A Case For Truth
Wisdom From Above
September 26, 2021
Rev. Gabe Sylvia
To be great in God's kingdom is to imitate Paul by living humbly and beholden to God's work and Word, enduring suffering and scorn, and putting others first rather than pursuing worldly fame or fortune.
Summary
Using the common childhood aspiration for greatness as a contrast, the sermon points to Paul's command in 1 Corinthians (notably 4:16) to 'imitate me' and shows how true kingdom greatness flips worldly values: apostles are weak, hungry, working with their hands, reviled yet blessing, persecuted yet enduring—seen as the scum of the world. To be great in God’s sight we must live under the authority of Scripture, acknowledge we have received everything from God, and embrace being 'last'—letting God, the church, and others go first—rather than assuming spiritual self-sufficiency or chasing fame and fortune.
Key Points
- Opening contrast: most people (and children) imagine greatness as fame or success, but that is not kingdom greatness.
- Paul’s command (1 Cor. 4:16): "Be imitators of me" — his life models what Christian greatness looks like.
- Paul’s example: weakness, hunger, manual labor, blessing when reviled, endurance under persecution, being treated as the scum of the world.
- Kingdom greatness requires living under the authority of God's Word and recognizing all we have is received from God (we are beholden to God’s work).
- To be great in God's kingdom is to be last: put God first, the church and others before yourself, and accept lowly, humiliating circumstances when called.
- Practical contrast: stop assuming spiritual arrival or crediting yourself; embrace humility, service, and endurance instead of seeking worldly recognition.
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