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Secrets of the Kingdom Life  /  Chapter 29: True and False Humility  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 1
In the opening prayer (“Lord, make me childlike; deliver me from the urge to compete…”), what kinds of “competition” for place, prestige, or position show up in church life today, and how does the chapter suggest those urges can hide inside “kingdom living”?
Another way to ask: What kinds of “competition” for status or attention show up in churches today? How can those desires hide under the cover of “kingdom living”?

Direct Answer Based on David Bercot’s teaching, competition in church can show up as a desire to be seen as more spiritual, more obedient, or more important than others, and it can hide inside “kingdom living” when obedience turns into self-exaltation in our own minds.

Support from Transcript:

  • Opening prayer asks deliverance from “the urge to compete with another for place or prestige or position.”
  • Bercot says when we “reach out to live the kingdom life,” it’s “so easy to develop spiritual pride.”
  • He explains that as we become “more and more obedient to New Testament commands, it’s easy to exalt ourselves in our own minds.”
  • Jesus’ warning is applied directly to this tendency: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled.”
  • He ties humility to God’s favor: “We cannot expect to have God’s approval and favor if we’re not humble.”
Discussion Follow-ups Where do you feel tempted to measure yourself against other believers—obedience, knowledge, ministries, or reputation? How can increased “obedience” subtly become a way to feel superior?

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