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GREATNESS

What Does the Bible Say About Greatness?

The Bible defines greatness differently than the world does. While the world often associates greatness with power, wealth, or status, Scripture teaches that true greatness comes from humility, servanthood, and a heart aligned with God.

True Greatness Comes from Serving Others

🔹 “But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:26-28, NLT)

  • Jesus redefines greatness as humility and service rather than status or power.

The Greatest Commandment

🔹 “Jesus replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37-39, NLT)

  • Greatness in God’s kingdom is measured by love for God and others.

Humility Leads to Greatness

🔹 “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.” (James 4:10, NLT)

  • True greatness comes when we submit to God, and He elevates us in His perfect timing.

Greatness Comes from Obedience to God

🔹 “But the greatest among you must be a servant.” (Matthew 23:11, NLT)

  • Jesus emphasizes that serving others, not seeking power, leads to greatness.

God Looks at the Heart, Not Status

🔹 “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’” (1 Samuel 16:7, NLT)

  • God measures greatness by character, not external achievements.

Greatness Comes from Childlike Faith

🔹 “So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 18:4, NLT)

  • A humble, trusting heart is the key to true greatness.

Seeking First the Kingdom Leads to True Greatness

🔹 “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (Matthew 6:33, NLT)

  • When we prioritize God’s kingdom, He provides all we need for true success.

Enduring in Faith Leads to Eternal Greatness

🔹 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8, NLT)

  • Faithfulness to God leads to eternal rewards and greatness in His kingdom.

True greatness is found in serving others, walking in humility, and putting God first. Jesus Himself, the greatest of all, modeled servanthood and self-sacrifice. If we want to be great, we must follow His example!

God’s Heart on Greatness

God’s view of greatness is radically different from the world’s. While the world measures greatness by success, wealth, power, or influence, God defines it through humility, servanthood, obedience, and love. True greatness in His eyes is about reflecting His character and fulfilling His purpose.

True Greatness Comes from Serving Others

🔹 “But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:26-28, NLT)

  • God’s heart is for His people to serve others with humility, just as Jesus did.

Greatness is Rooted in Humility

🔹 “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6, NLT)
🔹 “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.” (James 4:10, NLT)

  • God elevates those who humble themselves before Him, not those who exalt themselves.

Love is the Mark of True Greatness

🔹 “Jesus replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37-39, NLT)

  • Greatness in God’s kingdom is measured by love for Him and for others.

Greatness is Found in Seeking God First

🔹 “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (Matthew 6:33, NLT)

  • God’s heart is for His people to prioritize His kingdom, knowing He will provide all they need.

Childlike Faith Leads to Greatness

🔹 “So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 18:4, NLT)

  • Greatness in God’s eyes is about trusting Him with childlike faith and humility.

True Greatness Endures Through Faithfulness

🔹 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8, NLT)

  • God’s heart is for His people to remain faithful, knowing that eternal rewards await them.

God’s Desire for Your Greatness

God desires greatness for His people, but His version of greatness is about character, service, faith, and obedience—not personal gain or status. He calls us to walk in humility, serve with love, and seek His kingdom above all else. When we align with His heart, we experience the true greatness He has prepared for us!

Key Scriptures on Greatness

The Bible provides wisdom on true greatness, which is rooted in humility, servanthood, and obedience to God. Here are some key verses that highlight God’s perspective on greatness:

Greatness Comes Through Serving Others

🔹 “But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
— Matthew 20:26-28

Humility Leads to Greatness

🔹 “But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
— Matthew 23:12

🔹 “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
— James 4:6

🔹 “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.”
— James 4:10

Greatness is Found in Seeking God First

🔹 “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”
— Matthew 6:33

Childlike Humility is the Path to Greatness

🔹 “So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.”
— Matthew 18:4

True Greatness is Marked by Love

🔹 “Jesus replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
— Matthew 22:37-39

Faithfulness Leads to Eternal Greatness

🔹 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return.”
— 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Servanthood is the Mark of True Leadership

🔹 “The greatest among you must be a servant.”
— Matthew 23:11

God’s Definition of Success and Greatness

🔹 “This is what the Lord says: ‘Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord, have spoken!’”
— Jeremiah 9:23-24

God’s Standard of Greatness

In God’s eyes, true greatness is not about power, wealth, or status—it is about humility, love, and faithfulness to His calling. When we follow Jesus’ example of serving, loving, and trusting God, we walk in the greatness that truly matters.

Biblical Characters Who Performed with Greatness

The Bible is filled with individuals who displayed greatness, not by worldly standards but through faith, obedience, humility, and service to God. Here are some key figures who exemplified true greatness:

Jesus Christ – The Ultimate Example of Greatness

🔹 Key Verse: “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” — Mark 10:45 (NLT)

  • Jesus redefined greatness by demonstrating humility, servanthood, and sacrifice.

  • His miracles, teachings, and ultimate sacrifice on the cross show the greatest act of love and redemption.

Moses – A Great Leader Who Delivered God’s People

🔹 Key Verse: “There has never been another prophet in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face.” — Deuteronomy 34:10 (NLT)

  • Moses led over two million Israelites out of Egyptian slavery through God’s power.

  • He performed miracles, including parting the Red Sea (Exodus 14).

  • His faith and obedience allowed him to lead despite his initial insecurities.

David – A Man After God’s Own Heart

🔹 Key Verse: “The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” — 1 Samuel 16:7 (NLT)

  • Defeated Goliath as a young shepherd with faith (1 Samuel 17).

  • Became King of Israel, ruling with courage and devotion to God.

  • Wrote most of the Psalms, expressing deep trust in God.

Solomon – The Wisest and Wealthiest King

🔹 Key Verse: “God gave Solomon very great wisdom and understanding, and knowledge as vast as the sands of the seashore.” — 1 Kings 4:29 (NLT)

  • God granted him unmatched wisdom (1 Kings 3:5-14).

  • Built the magnificent Temple of God in Jerusalem (1 Kings 6).

  • Wrote Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon, offering wisdom for generations.

Esther – A Queen Who Saved Her People

🔹 Key Verse: “If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” — Esther 4:14 (NLT)

  • Risked her life by approaching the king to save the Jewish people from genocide.

  • Used her position wisely and courageously to influence a nation.

Paul – A Great Missionary and Apostle

🔹 Key Verse: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.” — 2 Timothy 4:7 (NLT)

  • Transformed from Saul the persecutor to Paul the apostle after encountering Jesus (Acts 9).

  • Traveled over 10,000 miles preaching the Gospel, planting churches.

  • Wrote 13 books of the New Testament, shaping Christian theology.

Joseph – A Leader Who Turned Betrayal into Blessing

🔹 Key Verse: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good.” — Genesis 50:20 (NLT)

  • Overcame betrayal by his brothers and imprisonment in Egypt.

  • Became second-in-command to Pharaoh and saved Egypt from famine.

  • Showed forgiveness and wisdom in leadership.

Nehemiah – A Great Builder and Reformer

🔹 Key Verse: “The God of heaven will help us succeed. We, his servants, will start rebuilding this wall.” — Nehemiah 2:20 (NLT)

  • Led the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls despite opposition.

  • Encouraged the people to remain faithful and strong in God.

Deborah – A Judge and Warrior Who Led with Wisdom

🔹 Key Verse: “Rise up, O Deborah! Rise up and sing a song!” — Judges 5:12 (NLT)

  • Only female judge in Israel, known for wisdom and courage.

  • Led victorious battles against Israel’s enemies.

Daniel – A Man of Integrity and Great Influence

🔹 Key Verse: “But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king.” — Daniel 1:8 (NLT)

  • Remained faithful to God in a corrupt kingdom.

  • Interpreted dreams and visions for kings.

  • Was saved from the lion’s den due to his unwavering faith (Daniel 6).

What Makes Someone Great in God’s Eyes?

📌 True greatness comes from:
✅ Faithfulness to God (Matthew 6:33)
✅ Serving others (Mark 10:45)
✅ Humility (James 4:10)
✅ Obedience to God’s calling (2 Timothy 4:7)
✅ Trusting in God’s wisdom (Proverbs 3:5-6)

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