Series: The Gospel of Luke: Confidence about Jesus

How to Pursue Greatness

July 19, 2026 | Zach Schlegel
Passage: The Gospel According to Luke Luke 9:37-50

At the root of all sin is pride. It comes from thinking we can live our own way and wanting the honor that belongs to God. There are two types of pride: security-seeking pride and glory-seeking. We seek security through trying to control various aspects of life. Security-seeking pride can be hard to recognize. Those seeking security could look like humility, but it is really a proud refusal to trust God. Glory-seeking pride is a result of looking to self for significance, successful, and wisdom. Glory-seeking pride attempts to steal glory that belongs to God and attribute it to self.


To overcome pride, you must admit that you are prideful. Where do you see yourself? Are you security-seeking or glory-seeking? It’s easy to see in others, but it is difficult to see in self. Pride affects our relationship with God who is opposed to the proud.


Knowing the Jesus’ death was just around the corner, He told His disciples what was to come. The warning is repeated here in vs. 44. In chapter nine, Jesus is preparing His disciples for what was to come.


Sermon Outline
1. Turn from security-seeking pride. Vs. 37-45
2. Turn from glory-seeking pride. Vs. 46-50

Series Information

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