Psalm 51

To whom much is given, much is required, the Scripture declares to us. (Luke 12:48) This is true in every walk of life, especially in the Christian experience.

The Bible declares to us in I Corinthians that not many of the mighty and noble are called of the Lord. (I Corinthians 1:26) Why then do we need to consider the conquest of greatness? While not many of us will be called great, there is a spirit of greatness that all of us can possess that can hinder us from effective service to Christ; thus, we need to consider this subject.

David serves as an example to us because he was called to be great by man and by God, of how the spirit of greatness needs to be conquered. David was the mightiest king who has ever lived. He is also called in the Scriptures, a man after God’s own heart. Let’s walk with David through several of the experiences of his life so that we may learn how to be great and yet not be a failure with God.

Because of the dangers thus avoided, each of us needs to conquer the spirit of greatness.

We need to conquer the spirit of greatness because:

• Overconfidence (I Samuel 17:25-33)
  • David went to the battlefield as a young man and saw Goliath
    • His request (verses 32&33)
    • His confidence (verses 34-37)
    • His conquest (verses 45-47)
      • He understood that his action was in the power of God
• Opportunity (I Samuel 24:1-15 & I Samuel 26:1-20)
  • David was a fugitive because of a jealous king
  • Twice, he had the opportunity for victory over his enemy
  • Victory came in restraint
    • Humble yourselves, and God will exalt in due season (I Peter 5:5-7)
• Power (II Samuel 11&12)
  • The temptation that power produces
  • David yields to temptation
    • sin with Bathsheba
    • action towards Uriah
  • Seeks to cover his sin by committing another sin
  • Conquest comes in confessions

Therefore, every person needs to conquer the spirit of greatness. We may not be great in anyone’s eyes, but we can have the same spirit that causes the problems in our lives.