No Ego Tripping Here

Keep your identity small and make it about the work and the principles and ideals behind the work. A great destiny, Seneca reminds us, is a great slavery. Labels put us at odds with not only reality but with the strategy that enabled us to achieve success in the first place.

At the end of the Civil War, Ulysses S. Grant and his friend William Tecumseh Sherman were two of the most respected and important men in America. Essentially the dual architects of the Union’s victory, a grateful country, with a snap of its fingers, said: Whatever you like, as long as you live, is yours.

Sherman, whose track we followed earlier, abhorred politics and repeatedly declined entreaties to run for office. “I have all the rank I want,” he told them. Having seemingly mastered his ego, he would later retire to New York City, where he lived in what was, by all appearances, happiness and contentment.

Kobi Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal

Kevin Durant & Russell Westbrook

Lebron James & Kyrie Irvin

Transition

1 Corinthians 1:13–17 ESV

Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name. (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

1 Corinthians 1:13-

1 Corinthians 1:26–31 ESV

For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

1 Corinthians 1:26

Body

(Corporate) Spiritual Contemplation

Philippians 1:18–20 ESV

What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.

Philippians 1:18

Illustrate: Yesterday meeting the Deacons and discussing how to Think Theologically- Deacons ought to be our resident theologians, not just the pastor.

Exemplars: Deacons As Servant and Spiritual Leaders by Elizabeth Allen Daniel Vestal

Chapter 6: Deacons Think Theologically

Systematic- putting together arguments and apologetics

Pastoral- counseling, visitation, care

Confessional- creeds and covenants

Biblical- Deac. Sneed

Experiential- Deac. Roz

Existential

Philosophical

Mystical- prayer, fasting, anointing oil, foot washings, laying on of hands

Liberation- the God of Exodus, our God is a deliverer

Denominational

Most importantly:

Is it centered on Christ

Does it model Christ-like love as the measure of the Christian life?

Illustrate: When I think of the goodness of Jesus, and what he has done for me, my soul cries out, "Hallelujah!" Praise God for saving me.

Philippians 2:1 ESV

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,

encouragement in Christ- act of emboldening another in belief or course of action, encouragement, exhortation

act of emboldening another in belief or course of action, encouragement, exhortation

Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., Bauer, W., & Gingrich, F. W. (2000). A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature (3rd ed., p. 766). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

any comfort from love,- pert. to that which offers encouragement, esp. as consolation, means of consolation, alleviation

pert. to that which offers encouragement, esp. as consolation, means of consolation, alleviation

Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., Bauer, W., & Gingrich, F. W. (2000). A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature (3rd ed., p. 769). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

2 Corinthians 1:3–4 ESV

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

any participation in the Spirit- an association involving close mutual relations and involvement—‘close association, fellowship

any participation in the Spirit

Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996). Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: based on semantic domains (electronic ed. of the 2nd edition., Vol. 1, p. 445). New York: United Bible Societies.

The body of Jesus Christ is a spiritual organism

an association involving close mutual relations and involvement—‘close association, fellowship

Hebrews 13:1–3 ESV

Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.

1 Corinthians 12:12–13 ESV

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.

Ephesians 2:22 ESV

In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Ephesians 2:20 ESV

built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,

1 Peter 2:5 ESV

you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

any affection and sympathy- to experience great affection and compassion for someone—‘to feel compassion for, to have great affection for, love, compassion.’

to experience great affection and compassion for someone—‘to feel compassion for, to have great affection for, love, compassion.’

Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996). Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: based on semantic domains (electronic ed. of the 2nd edition., Vol. 1, p. 293). New York: United Bible Societies.

Illustrate: We often think of what is wrong and what is not right i.e. we often focus on the negative instead of the positive which can lead us to behave in ways that creates disunity and division

Matthew 5:13–16 ESV

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

“"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:13-16‬ ‭ESV‬‬https://www.bible.com/59/mat.5.13-16.esv

Illustrate: When I think of the goodness of Jesus, and what he has done for me, my soul cries out, "Hallelujah!" Praise God for saving me.

Unified Motivation

Philippians 2:2 ESV

complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

Amos 3:3–7 ESV

“Do two walk together, unless they have agreed to meet? Does a lion roar in the forest, when he has no prey? Does a young lion cry out from his den, if he has taken nothing? Does a bird fall in a snare on the earth, when there is no trap for it? Does a snare spring up from the ground, when it has taken nothing? Is a trumpet blown in a city, and the people are not afraid? Does disaster come to a city, unless the Lord has done it? “For the Lord God does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets.

John 13:34–35 ESV

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 15:8–11 ESV

By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

John 15:8 ESV

By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

“"Do two walk together, unless they have agreed to meet? Does a lion roar in the forest, when he has no prey? Does a young lion cry out from his den, if he has taken nothing? Does a bird fall in a snare on the earth, when there is no trap for it? Does a snare spring up from the ground, when it has taken nothing? Is a trumpet blown in a city, and the people are not afraid? Does disaster come to a city, unless the Lord has done it? "For the Lord God does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets.”‭‭Amos‬ ‭3:3-7‬ ‭ESV‬‬https://www.bible.com/59/amo.3.3-7.esv

John 16:7 ESV

Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.

John 16:7

John 15:

- I pray that they may be one & have the glory you gave me?

John 17:10 ESV

All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them.

John 17:

Ephesians 4:11–14 ESV

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.

Ephesians 4:11

Ephesians 4:15–16 ESV

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Ascend By Descending

- onenessColossians- oneness3. Lead Humbly (Ascend by Descending)- -4Look up humility in the original languageBottom Up Leadership (I am leading from the back and looking towards others and seeking to do what is best for them)Count= The Greek word which we get hegemonyHegemony- leadership or dominance, especially by one country or social group over others.Illustrate: USA hegemony in the Middle East recently sending 100,000 troops and in the Pacific OceanIllustrate: “Managing Up” in Harvard Business ReviewChristian Leaders are to consider those whom they lead as greater than themselvesIllustrate: -454. Follow Christ (He died) Jesus’ (to save us) Example- -11Illustrate: Paul now proceeds to ding a hymnSermon close ideas: Ego Tripping (there may be a reason why)by Nikki Giovanni

Lead Humbly (Ascend by Descending)

Philippians 2:3–4 ESV

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Philippians 2:3-4Look up humility in the original languageBottom Up Leadership (I am leading from the back and looking towards others and seeking to do what is best for them)Count= The Greek word which we get hegemonyHegemony- leadership or dominance, especially by one country or social group over others.Illustrate: USA hegemony in the Middle East recently sending 100,000 troops and in the Pacific OceanIllustrate: “Managing Up” in Harvard Business ReviewChristian Leaders are to consider those whom they lead as greater than themselvesIllustrate: Mark 10:35-454. Follow Christ (He died) Jesus’ (to save us) Example- Philippians 2:5-11Illustrate: Paul now proceeds to ding a hymnSermon close ideas: Ego Tripping (there may be a reason why)by Nikki Giovanni

selfish ambition- self-seeking pursuit of political office by unfair means

ambition

conceit- a vain or exaggerated self-evaluation, vanity, conceit, excessive ambition, Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., Bauer, W., & Gingrich, F. W. (2000). A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature (3rd ed., p. 538). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

a vain or exaggerated self-evaluation, vanity, conceit, excessive ambition

Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., Bauer, W., & Gingrich, F. W. (2000). A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature (3rd ed., p. 538). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

humility- the quality of humility—‘humble attitude, humility, without arrogance.’, Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996). Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: based on semantic domains (electronic ed. of the 2nd edition., Vol. 1, p. 747). New York: United Bible Societies.

the quality of humility—‘humble attitude, humility, without arrogance.’

Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996). Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: based on semantic domains (electronic ed. of the 2nd edition., Vol. 1, p. 747). New York: United Bible Societies.

count- to be in a supervisory capacity, lead, guide; Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., Bauer, W., & Gingrich, F. W. (2000). A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature (3rd ed., p. 434). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

to be in a supervisory capacity, lead, guide;

Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., Bauer, W., & Gingrich, F. W. (2000). A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature (3rd ed., p. 434). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

Count= The Greek word which we get hegemony

Hegemony /həˈjemənē,ˈhejəˌmōnē/- leadership or dominance, especially by one country or social group over others.

Illustrate: USA hegemony in the Middle East recently sending 100,000 troops and in the Pacific Ocean

5. significant- to be at a point higher than another on a scale of linear extent, rise above, surpass, excel

to be at a point higher than another on a scale of linear extent, rise above, surpass, excel

Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., Bauer, W., & Gingrich, F. W. (2000). A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature (3rd ed., p. 1033). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

6. look- to exert effort in continually acquiring information regarding some matter, with the implication of concern as to how to respond appropriately—‘to be aware of, to be concerned about, to consider.’

to exert effort in continually acquiring information regarding some matter, with the implication of concern as to how to respond appropriately—‘to be aware of, to be concerned about, to consider.’

Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996). Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: based on semantic domains (electronic ed. of the 2nd edition., Vol. 1, p. 330). New York: United Bible Societies.

7. interests

Bottom Up Leadership (I am leading from the back and looking towards others and seeking to do what is best for them)

Illustrate: “Managing Up” in Harvard Business Review

Christian Leaders are to consider those whom they lead as greater than themselves

Mark 10:35–45 ESV

And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized, but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Follow Christ Jesus’ Example of

Sermon close ideas: Ego Tripping (there may be a reason why)by Nikki Giovanni

I was born in the congo I walked to the fertile crescent and built the sphinx I designed a pyramid so tough that a star that only glows every one hundred years falls into the center giving divine perfect light I am bad

Spiritual Contemplation

I sat on the throne drinking nectar with allah I got hot and sent an ice age to europe to cool my thirst My oldest daughter is nefertiti the tears from my birth pains created the nile I am a beautiful woman

Unified Motivation

Ascended by Descending

Illustrate: Paul now proceeds to sing a hymn

I gazed on the forest and burned out the sahara desert with a packet of goat's meat and a change of clothes I crossed it in two hours I am a gazelle so swift so swift you can't catch me

For a birthday present when he was three I gave my son hannibal an elephant He gave me rome for mother's day My strength flows ever on

Philippians 2:5–11 ESV

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

My son noah built new/ark and I stood proudly at the helm as we sailed on a soft summer day I turned myself into myself and was jesus men intone my loving name All praises All praises I am the one who would save

I sowed diamonds in my back yard My bowels deliver uranium the filings from my fingernails are semi-precious jewels On a trip north I caught a cold and blew My nose giving oil to the arab world I am so hip even my errors are correct I sailed west to reach east and had to round off the earth as I went The hair from my head thinned and gold was laid across three continents

I am so perfect so divine so ethereal so surreal I cannot be comprehended except by my permission

I mean . . . I . . . can fly like a bird in the sky . . .

Transition: Jesus Christ has a reason to Ego Trip but He doesn’t

Transition

Close

Illustration

Ego Tripping (there may be a reason why) by Nikki Giovanni

I gazed on the forest and burned out the sahara desert with a packet of goat's meat and a change of clothes I crossed it in two hours I am a gazelle so swift so swift you can't catch me

For a birthday present when he was three I gave my son hannibal an elephant He gave me rome for mother's day My strength flows ever on

I am so perfect so divine so ethereal so surreal I cannot be comprehended except by my permission

I mean . . . I . . . can fly like a bird in the sky . . .

Transition: Jesus Christ has a reason to Ego Trip but He doesn’t

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