Unholy Ambitions

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SERIES DESCRIPTION: In this series on the Book of Mark, Pastor Shawn highlight Jesus as the main attraction. This week, we will explore Mark 9:30-41, as Jesus addresses the unholy ambitions of his followers.

Altar Instructions: Please come up when I begin the sub point entitled “Directed them towards HUMILITY”

Series | The Main Attraction

A-Team Huddle: We are Family

What is the Grace Place Way?

The Grace Place way describes what we desire the culture of TGP to be.

We are Family

My this is why we provide groups for you care and be cared for in.

Because a family cares.

One of the ways we demonstrate CARING…. this is in HOW we serve our family.

This is what families do… we help carry the load of life.

If we see someone serving…. we join in and carry the load.

For Example if Roger is moving… we are moving…

You might say… he is ALWAYS MOVING :) - Well… he wouldn’t be if someone stepped in every time they saw him serve.

This is one of the things I love about TGP - people work hard to carry the load!

Some are better at it than others….

If we see someone grieving… we join in and carry the pain

If we see someone celebrating…. we join in and celebrate.

We are FAMILY!

***I have heard many people NOT just say we are welcoming lately… but they say we FEEL like FAMILY.

I want to brag on Mark & Sandy K

One of the things I often see him do… is welcome people to their lunch table after Church on Sundays… to let them know they care… let them know… they are welcome… let them know they are family.

What can you do today - to represent this value?

POP-CORN

Bring it in…. Lets say WE ARE FAMILY on THREE…

Pre-Message Welcome

Well... we’re so glad to see everyone of you that are here today in person and online.

· My name is Shawn... my wife and I are the Co-Pastors here at The Grace Place.

· Our mission here is simple... it’s to be Caring People... Caring for people.

· We hope you feel cared for... by God in worship & Word and by the people.

Spanish Welcome - 2nd Service ONLY! ***NEW GREETING

A mis amigos hispanos, me-da-gusto.. que vino... a-adorar... con nosotros hoy!

We’re so glad you came to worship... with us today!

Transition: We’re in a series called

Sermon Title | The Main Attraction

We’re going through the book of Mark … and what a Journey we have been on as we have been following Jesus through Marks eye and he make sJesus the Main attraction of every story he writes.

CONTEXT:

Now many of you know we have turned a corner… in the Jesus story… from his early life, miracles, teachings… and now we begin to see watch Jesus… the suffering servant… make his way towards Jerusalem… where he will suffer and die.

The disciples are devastated by the news of his death and have some excitement about the New Kingdom of God…. but still have a of questions.

Which… brings us to our text for today… found in Mark 9:30-41. Feel free to open your bibles or we will have it on the screen for you… Thats Mark Chapter 9… beginning at v. 30 . I’ll be reading from the NIV today.

Mark 9:30-41 NIV

30 They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, 31 because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” 32 But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it.

We notice here that Jesus foretells of his death for the 2nd time in detail.

They have questions… but they are afraid to ask…

Why? Perhaps it was pride… many times pride silences us in the attempt to appear as if we know even when we do not.

Scripture continues in v. 33 and says…

33 They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?”

It appears here rather than asking Jesus about his Death, resurrection… and life New Kingdom… they had been whispered amoung themselves and Jesus knew this… so he ask them… “What are you arguing about?”

What did they do again…v.34 says…

34 But they kept quiet - because on the way - they had argued about who was the greatest.

35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”

36 He took a little child whom he placed among them… Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my-name… does what? welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”

***Encourage people to listen to the Holy Spirit speak to them personally as the message is preached

LETS PRAY

Context:

For clarity…

Matthew’s account of this same story gives us a little more detail about this argument between the disciples…he tells us they are arguing about who will be the greatest in the Future Kingdom Jesus is going to rule.

These guys were quite ambitious… and earthly thinking…. still seeing the Kingdom of God through natural eyes… hoping to live their days of Glory… by ruling taking over the Roman Gov… and seemly even ruling over each other.

Transition: the title of our message today is...

Sermon Title | Unholy Ambitions

Trans

PERSONAL STORY ABOUT AMBITIONS

I remember when I was a young man in ministry training school… called Master’s Commission, and I was full of ambition. The school provided amazing opportunities to young aspiring ministers, and we were often invited to be part of special teams that would travel and preach in churches, youth groups, and conventions all over the US.

Some teams did school assemblies with anti-drug and anti-bullying messages, while others joined the worship team and recorded albums. Many students believed…. that to get noticed and invited onto these teams… you had to shine and stand out. This drove me to work hard and serve everyone around me— that was the path to the top.

This is where Krista and I met and dated. But looking back, I realize my motives weren’t always for the Kingdom. I wanted to be validated, approved, and part of the “cool kids.” I was insecure … and looked to others to tell me who I was.

I had…

Unholy Ambitions

What is Ambition?

The word Ambition means:

A strong desire to do or achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work.

All ambition is not bad…

Ambitions can lead you in a good way beyond your limitations…

They help you contend when you’ve been knocked down.

and Finish strong when you want to give up…

Well… Lets notice a few things that Jesus has to say about AMBITIONS. in our text today… The first thing I want you to notice IN YOUR NOTES is…

Ambitions are DANGEROUS. v.33-34

Yea if we’re not careful … sin will creep in to distort our ambitions… driving us towards selfishness. This is Dangerous

Unbridled ambitions - will feed our greed and Pride… leading us to a life that does NOT please God and hurts others.

We see this beginning in v. 33

As the disciples begin to discuss what life in the Kingdom of God would be like.

Their ambitions seem to get the best of them… as they argue over who will be the top dog.

Ambitions are dangerous…. we have seen this throughout Human History

It leads to the Genocide - the whipping out of entire people groups…

Unholy Ambition leads to the justification of oppression… and the mistreatment of humans … that have been made in the image of God.

Leading people to the mistreatment of family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, companions in the field turn into our competitors… so we try to dominate.

Science calls this… Survival of the fittest… but the bible calls this Selfish Ambition.

Paul had some strong words for his friends in Phil 2:3… he said…

Philippians 2:3 (NIV)

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,

Gods uses Paul to caution this church… and us today… about the dangers of selfish-ambition.

Here are 2 specific reasons that Ambitions are dangerous…

Ambitions are dangerous becuase… IN YOUR NOTES…

Ambition causes DISPUTES. v.33

In v. 33 of our text… and Jesus confronts them… lets look at it together…

this group of guys that are supposed to be following Jesus in UNITY… but Jesus knows their unholy ambitions are getting the best of them…

Jesus ask’s the disciples… what we’re you arguing about?

Now, you would think the disciples would be sobered by the news of Jesus death….

But this is not the case… what are they doing… they argue about who will be the Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Who will be the top dogs… who will be the leader of leaders… they are about to cause the first Church Split.

Selfish- ambition is causing division amount the 12… as they strive to see who will be NUMBER 1 in the Kingdom…

In their unholy-Ambition… they are only worried about themselves.

What might be scripture saying to us today?

I believe Jesus is warning us about the dangers of our ambitions….

When distorted… they are like fuel, driving people to compete, strive, and even step on others to reach the top.

It finds its way into our families.

It will provide the justification you need to:

Leaving a marriage… a friendship… even your family.

It finds it’s way into the church…

We argue over - who’s ministry gets more stage time… who’s is more important… what outreach programs we should or shouldn’t have… what style of music we like or don’t lie… who’s C-group is the best or…

But of course… we would never argue over things like that at our Church…

Here is the big issue

Unholy Ambitions cause… us

to COMPETE rather than COMPLEMENT each other and WAR rather than WORK together

Ambitions are DANGEROUS… Ambition doesn’t just cause disputes… IN YOUR NOTES

Ambitions cause SHAME. v.34a

In Gen. 3… As soon as Adam and Eve sinned… the bible says… the felt shame and hid from God.

When we know we have sinned against someone… it causes Shame and separation.

Shame causes us to hide… to close our heart… to distance ourselves… the small gap begins to get larger and larger until there is a divide so big… it is difficult to cross back over.

This is the danger of this argument that has broken out amount Jesus followers.

They are arguing about who is the greatest… Jesus knows their unholy ambitions are getting the best of them… so he confronts them with the question… WHY ARE YOU ARGUING?

v.34 tells us how they responded… lets look at it together… what do you notice…

34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.

Just like Adam & Even in Gen…. they too distance their heart in silence.

In shame…. they hide their UNHOLY -Ambitions from Jesus…

How does this apply to us today?

Have you found yourself trying to hide your thoughts from Jesus… before you know it shame is beginning to cause you to distance yourself from God…

Friends…

Shame is a barrier to emotional and spiritual maturity.

It hinders Growth

Leads to unhealthy behaviors

Damages relationships.

It puts distances between us and God… not be cause God departs from us… but becuase we hide ourselves from him…

Here is whats important to know:

Shame is not inherently from God… it is the ENEMY… and the result of sin.

Shame will drag you into the mud… cause you to believe you are NOT WORTHY… YOU are NO GOOD… that You should just quit… and walk away… everyone would be better for it… no one will care…

Let me be clear… this is the voice of the ENEMY… NOT GOD.

What is the difference between Shame and guilt

Shame drives us AWAY from God - RUINS our identity.

Guilt drives us TOWARDS God and RESTORES our identify.

Let me ask you a couple assessment questions… these will be very difficult.

Here are a few signs that you might have some UNHOLY AMBITIONS…

Signs of UNHOLY ambitions:

Ask yourself these questions

I pursue recognition, power, or self-esteem through my achievements.

Ask yourself…

Why do I do the things I do?

Next

I distort the truth or ignore ethics to get ahead.

Ask yourself…

Am I willing to compromise my values to achieve my ambitions?

Next …

I feel envious or resentful when others achieve what I desire.

Ask yourself…

How do I react when others succeed?

Next…

My ambitions cause me to overlook family, friendships, or spiritual commitments.

Ask yourself…

Am I neglecting relationships or responsibilities?

Next

I pursue wealth, fame, or status without considering God’s will.

Ask yourself…

Do I measure success solely by worldly standards?

We’re talking about…

Unholy Ambitions

But here is the truth.. all ambition is NOT bad. In fact… God didn’t correct the disciples for having ambition… he corrected their… unholy ambitions.

Well… If ambitions are not bad…

How can we guard against unholy ambitions?

IN YOUR NOTES… …

Ambitions need DIRECTION. v.35-37

How does Jesus deal with the Unholy Ambitions of his followers… he Re-Directs them.

Yea… these disciples were ambitious about ruling in the new Kingdom of God with Jesus…

Thats not a bad thing…

but their ambitions were misguided… they didn’t just want to rule with Jesus… they wanted to be the GREATEST RULER.

See the only thing they knew about leading was from their earthly life… the way to rule was to be the Greatest, the most powerful… the wealthiest… the one with most control. This is not how the Kingdom of God works.

So Jesus redirects their ambitions… IN YOUR NOTERS…

Jesus directed them towards SERVING. v.35, Mark 10:45

Yea… we see this in v. 34 on the screen…

They want to be the greatest of all

Notice… he does not crush them… shame them… embarrass them… he gently re-directs them.

He redirects them towards SERVING.

“Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”

Yea.. he says…

In Earth it might be about being FIRST … in My Kingdom it’s about being LAST….

The great in my kingdom are those who are SERVANTS OF ALL.

Jesus teaches them…

Leaders in the Kingdom use their ambitions to serve… not subdue.

What might Scripture be challenging us with today…

I believe he is saying…. Use your ambitions to serve…

To… Help more

To… Give more

To… Recognize and Honor more

Here is a good question to ask yourself:

QUESTION: Are you using your ambition to serve or to subdue?

You can either be the Greatest on Earth or a servant in the Kingdom… but you can’t have BOTH.

This was the problem… for the disciples in our text.

See ultimately…

There is ONE great name that is above all names… in the Kingdom of Heaven…

It’s not Peter, James or John… or any of us…. it is JESUS.

We can not be greatest of all in GODS Kingdom… there is only ONE Great ONE!

Their ambitions needed Direction. So Jesus redirects them… not only to serving… IN YOUR NOTERS…

Jesus directed them toward HUMILITY. v.36, 37

Yea… we see this in at the end of our passage…

Jesus puts a child in his lap to illustrate his next point…

in v. 37 he says this… lets look at it on the screen

37 “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name… welcomes me;

To understand the magnitude of what Jesus says… its important to know… Competition for honor in the 1st century was a big thing….

See… With the right amount of power you could advance in society.

In fact this was take so seriously in many societies there was an actually and organized pecking order

Every year there would be a review of your ranking in society

Based off of Noble birth, age, academic advancement.

This would determine your rank amoung others.

This also determined your seating and speaking order in family community gatherings.

Many Jewish people hoped for new status in the world to come… this was driving the unholy ambitions… of the Jewish followers of Jesus.

This servant concept was hard for the disciples grasp…

So by default… to be the youngest in any room… ment… to be the least… in any room.

Being a child in the first century..

Was nothing like it is … in today’s progressive societies.

Children we’re not even considered full-persons yet… and were regard as something more like property.

Here is how one Bible Commentary puts it… … Lets check it out on the screen… it says… Children in the 1st Century…

They were dependent, vulnerable, unlearned, and entirely subject to the authority of the father. The rabbi’s classified children with the deaf, the dumb, the weak-minded, and slaves and they were amoung the lowest of the low.

NO one with any kind of status… would SERVE a salve… or a child…

But Jesus say’s NO so in my Kingdom even the lowest… and will be served….

What is Jesus saying…

He is saying this…

In my Kingdom… the way up…. is down

It’s serving… those who might not have anything to offer you…

It’s serving… without expecting anything in return.

See on earth we live by the principal… you scratch my back… I scratch yours.

This is simply Good business… You get something…. I get something in return.

In the Kingdom… it’s I scratch your back… and I keep on scratching… that is the JOY… of serving

-We might think…. they don’t deserve to be served… look at the life they have made for themselves… they give nothing in life… they deserve nothing…

Jesus say’s… I’m not asking you to serve them becuase they deserve it…

Lets look at the last part of v.37… JESUS SAYS….

37 “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name

In who’s name? Jesus…

We welcome others AS representation of Jesus…

The reality is… this is exactly how we welcomed us in… we have NOTHING to offer… except our sin…

We bring him nothing… and he gives us everything!

Jesus say’s… welcome them…. IN MY NAME….

Serve them… becuase thats WHAT I WOULD DO…

Friends Jesus is saying…..

I am NOT asking you to serve and welcome others based on their worth…. I am asking you to do it based off of my worth…

Then he says.. when you welcome someone IN MY NAME… here is what you are doing… v. 37 says…

you are welcoming me… ; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.

This is how I know you are WELCOMING me and my father into your life….

If we lived in this reality…

There would be no pecking order…

We would never let another out serve us…. not because of competition… but becuase of love.

No one would over serve… ware themselves out…

No one would be the lease of these…

Our level of servitude is a direct reflection of Jesus to the world…

Jesus directed their unholy ambitions towards

Serving and towards…. Humility

Here is the question I believe scripture is inviting us to ask ourselves today…

Question: How can I redirect my ambitions to serve others?

Not just serve… but serve in humility… serve… without expecting anything in return?

Today… I believe… Jesus wants to re-direct our UNHOLY AMBITIONS.

Friends… if this message was difficult for you today. Recognize the two voices that are inclined to respond to your present circumstances …

First… The voice of shame.. that is coming from the enemy… leading you away from who God made you to be…

Second… the Guilt that is coming from Jesus… it’s actually a gift… it is the Holy Spirit giving us a warning sign… of our UNHOLY BEHAVIORS

It’s his Kindness… leading you to repentance…

He is saying… you we’re not made for this… this is NOT who you are… this is NOT what I gifted you to do.

Today if you don’t Know Jesus as your Lord and Savior… I believe he is here today… and he wants to save you.

Salvation Altar Call

He wants to transform your unholy ambitions today… redirect them for his purposes and your privilege and a child in his kingdom.

From lost to found

From a slave to unholy ambitions to a son or daughter of God.

It’s about believing

What he say’s about Sin and the eternal punishment.

It’s about believing

That … His death on the cross paid the penalty of our sin….

Because of this we can be made right in the sight of God.

According to Eph 2:8 – there are 2 things required for Salvation

For it is by Grace that we are saved through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—

1st is this... Gods Grace

What is his Grace: It’s when God gives you something you do not deserve because of his incredible love for you– What does he give us... He gives us His forgiveness and His life

2nd is this... Faith.

He invites us to PUT our FAITH in him... for our salvation

1. If you have never asked Jesus to save you and made a public profession of faith… today is your day…

a. All across the room....

b. If you would like Jesus to save you today… RIASE YOUR HAND ALL AROUND THE ROOM….

I want to invite you to Repeat a prayer after me

· There is nothing magical in this prayer.. it simply is a way of declaring to Jesus what has taken place in your heart.

Call to Action Altar Call

If your a believer and message was difficult for you today.

the Guilt may feel today… is coming from Jesus… it too is your gift… it is the Holy Spirit giving us a warning sign… of our UNHOLY BEHAVIORS

It’s his Kindness… is here to lead you to repentance…

He is saying… you we’re not made for this… this is NOT who you are… this is NOT what I gifted you to do.

If Jesus drew your attention to an unholy ambition and is inviting you to repent… and draw closer to him… so your ambitions can be used for HOLY purposes… Kingdom Purposes… stand to your feet…

Let me ask you a couple assessment questions… these will be very difficult.

Here are a few signs that you might have some UNHOLY AMBITIONS…

Signs of UNHOLY ambitions:

Ask yourself these questions

I pursue recognition, power, or self-esteem through my achievements.

Ask yourself…

Why do I do the things I do?

Next

I distort the truth or ignore ethics to get ahead.

Ask yourself…

Am I willing to compromise my values to achieve my ambitions?

Next …

I feel envious or resentful when others achieve what I desire.

Ask yourself…

How do I react when others succeed?

Next…

My ambitions cause me to overlook family, friendships, or spiritual commitments.

Ask yourself…

Am I neglecting relationships or responsibilities?

Next

I pursue wealth, fame, or status without considering God’s will.

Ask yourself…

Do I measure success solely by worldly standards?

1. INVITE UP TO WORSHIP

2. *TRANSITION TO MARK K for Pastors Appreciation Offering

Going Deeper

Signs of UNHOLY AMBITIONS:

Why do I do the things I do? Am I pursuing recognition, power, or self-esteem through my actions?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Am I willing to compromise my values to achieve my? Would I bend the truth or ignore ethics to get ahead?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

How do I react when others succeed? Do I feel envious or resentful when others achieve what I desire?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Am I neglecting relationships or responsibilities? Are my ambitions causing me to overlook family, friendships, or spiritual commitments?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Do I measure success solely by worldly standards? Am I pursuing wealth, fame, or status without considering God’s will?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

How can I redirect my ambitions to serve others? Who can I serve around me without seeking anything in return? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________

What might the Holy Spirit be saying to you in light of this teaching?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

How might the Holy Spirit want to transform you in light of this teaching? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What actions might the Holy Spirit want to take in light of this teaching? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Tongues & Interpretation

1. To STRENGTHEN the Church (1 Cor14:5)

For prophecy is greater than SPEAKING in TONGUES, unless someone interprets what you are saying so that the whole church will be STRENGTHENED.

Believers, God has operated through this gift today to strengthen you today. Let your faith be strengthened and know that God is in control and using supernatural measures to speak to us.

2. Is a SIGN for unbelievers. (1Cor. 14: 21a, 22)

1 Corinthians 14:21–22 (ESV)

In the Law it is written, “By people of strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord.” Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers.

22 -  So you see that speaking in tongues is a SIGN, not for believers, but for UNBELIEVERS.

The Bible explains to us God has chosen to use this gift to be a sign for you. A sign for what? It is a sign of his realness for those of you who have been doubting or questioning the existence of God. He wants you to know he is REAL and he wants to bring you spiritual life and health. If you're in here today and you don't know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior... he wants you to know he has gone to great lengths to show you his love today. (Great opportunity for a salvation altar call if it fits).