The Baptizer Isn't Finished
The Life of Christ • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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He Must Increase, But I Must Decrease
He Must Increase, But I Must Decrease
Bible Passage: John 3:22–36, Luke 3:19–20
Bible Passage: John 3:22–36, Luke 3:19–20
Summary: In John 3:22-36, John the Baptist recognizes the supremacy of Christ and his role in preparing the way for the Messiah. Similarly, Luke 3:19-20 highlights John's imprisonment, demonstrating the cost of his prophetic witness.
Application: This sermon encourages Christians to embrace humility and to prioritize Christ’s work over their own. It reminds believers that true greatness in the Kingdom of God is found in service and in exalting Christ above ourselves.
Teaching: Believers are called to acknowledge Christ's sovereignty, understanding that our lives are to reflect His glory rather than our own ambitions. This sermon teaches that humility is essential in following Christ.
How this passage could point to Christ: In this passage, Christ is portrayed as the ultimate Savior and the source of eternal life. The recognition of Christ's exaltation provides a profound understanding of His divine nature and purpose within the larger narrative of Scripture.
Big Idea: True discipleship means decreasing our own visibility and increasing Christ's in our lives; through this, we fulfill our purpose and experience His fullness.
Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider investigating the significance of baptism in John's ministry and its transformative implications in early Christianity. Use Logos to explore the historical context of John's preaching and the cultural implications of his imprisonment, as well as the relationship between John's ministry and Jesus' growing influence in the Gospels.
1. Priority: Elevate Christ First
1. Priority: Elevate Christ First
After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized.
Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptized.
(This was before John was put in prison.)
An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing.
They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.”
2. Purpose: Embrace Humility
2. Purpose: Embrace Humility
To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven.
You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’
The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.
He must become greater; I must become less.”
3. Power: Acknowledge Christ's Superiority
3. Power: Acknowledge Christ's Superiority
The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all.
He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony.
Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful.
For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.
The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands.
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.
4. Perseverance: Sacrifice for Christ
4. Perseverance: Sacrifice for Christ
Perhaps this passage serves as a testament to the cost of devotion. By confronting Herod, John the Baptist exemplifies unwavering dedication to truth and righteousness. Despite personal consequences, his life reflects total commitment to God’s will. This challenges believers to stand firm in their faith, regardless of the personal cost, trusting that through our trials, Christ is ultimately glorified.
But when John rebuked Herod the tetrarch because of his marriage to Herodias, his brother’s wife, and all the other evil things he had done,
Herod added this to them all: He locked John up in prison.
