In our culture, there are constant debates about who is the “GOAT,” greatest athlete of all time. Many sports analysts claim that gymnast Simone Biles, tennis player Serena Williams and golf player Jack Nicholas are the greatest in these sports. While analysts’ opinions vary over time, the critical question to be asked is what does greatness look like from a biblical perspective?

Utilizing the book, Beyond the Sunday Sermon, Dr. Ronald Holmes addressed this question with a focus on how to (1) be greater; (2) do greater and (3) get greater through Jesus Christ. Holmes said to be greater as a race, we must resist the temptation for self-promotion in accordance with Philippians 2: 3. In other words, don’t just think about yourselves or do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of other people as more important than yourselves. We must become Christ-centered, people centered rather than self-centered, said Holmes.

Regarding point two, Dr. Holmes noted that service is better than status, position or a title in God’s kingdom. By being a servant to all, we can do greater things in a school, industry, organization and church (Mark 9:35). Holmes said the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated established at Cornell University in 1906 is a prototype of how to be of service to all humankind. One of its most prestigious members, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., made it clear that “everybody can be great because everybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace; a soul generated by love.” Thus, be of good faith and servant to all.

In point three, Dr. Holmes noted that the best way to get greater in our life is through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. “Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4). Holmes said by serving others, we serve not only Jesus but also his Father (Mark 9:37). Thus, greatness is measured by service to all humankind. We learn greatness from and through Jesus.

In summary, this bible study reveals what greatness looks like from a biblical perspective. It specifically focused on how we can be greater, do greater and get greater through Jesus Christ. To serve our community greatly, we must be Christ-centered, people-centered rather than self-centered.

Our next Wednesday’s bible study lesson on October 25 is, “The Gift of Jesus” from the book, “Beyond the Sunday Sermon”. The book can be purchased online from Amazon.com. To hear the lesson online from 7:00p.m. – 8:00p.m., you can go to the First Timothy Baptist Church’s website.

Dr. Ronald Holmes is the author of 26 books and publisher of “The Holmes Education Post,” an education focused Internet newspaper. His books for children cover topics such as the coronavirus, solar system, flowers, careers and school bullying.  His books for adults focus on religion, hazing, workplace bullying, bipolar disorders, issues in education and completing the dissertation.