the sinful natural mind. Whoever is under the control of this kind of mind cannot please God. Man is carnal by nature, but the new birth transforms the carnal man into the image of Christ the Son of the Living God and the mind is renewed by the word of God. A carnal man becomes spiritual when the Holy Spirit of God indwells him. Things of God appear foolish to the carnal mind because they are spiritually discerned, so it can neither understand them nor receive them. (1 Cor. 2:14). The carnal mind is continually in conflict against the Spirit. Paul in Rom. 7:15-19 stated the nature of this conflict when he said “For that which I do, I allow not: for what I would, that do I not: but what I hate that I do. For the good that I would, I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do”.
The conflict can be overcome only by absolute yieldedness to the control of the Spirit of God. “… To whom you yield yourself servant to obey, his servant you are to whom you obey…” Rom. 6:16.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this study are:
- To examine how the disciples displayed carnality.
- To consider Christ’s reaction to the disciples’ carnal desire.
- To know the way God views selfish requests.
- To examine how people scheme to become great.
- To know Biblical pattern of attaining greatness.
BIBLE TRUTH
Q1. HOW DOES THE ARGUMENT OF THE DISCIPLES AND THE REQUEST OF THE SONS OF ZEBEDEE PORTRAY CARNALITY?
Mark 9:33-35, 10:35-37
Jesus’ statement appears to have aroused a crave for position and status among His disciples. They must have believed that one of them would eventually emerge as the head of the ministry should Jesus die.
Peter’s question later, in Mark 10:28 is a revelation of the disciples’ value for earthly positions and possessions. Both Peter’s question and their argument are clear manifestations of carnality. They were so preoccupied with the organization of Jesus’ earthly kingdom that they lost sight of its divine purpose. Instead of seeking a place of service, they busied themselves with seeking positions of advantage. It is easy to lose focus of our eternal perspective and compete for promotions or positions in the church. When ambitions or aspirations push aside service and obedience to God’s word, it becomes sinful. This was evident in the argument of the disciples, as it was a struggle for personal success or achievement. God already promised all these things for the believer. A promise is not a thing to be struggled after, faith and trust in the One who promised, is all it requires to get through. The believer is enjoined to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, the resultant effect is the addition of all these things, greatness, status or position inclusive. It may not be wrong for Christians to aspire to be in higher positions or status, the motive of such aspiration matters. Ambitions and aspirations directed towards the Kingdom of God are safe and indeed recommended.
Q2. EXPLAIN CHRIST’S REACTION TO THE DISCIPLES’ ARGUMENTS.
“Who will be the greatest” was the argument among the disciples. Christ in His reaction did not condemn the desire to be great, but the disciples’ perspective of greatness was CONTRARY TO THE CRITERIA in Christ’s illustration. Christ called a little child to them and told them that the greatest among them should become like a little child.
The humility and trusting nature of children are the characteristics at play here. Children believe and trust their parents for defense, security, provision etc. No wonder, “I will tell my father/mother”, they would say at any little provocation. Experience has also shown that whatever a child becomes in life depends, to a large extent, on the contribution of his/her parents. Christ here shows the difference between greatness in the kingdom of God, (which is true greatness), and the worldly greatness. This true greatness comes as a result of childlike attitude of trust and obedience to God. In addition, Christ taught that the greatest among them must be their servant. Greatness in this case is measured by the quality of service rendered. While the world sees the greatest man as lord, Christ sees he who serves as the greatest. Whatever position God allows us to attain, is for the purpose of service. From Jesus’ perspective, the greatest does not approach life expecting position, honor, or special privilege, he looks instead, for ways to help others i.e. to serve. Human ideas of greatness as can be deduced from the argument of the disciples is contrary to God’s idea as illustrated by Christ. If we submit in humble obedience and complete dependence on God, it will be God’s delight to make us great.
Q3A. HOW REASONABLE WAS THE REQUEST OF JAMES AND JOHN IN MARK 10:35-37?
The request of the two sons of Zebedee portrayed selfishness, self-centeredness, and greed. This is a clear manifestation of carnality. Though they were willing to face trials and persecutions, it was on the basis of the expected benefit of the honor that would accrue to them in Christ’s kingdom. Like other Jews, they expected that Christ would establish an earthly kingdom that would overthrow the Roman government and free Israel from oppression. They had a completely wrong idea of the Messianic kingdom which is not of the world. Contrary to the ideas of the disciples, Christ taught that promotion comes by sacrificially serving others without expecting physical reward.
James and John thought they could influence Jesus into promoting them to the exalted positions at the right and left hand sides of His kingdom.
What position are you holding in the church, your place of work or in your community? How did you get appointed or promoted to the position? Was there no lobbying, giving of “kola” (gratification) or eye service? Promotion comes as a reward for sacrificial service and perseverance in tribulation. “And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God” Zechariah 13:9.
Q3B. HOW DOES CHRIST’S ANSWER IN MARK 10:33 REVEAL THE WAY GOD VIEWS SOME OF THE SELFISH PRAYERS SOME CHRISTIANS OFFER TODAY?
Any selfish prayer cannot meet God’s expectation and He has no pleasure in such prayers. Just as Christ could not grant the selfish request of the disciples, God’s view of our selfish prayer requests cannot be different. Christ taught His disciples to seek the will of God in their prayers and He will not expect less from us. Christ is our perfect example. He did not seek His own but gave His life for others. James, later in his general epistle, clearly identified the reason some of our prayers are not answered (James 4:3). Any prayer request made for the purpose of self, personal pleasure or advantage is “asking amiss” in the sight of God. The motive of a request determines God’s response, not necessarily the demonstration exhibited in the course of the prayer. The principle of seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness as taught by Christ in Matt. 6:33 guarantees God’s response to our prayer request. Some of the selfish requests are borne out of fear and anxiety. Luke 12:21 assures us that it is God’s pleasure to give us the kingdom. If God can give His only son to die for us, what can He not give to us through Him? God cares!
Q4. DISCUSS HOW SOME PEOPLE SCHEME TO BECOME GREAT IN OUR TIME.
Business organizations, institutions, and some individuals measure greatness by personal achievement, as a result, some people have devised various strategies to achieve greatness. In most cases, peoples’ motives for striving for greatness is sensual, so we hear them say “the end justifies the means”. The apostles of this doctrine can go any length to make their money for the purpose of becoming great. To them, honesty and righteous living is meaningless.
Let us consider the following ways some people scheme to achieve greatness.
A. Lying: This is very common in our society today. Some people tell a lot of lies to illegally enrich themselves. Even traders and business men tell lies about the price of their goods and services, in order to make more money. In the church, people run down others for the purpose of securing positions of advantage.
B. False measure: Mostly common in our filling stations, and among grain sellers who want to have an edge over others.
C. Assassination: Some persons kill their opponents to get into position.
D. Kidnapping: It is so frequent today. People hold others hostage demanding thousands of dollars.
E. Human trafficking: People sell other human beings to make money. In addition, people are transported abroad to prostitute to make money.
F. Gimmick and intimidation: This is common among the so called “men of God”. They make pronouncement from the pulpit about their selfish desires and make their innocent congregation believe that God spoke when indeed God has not spoken.
G. Bribery: Offering of money, land and other materials to secure positions.
H. The Sunday school class can mention and discuss other ways.
Q4. WHAT IS THE BIBLICAL PATTERN OF ATTAINING GREATNESS AND PLACE OF HONOR?
Jesus said to His disciples, “But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant” (Matt. 20:26-27). By this statement, Jesus taught His disciples that the greatest person in God’s kingdom is the one who serves others. Authority is given, not for self-importance, ambition or respect, but for useful service to God and humanity. The world system uses others to climb to a place of greatness and honor, “but it shall not be so among you”, instead of using people, we are to serve them. “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted” (Matt. 23:11-12). Christ challenged the societal norms. To Him greatness comes through serving-giving oneself to helping others in humble obedience to God.
What kind of greatness do you seek? Are you ready to humble yourself as a child? Can you still be called brother/sister, when the church has ordained you a Deacon/Deaconess, an Elder, Pastor, Reverend or Bishop? The way up is down!
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION
Paul presented two categories of people in Romans 8:5-6; those who are dominated by the sinful nature and those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit. All of us would have been under the cruel dominion of this sinful nature if Christ didn’t offer Himself as a sacrifice for sin on our behalf.
Once we have said “yes” to Jesus, we must continue to follow Him, because His way brings life and peace. We must consciously choose to center our life on God; use the Bible to discover God’s guideline and follow them. In every discouraging situation, ask yourself.
What would Jesus want me to do? When the Holy Spirit points out what is right, do it eagerly.
MEMORY VERSE
Matthew 18:3
“And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven”.
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
Monday: Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness.
Matt. 6:33, Prov. 21:21, Luke 12:32
Tuesday: Present your body a living sacrifice.
Romans 12:1-2, 6:13
Wednesday: Serve God with gladness.
Ps. 100:1-2, 2 Chron. 30:8
Thursday: Living in the light.
Eph. 5:8-9, Phil. 2:15
Friday: Freedom from the grip of sin.
Rom. 8:1-2
Saturday: Life in the Spirit
Rom. 8:9, 1 Cor. 3:16