THE PRICE OF GREATNESS IN GOD'S KINGDOM

THE PRICE OF GREATNESS IN GOD'S KINGDOM

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Philippians 2:7-9

Key Verse: “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:” (Philippians 2:9, KJV).

Supporting Texts: Matthew 20:25-28; Mark 10:43-45; John 12:24-26; James 4:10; 1 Peter 5:6; Luke 14:11.

Description: Greatness in God's Kingdom is not measured by worldly status, possessions, or popularity but by humility, sacrifice, obedience, service, and faithfulness to God's will.

INTRODUCTION

The world defines greatness by position, wealth, influence, recognition, and the number of people who serve an individual. However, God's Kingdom operates by a different principle. In the Kingdom of God, the way up is down, the greatest is the servant, and those who humble themselves before God are the ones He ultimately exalts.

Philippians 2:7-9 reveals the journey of Jesus Christ from heavenly glory to earthly humility and then to divine exaltation. Though He existed in the form of God, He took upon Himself the form of a servant, humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. His exaltation followed His humiliation and obedience. This teaches us that Kingdom greatness has a price.

Many people desire greatness but are unwilling to pay the price attached to it. They want the crown without the cross, the throne without service, recognition without sacrifice, and promotion without preparation. But God's Word teaches that true greatness is not merely something we desire; it is something we demonstrate through our character, conduct, commitment, and obedience to God.

1. GREATNESS BEGINS WITH HUMILITY

Philippians 2:7 teaches that Jesus Christ made Himself of no reputation and took upon Himself the form of a servant. He did not use His divine position to demand earthly honour or personal comfort. Instead, He willingly embraced humility to fulfil the Father's purpose.

Humility is not weakness, inferiority, or lack of confidence. It is the ability to recognise that everything we have comes from God and to submit ourselves completely to His will. Nobody can become truly great in God's Kingdom while remaining controlled by pride.

a. Humility Requires You to Depend on God (John 15:5)

Jesus said, "For without me ye can do nothing." Kingdom greatness begins when we recognise that our abilities, opportunities, gifts, and achievements depend on God's grace. A person who believes that personal strength alone produces success will eventually become proud.

Never allow your achievements to make you forget the God who gave you the ability to achieve them. The more God lifts you, the more dependent you should become on Him.

b. Humility Requires You to Put Others Before Yourself (Philippians 2:3-4)

The Scripture warns against selfish ambition and encourages believers to esteem others better than themselves. Humility makes room for the gifts, opinions, contributions, and welfare of other people.

A genuinely great person does not feel threatened by the success of others. Instead, he creates opportunities for others to grow and succeed. In the church, ministry, family, and workplace, humility enables us to build people rather than compete destructively with them.

c. Humility Requires You to Accept Correction (Proverbs 12:1)

Proud people resist correction because they believe they are always right. Humble people recognise that correction is one of God's instruments for spiritual growth and maturity.

A person who cannot be corrected cannot be properly developed. If you desire greatness, cultivate a teachable spirit. Be willing to learn from Scripture, spiritual leaders, mentors, and even people whose experiences differ from yours.

d. Humility Positions You for Divine Exaltation (James 4:10)

James 4:10 declares, "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."

God is the One who gives lasting promotion. You do not need to manipulate people, destroy others, or compromise your convictions to become great. Your responsibility is to humble yourself and remain faithful; God's responsibility is to lift you according to His perfect will and timing.

Biblical Example: John the Baptist (John 3:27-30)

John the Baptist understood that a person could receive nothing except it was given from heaven. When people began comparing his ministry with that of Jesus, he declared, "He must increase, but I must decrease." His humility preserved his assignment and demonstrated that true greatness is found in giving Christ the central place.

2. GREATNESS REQUIRES THE SPIRIT OF SERVANTHOOD

Philippians 2:7 says that Jesus took upon Himself the form of a servant. This is one of the greatest revelations of Kingdom leadership. The Son of God, who deserved the worship of angels, willingly became a servant to accomplish the Father's purpose.

In the Kingdom, leadership is not an opportunity to exploit people but a responsibility to serve them. The greatest leaders are not necessarily those who have the largest titles, but those who make the greatest positive impact through sacrificial service.

a. Greatness Is Measured by Your Willingness to Serve (Mark 10:43-44)

Jesus taught that whoever desires to become great must become a servant, and whoever desires to be first must become the servant of all.

This principle challenges the worldly desire for superiority. In God's Kingdom, your greatness is not determined by how many people answer to you but by how many people are blessed through your service.

b. Service Must Come from Love (Galatians 5:13)

Christian service should be motivated by love, not by the desire for applause or recognition. When love controls your service, you remain committed even when nobody appreciates your contribution.

Serve your family, church, community, and fellow believers with genuine love. Do not make recognition the condition for your commitment.

c. Faithfulness in Little Things Prepares You for Greater Responsibilities (Luke 16:10)

God often tests our faithfulness through small assignments before entrusting us with greater responsibilities. A person who neglects little duties may not be ready for greater opportunities.

Do not despise small beginnings. Faithfully perform the responsibilities entrusted to you today. Your attitude toward small assignments reveals your readiness for greater opportunities.

d. True Servants Seek the Glory of God (Colossians 3:23-24)

Whatever you do, do it heartily as unto the Lord. A servant of God must understand that the ultimate reward comes from God, not merely from human appreciation.

When your service is directed toward God's glory, you will not become discouraged when people fail to recognise your labour. Continue to serve faithfully because God sees what others overlook.

Biblical Example: Jesus Washing His Disciples' Feet (John 13:3-17)

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, rose from supper, took a towel, and washed the feet of His disciples. He demonstrated that greatness does not make a person too important to serve. If the Master could wash the feet of His followers, no Christian leader should consider any humble service beneath his dignity.

3. GREATNESS DEMANDS SACRIFICIAL OBEDIENCE

Philippians 2:8 reveals that Jesus humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. His obedience was not convenient, comfortable, or easy. It involved the ultimate sacrifice.

There is a price attached to fulfilling God's purpose. Sometimes obedience will require us to surrender personal preferences, endure hardship, reject sinful opportunities, and remain faithful when the consequences are difficult. Kingdom greatness requires obedience that is not controlled by convenience.

a. Obedience Must Be Complete (1 Samuel 15:22)

God delights in obedience rather than religious activities used as substitutes for submission. Partial obedience is still disobedience when God has clearly spoken.

You cannot claim to be pursuing Kingdom greatness while deliberately disobeying God's Word. Greatness begins when your decisions, relationships, finances, character, and conduct come under the authority of Scripture.

b. Obedience May Require Personal Sacrifice (Luke 9:23)

Jesus taught that anyone who desires to follow Him must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Him.

Following Christ requires surrender. There will be times when you must choose righteousness over pleasure, truth over personal advantage, and God's will over your own desires. Such decisions may be costly, but they preserve your spiritual destiny.

c. Obedience Must Continue During Difficult Seasons (Hebrews 10:36)

The Bible teaches that believers need patience so that after doing the will of God, they may receive the promise. Obedience must not stop when challenges arise.

Some people begin well but abandon their commitment when obedience becomes uncomfortable. Greatness belongs to those who remain faithful through changing seasons. Do not allow temporary difficulties to make you abandon permanent assignments.

d. Obedience Positions You for God's Approval (Acts 5:29)

Peter and the apostles declared that they ought to obey God rather than men. Kingdom greatness requires the courage to stand for God's truth even when human pressure encourages compromise.

Do not exchange divine approval for temporary human acceptance. When God's Word and human expectations conflict, choose to remain faithful to God.

Biblical Example: Abraham Offering Isaac (Genesis 22:1-18)

Abraham demonstrated extraordinary obedience when God instructed him to offer Isaac. He was willing to surrender what was most precious to him because he trusted the God who had given the promise. God intervened and provided a ram. Abraham's experience teaches us that genuine faith is demonstrated through obedience, even when the cost is great.

4. GREATNESS REQUIRES THE WILLINGNESS TO ENDURE SUFFERING

The cross was not an accident in the life of Jesus. It was part of the redemptive assignment He willingly fulfilled. Philippians 2:8 reminds us that His obedience took Him to the death of the cross.

Many people desire the glory associated with greatness but reject the difficulties that may accompany their assignments. However, spiritual maturity requires the ability to remain faithful when the journey becomes difficult. Suffering does not automatically mean that God has abandoned you; sometimes, faithfulness to God's purpose involves enduring hardship.

a. You Must Be Ready to Pay the Price of Discipleship (2 Timothy 2:3)

Paul instructed Timothy to endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. A soldier cannot fulfil his assignment if he is unwilling to endure difficult conditions.

Christianity is not a promise of a trouble-free life. There will be spiritual battles, disappointments, opposition, and seasons of testing. Your commitment to Christ must be stronger than the challenges you encounter.

b. You Must Not Abandon Your Assignment Because of Opposition (1 Corinthians 16:9)

Paul recognised that a great and effective door had opened to him, but there were many adversaries. The presence of opposition did not cancel the opportunity.

Sometimes, resistance accompanies progress. Do not interpret every challenge as a sign that you should give up. Seek God's direction, examine your steps, and remain steadfast in the assignment He has given you.

c. You Must Keep Your Eyes on the Eternal Reward (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)

Paul described present affliction as temporary when compared with the eternal glory that awaits believers. This perspective helps Christians endure without losing hope.

If you concentrate only on present difficulties, you may become discouraged. But when you focus on God's promises and eternal purposes, you receive strength to continue. Never allow temporary suffering to make you abandon eternal values.

d. You Must Remain Faithful Until the End (Revelation 2:10)

Jesus encouraged the church at Smyrna to remain faithful unto death and promised the crown of life. Faithfulness is not measured only by how you begin but also by how you finish.

Do not become a seasonal Christian. Remain committed to Christ in prosperity and adversity, in public and in private, when appreciated and when overlooked. The crown is promised to those who remain faithful.

Biblical Example: Joseph (Genesis 39-41)

Joseph endured betrayal, slavery, false accusation, and imprisonment. Yet he refused to abandon his integrity or compromise his relationship with God. His suffering did not destroy his destiny. In God's appointed time, he was lifted from prison to become a ruler in Egypt. His life teaches us that faithfulness during difficult seasons is never wasted.

5. GREATNESS CULMINATES IN DIVINE EXALTATION

Philippians 2:9 begins with the word "Wherefore," connecting Christ's exaltation to the humility and obedience described in the preceding verses. God highly exalted Jesus and gave Him a name above every name.

This passage reveals an important Kingdom principle: God has the final authority over promotion and honour. Jesus did not exalt Himself; the Father exalted Him. Our responsibility is not to manufacture greatness through pride or manipulation but to remain faithful to God's purpose.

a. God Is the Source of Lasting Promotion (Psalm 75:6-7)

Promotion does not ultimately come from the east, west, or south. God is the Judge who puts down one and sets up another.

Human connections may open temporary opportunities, but lasting promotion must be entrusted to God. Never sacrifice your integrity in the pursuit of advancement. Let God determine the time, place, and manner of your lifting.

b. God Rewards Faithfulness (Hebrews 6:10)

God is not unrighteous to forget the work and labour of love demonstrated by His people. Every act of sincere service, every sacrifice made in obedience, and every faithful commitment is known to Him.

People may forget your contribution, but God does not overlook faithful labour. Continue to do good, serve faithfully, and honour God with your life.

c. Divine Exaltation Must Lead to Greater Responsibility (Luke 12:48)

Jesus taught that to whom much is given, much will be required. Therefore, promotion is not merely an opportunity to enjoy a higher position; it is a call to greater responsibility.

When God increases your influence, increase your commitment to righteousness, service, and accountability. Never allow promotion to turn you into a proud or careless person.

d. The Ultimate Reward Is Eternal Glory with Christ (1 Peter 5:4)

Peter speaks of the crown of glory that will not fade away, which will be given when the Chief Shepherd appears. Earthly recognition is temporary, but the reward of faithful service to Christ has eternal significance.

Do not measure your life only by what you acquire on earth. Live for the approval of Christ and the eternal reward He has promised to His faithful people.

Biblical Example: Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:8-11)

Jesus humbled Himself, became obedient unto death, and was highly exalted by the Father. His name is above every name, and every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. His life reveals that the path of Kingdom greatness is humility, obedience, sacrifice, and divine exaltation.

CONCLUSION

The price of greatness in God's Kingdom is humility, service, sacrificial obedience, endurance, and faithfulness. Jesus Christ demonstrated this truth through His earthly ministry, His death on the cross, and His subsequent exaltation. He did not pursue greatness through worldly ambition; He fulfilled the Father's will through complete surrender. His example remains the pattern for every believer who desires to make a lasting impact in God's Kingdom.

Do not seek the crown while rejecting the cross. Do not desire promotion while neglecting service. Do not demand recognition while refusing responsibility. Humble yourself before God, serve faithfully, obey His Word, endure hardship, and remain committed to your divine assignment. Remember that God is the One who exalts. Your greatness in His Kingdom begins with your willingness to become what He wants you to be.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, deliver me from pride and selfish ambition, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, give me the humility of Christ, in Jesus name.

3. Father, make me a faithful servant in Your Kingdom, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, strengthen me to obey You completely, in Jesus name.

5. Father, give me grace to endure every season of testing, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, deliver me from the fear of sacrifice, in Jesus name.

7. Father, help me remain faithful in little things, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, let my life bring glory to Your name, in Jesus name.

9. Father, establish me in the assignment You have given me, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, let me finish my Christian race faithfully and receive Your reward, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall walk in the humility of Christ.

2. You shall not be controlled by pride or selfish ambition.

3. Your life shall become a blessing to many people.

4. You shall receive grace to serve faithfully.

5. You shall obey God even when obedience is costly.

6. You shall overcome every trial that confronts your assignment.

7. Your labour in God's Kingdom shall not be wasted.

8. You shall fulfil your divine purpose with distinction.

9. God shall lift you according to His perfect will and timing.

10. You shall finish your race faithfully and receive your eternal reward.

FINAL CHARGE

Beloved, greatness in God's Kingdom is not a competition for titles, positions, or applause. It is a journey of becoming more like Jesus. Let humility be your character, service be your lifestyle, obedience be your commitment, and faithfulness be your testimony.

Pay the price of Kingdom greatness today. Serve when nobody is watching, obey when it is difficult, remain faithful when others give up, and trust God with your promotion. The God who exalted Jesus Christ will honour every life that is surrendered to His will. Humble yourself, serve faithfully, and let God make you great!