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INTRO
The disciples struggle with greatness and humility
Their heart showed a lack of maturity
Moving Toward Maturity
The preceding verses
The suffering of Jesus.
His death on the cross
What is true greatness?
Our Position in Christ – vv. 46-48
Wrong Thinking – Emphasis on Receiving
Special favor/blessings from the Lord
Authority due to position
Right Thinking – Emphasis on Serving
For the benefit of others
Sacrifice and self-denial
As we serve, we receive
Our Ministry for Christ – vv. 49-50
There is too much “I” in ministry
Popularity, prestige
Clicks, likes, views
The issue is the heart
The disciples heart… they are not one of us
It appears they were bothered that credit was going to someone else
The other person (casting out demons) – They might not been a disciple, but their heart was sincere
Jesus did not rebuke them
because he does not follow with us. It is ironic that John, who came to be known as “the apostle of love,” would be the one to raise this objection (see note on v. 54). John came to see that only legitimate tests of another person’s ministry are the test of doctrine (1 John 4:1–3; 2 John 7–11) and the test of morals (1 John 2:4–6, 29; 3:4–12; 4:5, 20; cf. Matt. 7:16). This man would have passed both tests, but John was inclined to reject him because of his group affiliation. JOHN F. MACARTHUR JR., THE MACARTHUR BIBLE COMMENTARY (NASHVILLE: THOMAS NELSON, 2005), LK 9:49.
The Bible is clear on false teachers, angles of dark (Those that falsely claim to be Christians)
Perversion of the truth
We need to take this very serious.
1 John 4:1, Matthew 7:15, 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, 2 Timothy 4:3-4, 2 Peter 2:1-3, 1 Timothy 6:3-5
In these verses it appears to be someone that has a real heart for the Lord.
We need to work with people as long as we can for the sake of the Gospel, BUT NEVER COMPROMISE TRUTH IN THE PROCESS
I ask myself this question… Do I think they are true believers?
I do not need to worry about how everyone else is pastoring. I need to focus on who God has called me to shepherd.
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