COLONIAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHLesson 7 introduction · Pastor Jeff
- Big Idea
- In a world that climbs ladders, Jesus climbs down. Greatness in His kingdom isn’t measured by how high you rise but by how many people you lift.
- Memory Verse
- “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45
- Action Step
- Do one significant act of hidden service that no one will applaud, and tell only God.
- Outcome
- I’ve made one “lower-place” choice that lifted someone else.
The way of selfless ambition
The Way of JesusRead before you meet · about 5 minutes
The only direction Jesus went was down
Everything around us pushes up: more followers, a bigger title, a better house, a higher seat. Jesus went the other way. Though He existed in the form of God, He “emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant... He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:7–8). From heaven to a manger. From a manger to a towel. From a towel to a cross.
Greatness, redefined
When James and John asked for the best seats in Jesus’ kingdom, the other disciples were furious, probably because they wanted those seats too. Jesus gathered them and turned the ladder upside down: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Mark 10:43). Later, He knelt and washed their feet (John 13).
Henri Nouwen called this the way of downward mobility. It isn’t self-loathing or thinking less of yourself. It’s thinking of yourself less. Because Jesus has already given you your identity (loved, chosen, secure), you don’t need to climb to prove anything. You’re free to aim your ambition at other people’s good.
Use your place to lift others
Downward mobility doesn’t mean quitting your job or turning down a promotion. It means using whatever position you have to raise others up: sharing credit, mentoring someone, covering the unseen task, choosing the lowest seat (Luke 14:7–11), and giving your best to people who can’t repay you.
This is where Investing in Others gets practical. Self-denial deals with my desires. Downward mobility deals with my status, and turns it into a gift for someone else.
When You Meetabout 60 minutes
Who leads: The disciple opens in prayer and leads Connect. The discipler leads the rest.
Connect· 10 min
- Where do you feel the most pressure to climb: work, social media, family, church, even your kids’ success?
- How did your forgiveness prayer and daily blessing go?
Read· 20–25 min
Read aloud: Philippians 2:1–11 and Mark 10:35–45
- List the “downward steps” Jesus takes in Philippians 2:6–8. Which one surprises you most?
- What were James and John really asking for? What did Jesus offer instead?
- Paul writes, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (v. 5). What would that look like in your closest relationships?
- Where do you instinctively reach for the best seat?
Practice· 15 min
- Name a ladder. Turn it upside down. Each person answers three questions:
- What “ladder” am I tempted to climb? (Recognition, being right, success, image...)
- Who is one person I could lift up this week?
- How, specifically? (Share credit, praise them to others, mentor, cover an unseen duty, give my time.)
Pray & Plan· 10 min
- Pray together: “Jesus, yoke my ambition to Your love.”
- Confirm the person you’ll lift up this week.
For disciplers: Look for a way to serve alongside your disciple this week: bring a meal, help someone move, set up chairs. Doing it together teaches more than talking about it.
For groups: Don’t share your hidden act of service. That would defeat the purpose! Share instead what the practice revealed in you.
Live ItThis week's action step
Do one significant act of service that no one will applaud. Don’t mention it. Tell only God.
My hidden act of service
When
Go deeper (optional): Pray every morning this week: “Jesus, yoke my ambition to Your love.”
Pass It Onwithin 48 hours
Lift someone up by name this week. Praise them publicly, share the credit, or tell their boss, parent, or friend what they did well.
Five Days with Jesus10–15 minutes a day
Use R³ each day: Read, Reflect, Respond.
Day 1 · Philippians 2:1–11
Where am I clinging to my rights instead of emptying myself?
Day 2 · Mark 10:42–45
How can I serve rather than be served today?
Day 3 · Luke 14:7–11
What is the “lowest seat” in front of me?
Day 4 · John 13:3–17
Whose feet will I wash, in a practical way, this week?
Day 5 · 2 Corinthians 8:9
How has Jesus’ poverty made me rich? How can His riches flow through me?
Awareness: Spotlights vs. Lamps
Notice when you reach for a spotlight: credit, attention, the last word, the platform. Ask the Spirit to make you a lamp instead, quietly giving light so others can see Jesus.
Ready to Move On?
I did one hidden act of service.
I intentionally lifted up someone else.
I can name one “ladder” I’m learning to step down from.
When you and your discipler agree these are true, move on to the next session. If not, take another week. That’s growth too.