INCREASED GREATNESS

TITLE: INCREASED GREATNESS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Psalm 71:21
"You shall increase my greatness and comfort me on every side."

Supporting Texts:
Isaiah 60:22
Genesis 26:12-13
1 Chronicles 4:10
Proverbs 4:18
Job 8:7

INTRODUCTION:
God’s desire for His people is to take them from one level of greatness to another. Increased greatness is a promise to those who walk in obedience and align themselves with God’s will. It speaks of an expansion in influence, capacity, and divine blessings. This sermon will explore what it means to experience increased greatness and how we can position ourselves to receive this divine elevation from God.

1. WHAT IS INCREASED GREATNESS?

Increased greatness refers to a continual rise in influence, capacity, and blessings as we walk in God's purpose.

a) A Divine Promise:
God promises to elevate His people and make their names great (Genesis 12:2).

b) Growth in Stature and Influence:
Increased greatness results in greater influence and a higher level of impact on the world around you (Proverbs 4:18).

c) Expansion in Capacity:
It involves an increase in the ability to handle greater responsibilities and blessings (Luke 12:48).

d) Divine Multiplication:
God blesses the work of your hands and multiplies what you have (Genesis 26:12-13).

e) Spiritual Growth:
True greatness is not just about physical blessings but also spiritual growth and maturity (Ephesians 4:15).

Biblical Example:
Jabez cried out to God for an increase in greatness, asking God to enlarge his territory, and the Lord granted his request (1 Chronicles 4:10).

2. GOD’S DESIRE FOR OUR INCREASE

God desires to increase His children in all aspects of life—spiritually, materially, and relationally.

a) Increase in Faith:
Faith is the foundation for receiving divine increase (Romans 1:17).

b) Increase in Influence:
God calls us to be salt and light, increasing our influence in the world (Matthew 5:13-14).

c) Increase in Wealth and Provision:
God desires to bless His people with abundance so they can be a blessing to others (Deuteronomy 28:11-12).

d) Increase in Wisdom and Knowledge:
With increased greatness comes the need for greater wisdom to manage the blessings (James 1:5).

e) Increase in Fruitfulness:
God’s plan is for us to be fruitful and multiply in every area of our lives (John 15:8).

Biblical Example:
Isaac experienced increased greatness as he obeyed God. He sowed in a time of famine and reaped a hundredfold, becoming very wealthy and influential (Genesis 26:12-13).

3. HOW TO POSITION YOURSELF FOR INCREASED GREATNESS

To experience increased greatness, you must align yourself with God’s principles and timing.

a) Walk in Obedience:
Obedience to God’s word is key to unlocking divine greatness (Deuteronomy 28:1).

b) Remain Faithful:
Faithfulness in little things leads to promotion and increase in greater things (Luke 16:10).

c) Stay Humble:
Humility is a prerequisite for exaltation. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:10).

d) Develop a Heart of Gratitude:
Gratitude for what you have prepares the way for more blessings (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

e) Sow Generously:
Generosity is a divine key to unlocking financial and material increase (2 Corinthians 9:6).

Biblical Example:
Solomon positioned himself for increased greatness by seeking wisdom from God rather than riches, and God blessed him with both (1 Kings 3:5-13).

4. THE BLESSINGS OF INCREASED GREATNESS

When God increases your greatness, it comes with divine benefits that transform every area of your life.

a) Increased Comfort:
God brings comfort and peace as He elevates you (Psalm 71:21).

b) Expansion of Territory:
God enlarges your sphere of influence and capacity (1 Chronicles 4:10).

c) Divine Protection:
With greatness comes the need for God’s protection from opposition and attacks (Psalm 105:14-15).

d) Overflowing Provision:
Increased greatness brings with it abundant provision for you and those connected to you (Philippians 4:19).

e) Legacy and Impact:
Your increase will extend to future generations, leaving a lasting impact (Proverbs 13:22).

Biblical Example:
David experienced increased greatness as he moved from shepherd boy to king. God not only expanded his territory but also secured his reign and blessed his descendants (2 Samuel 7:8-16).

5. THE RESPONSIBILITY OF INCREASED GREATNESS

With increased greatness comes the responsibility to use it for God’s glory and purposes.

a) Stewardship of Resources:
You must manage the blessings God has given you wisely (Luke 16:11).

b) Leadership and Influence:
As God increases your greatness, He calls you to lead and influence others positively (Proverbs 11:14).

c) Serving Others:
Greatness in the kingdom is about serving others, not exalting oneself (Matthew 20:26).

d) Maintaining Integrity:
Increased greatness requires a commitment to integrity and righteousness (Psalm 37:25-26).

e) Continuing in Faithfulness:
Even with greatness, God expects continued faithfulness and obedience to His word (Luke 19:17).

Biblical Example:
Joseph’s greatness in Egypt came with great responsibility. He used his position to save lives during the famine and remained faithful to God (Genesis 41:39-41).

CONCLUSION:
Increased greatness is God’s desire for His children, but it comes with the responsibility of faithfulness, humility, and stewardship. As we walk in alignment with God’s principles, He will elevate us from one level of greatness to another, enabling us to fulfil His purposes on earth.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, increase my greatness and comfort me on every side.

2. I pray for the grace to walk in obedience to Your word and will.

3. Father, enlarge my territory and expand my influence for Your glory.

4. Lord, help me to remain humble and faithful as You elevate me.

5. I declare that I will experience divine multiplication in every area of my life.

6. Father, give me wisdom to manage the increase You bring into my life.

7. Lord, I ask for protection against every form of opposition as You increase me.

8. Help me to be a good steward of the blessings You entrust to me.

9. Lord, may my life leave a lasting legacy and impact for Your kingdom.

10. I pray for an overflow of provision to meet every need and be a blessing to others.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. I declare that God is increasing your greatness and bringing you comfort on every side.

2. Every area of your life will experience divine multiplication and expansion.

3. God will enlarge your territory and expand your influence for His glory.

4. You will walk in greater wisdom, and God will entrust you with more blessings.

5. Divine protection will surround you as God elevates you to new levels of greatness.

6. I declare that you will leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

7. Your faithfulness in little will lead to promotion in greater things.

8. Every opposition to your greatness is broken in the name of Jesus.

9. You will experience overflowing provision that meets your needs and enables you to bless others.

10. God will use your life to impact nations and bring glory to His name.