Welcome to the Paul Tripp podcast, where pastor and bestselling author Paul David Tripp

connects the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life.

Our culture has confused what greatness is, what greatness does, and who truly embodies greatness.

In many ways, we've bought into the world's definition instead of Christ's.

In today's episode, we'll continue our sermon series from the archives, the gospel according to Mark,

as Paul unpacks Jesus' teaching that the first shall be last and the last shall be first,

and explains what true greatness and biblical servanthood really look like.

To hear more sermons from Paul, visit paultrip.com slash sermons.

Now here's Paul with today's message.

Well, you live in a culture and are surely some way influenced by that culture

that just gets greatness all wrong.

You're not great because you can hit a ball that's hurled at you at 95 miles an hour.

You're not great because you've had a number one hit.

You're not great because you've had a number one hit. You're not great because you've acquired wealth and possessions.

You're not great because you're in a position of power.

Sorry, you're not great because you're beautiful or handsome.

Things you had nothing to do with. Well, maybe if you have enough money

to reform your body, as some would do. Those things just don't define greatness. And if you look

at the lives of the people that we call great, you will realize quickly they're not so great after all.

And so this passage is really very important for us.

It's very timely for us.

Because in a culture that is obsessed with celebrity,

...