IMPACT Recap

The Insult Of Greatness

November 28, 2022 · 0:44:48

MiraclesPurposeIdentity

Recap

Guest Speaker Stephen Chandler opened by celebrating the miraculous recovery of Pastor Travis, framing it as a sign of God's blessing and a promise of greater miracles for Impact Church. He emphasized that being in an atmosphere of miracles, like the woman who touched Jesus' garment in Luke 8, allows us to receive breakthroughs intended for others. The core message, from Matthew 20:20-28, challenged the congregation to embrace the God-given desire for greatness. Pastor Stephen argued that average living insults God, as we are created in His image—the image of a great God. He explained that this desire will offend average-minded people and even our own insecurities, but we must push past that. The path to true, fulfilling greatness, however, is not through self-promotion but through Christ-like servanthood. He concluded by urging listeners to reject a life of mere survival, tap into the purpose God has placed within them, and be motivated by eternity rather than fear or pride.

Main Points

  • Being created in the image of a great God means greatness is in our DNA; settling for average is an insult to Him.
  • A desire for Godly greatness will offend average-minded people and our own insecurities, but we must choose to please God over people.
  • The path to true, fulfilling greatness is through servanthood, as modeled by Jesus, and is motivated by purpose and eternity, not fear or pride.

Verses Mentioned

  • Luke 8:40-48 - "(Paraphrased summary) A woman with an issue of blood received healing by touching the hem of Jesus' garment as He was on His way to heal Jairus's daughter." (NIV)
  • Matthew 20:20-28 - "Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him. He said to her, 'What do you want?' She said, 'Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.' 'You don’t know what you are asking,' Jesus said to them. 'Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?' 'We can,' they answered. Jesus said to them, 'You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.' When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. Jesus called them together and said, 'You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.'" (NIV)
  • Genesis 1:27 - "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." (NIV)
  • Psalm 8:1 - "Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens." (NIV)
  • 1 Samuel 9:21 - "Saul answered, 'But am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why do you say such a thing to me?'" (NIV)
  • Jeremiah 6:16 - "This is what the Lord says: 'Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’'" (NIV)

Daily Action Plan

Monday

Scripture Reflection: Genesis 1:27 (NIV) - 'So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.'

Focus Point: Your divine identity.

Action Plan: Look in the mirror and declare, 'I am made in the image of a great God. Greatness is in my DNA.'

Deep Prayer: God, thank you for creating me in Your image. Help me to see myself the way You see me today.

Tuesday

Scripture Reflection: Matthew 20:26-27 (NIV) - '...whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave...'

Focus Point: The path to greatness.

Action Plan: Intentionally serve one person in your home, workplace, or community without expecting recognition.

Deep Prayer: Jesus, give me Your heart to serve. Show me one way to humbly lift someone else up today.

Wednesday

Scripture Reflection: Psalm 8:1 (NIV) - 'Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens.'

Focus Point: God's greatness.

Action Plan: Spend 5 minutes in quiet reflection on God's majesty, listing three specific examples of His greatness in creation or your life.

Deep Prayer: Lord, You are great and majestic. I stand in awe of You. Align my desires with Your greatness.

Thursday

Scripture Reflection: 1 Samuel 9:21 (NIV) - 'Saul answered, "But am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel..."'

Focus Point: Overcoming excuses.

Action Plan: Write down one excuse you've used for not stepping into God's purpose. Then, write God's truth over it (e.g., 'I am qualified by His calling, not my resume').

Deep Prayer: Father, forgive me for making excuses. I receive Your calling and trust that You equip those You call.

Friday

Scripture Reflection: Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV) - '...ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.'

Focus Point: Finding the right path.

Action Plan: Evaluate one area where you've been seeking shortcuts. Commit to one 'ancient path' principle (like integrity, diligence, or patience) to apply instead.

Deep Prayer: Holy Spirit, guide me to the good way. Give me the courage to walk in Your timeless principles, even when it's hard.

Saturday

Scripture Reflection: Luke 8:46-48 (NIV) - 'But Jesus said, "Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me." ... Then he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace."'

Focus Point: Faith in the atmosphere of miracles.

Action Plan: Identify one specific need in your life or family. In prayer, reach out in faith, believing God is at work even now.

Deep Prayer: Jesus, I reach out to You in faith today. I believe You are the Miracle Worker. I trust You with my need.

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