LEVELS OF GREATNESS

TITLE: LEVELS OF GREATNESS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Genesis 26:12-13
"Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year a hundredfold: and the Lord blessed him. And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great."

Supporting Texts: Genesis 24:34-35, Genesis 30:40-43, Genesis 50:15-20

INTRODUCTION:
Greatness is one of the many blessings that God gives to His children. Throughout the Bible, we see how God elevates individuals from one level of greatness to another as they walk with Him in obedience and faith. These levels of greatness are demonstrated in the lives of key figures such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. This sermon explores the different stages of greatness as illustrated in their lives and reveals the pathway to experiencing the highest form—overflowing greatness.

1. GREAT
Greatness begins with God’s blessing and favour over a person's life, lifting them above their peers.

a) Divine Source of Greatness:
Abraham experienced greatness because of God’s covenant and promises to him (Genesis 12:2).

b) Wealth and Prosperity:
God blessed Abraham with wealth, flocks, and servants, making him great in his generation (Genesis 24:34-35).

c) Spiritual Authority:
Abraham became the father of many nations, carrying great spiritual significance (Genesis 17:4-5).

d) Influence and Honour:
Abraham’s greatness extended to his influence over kings and nations, as seen when he rescued Lot (Genesis 14:14-16).

e) Obedience as the Key:
Abraham's obedience to God's call and his willingness to leave his homeland was the starting point of his greatness (Genesis 12:1-4).

Biblical Example:
Abraham is a prime example of someone who experienced the level of "great" through God’s promises and covenant (Genesis 24:34-35).

2. VERY GREAT
The second level of greatness is when a person experiences greater favour and increase that makes them stand out even more.

a) God's Blessing Multiplies:
Isaac, the son of Abraham, moved from greatness to becoming "very great" through divine blessing (Genesis 26:12-13).

b) Prosperity in Adversity:
Isaac prospered even in the time of famine, showing that God’s greatness is not limited by external circumstances (Genesis 26:12).

c) Moving Forward in Faith:
Isaac went forward, progressing in his greatness as he continued to trust God’s leading (Genesis 26:13).

d) Wealth and Possessions:
Isaac’s greatness was evident in his possession of flocks, herds, and many servants, so much that the Philistines envied him (Genesis 26:14).

e) Continual Increase:
Isaac’s life shows that greatness in God is a continual process of increase, as he moved from being great to becoming very great.

Biblical Example:
Isaac exemplifies the level of "very great" through God’s continuous blessing, despite opposition from the Philistines (Genesis 26:13-14).

3. EXCEEDINGLY GREAT
Exceedingly great is a higher level of greatness where a person’s increase is extraordinary, even beyond what they could have imagined.

a) Uncommon Increase:
Jacob experienced an extraordinary level of greatness through God’s favour, which multiplied his flocks miraculously (Genesis 30:40-43).

b) God’s Strategic Plan:
Jacob’s greatness came through God’s wisdom and guidance as he worked for Laban, and God multiplied his wealth (Genesis 31:9-10).

c) Enduring in Faith:
Jacob’s journey to greatness wasn’t without challenges, but he persevered, trusting that God’s favour would bring him through (Genesis 31:7-9).

d) Material and Spiritual Blessings:
Jacob's exceedingly great wealth was accompanied by spiritual blessings, as God reaffirmed His covenant with him (Genesis 35:9-12).

e) Favour Beyond Opposition:
Despite the challenges from Laban, God ensured that Jacob’s greatness exceeded all opposition (Genesis 31:42).

Biblical Example:
Jacob’s experience of "exceedingly great" came through divine intervention and wisdom in managing his livestock, leading to extraordinary increase (Genesis 30:40-43).

4. OVERFLOWING GREATNESS
Overflowing greatness is the highest level where a person’s influence and blessings not only increase for themselves but also overflow to impact others.

a) Divine Destiny Fulfilled:
Joseph’s journey from the pit to the palace exemplifies overflowing greatness. He became a blessing to his family, Egypt, and nations during the famine (Genesis 50:15-20).

b) Strategic Positioning by God:
Joseph was positioned by God in a place of influence where his greatness affected the destiny of many people (Genesis 45:5-8).

c) The Fulfilment of God’s Plan:
Despite his brothers’ betrayal, God turned Joseph’s challenges into opportunities for greater glory, leading to the overflow of blessings (Genesis 50:20).

d) Saving a Generation:
Joseph’s wisdom in managing Egypt’s resources during the famine saved many lives, showcasing the ultimate purpose of overflowing greatness (Genesis 41:55-57).

e) Restoration and Reconciliation:
Joseph’s greatness led to the restoration of his family, showing that overflowing greatness has the power to heal and restore broken relationships (Genesis 50:18-21).

Biblical Example:
Joseph's life illustrates "overflowing greatness," as his influence extended beyond Egypt to preserve the lives of his family and others during the famine (Genesis 50:15-20).

5. HOW TO EXPERIENCE OVERFLOWING GREATNESS
To experience overflowing greatness, one must follow specific spiritual principles and align with God's purpose.

a) Obedience to God's Instructions:
Following God’s leading in every area of life is key to unlocking the blessings of overflowing greatness (Deuteronomy 28:1).

b) Faithfulness in Little Things:
Joseph was faithful in Potiphar’s house and in prison, and this faithfulness opened doors to greater opportunities (Luke 16:10).

c) Patience in the Process:
Like Joseph, you must be willing to endure the process of growth and testing, trusting that God’s plan will lead to overflowing greatness (James 1:4).

d) Seeking God’s Favour:
Greatness comes from God’s favour, and seeking His face through prayer and devotion unlocks the doors to unimaginable blessings (Psalm 5:12).

e) Humility and Service:
True greatness comes through serving others, as Joseph did when he served Pharaoh and the people of Egypt, leading to overflowing blessings (Matthew 23:11).

Biblical Example:
David’s rise from a shepherd to a king was the result of his obedience, humility, and service to God and others, which led to overflowing greatness in his life (1 Samuel 16:11-13).

CONCLUSION:
God desires to elevate His people from one level of greatness to another, ultimately leading to overflowing greatness that impacts not only their lives but the lives of others. The stories of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph show that greatness in God is a journey of faith, obedience, and trust in His promises. By following the principles outlined in the Word of God, we can position ourselves to experience overflowing greatness that will leave a lasting legacy.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, elevate me to the realm of overflowing greatness in every area of my life.

2. Father, help me to walk in obedience and faith like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.

3. I declare that I will experience supernatural increase and favour in my journey of greatness.

4. Lord, give me the grace to endure the process of becoming great without giving up.

5. Father, let Your hand of favour cause me to stand out in my generation.

6. I pray for divine strategies that will lead me to overflowing greatness.

7. Lord, let my life be a testimony of Your abundant blessings and influence.

8. I declare that every opposition to my greatness is defeated by the hand of God.

9. Father, position me for greatness that will impact generations to come.

10. Lord, help me to remain humble and faithful in the midst of Your overflowing blessings.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. I declare that you are moving from greatness to exceedingly great, by the hand of God.

2. The Lord will cause your greatness to overflow into the lives of others.

3. You will experience divine favour that will elevate you to the next level of greatness.

4. Every obstacle to your greatness is removed, and you will walk in divine promotion.

5. I decree that your life will be a testimony of supernatural increase.

6. You will rise to a place of influence and power, like Joseph in Egypt.

7. The blessings of God will overflow in your life, impacting your family and community.

8. The Lord will establish your greatness, and no power will be able to bring you down.

9. You will receive divine strategies for growth and expansion.

10. Your greatness will leave a lasting legacy that will bless generations to come.