He Must Become Greater
Verse by Verse Study of the Gospel of John • Sermon • Submitted
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HOOK
HOOK
We’re getting to close to the end of chapter 3— and the this part of John’s Gospel now speaks about baptism— which was the subject matter of Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus
It could be remembered that some of John’s disciples joined Jesus earlier
And now Jesus started baptizing— but it is not him but his disciples that was baptizing— John 4:2— this affirms what John has been doing— baptizing
In today’s study we will see that there seems to be a brewing rivalry— John’s disciples was obviously concerned to protect the popularity and prestige of their teacher— and they wanted John to counter Jesus’ growing popularity
Disciples of teachers are often more zealous for their teacher’s perspective that the teachers themselves— as in the case of the Arminians and Calvinists
Take note that in John’s gospel, it is not chronologically arranged— as you dig deeper into the Word— you will encounter some seemingly conflicting accounts between the synoptic gospels— but make no mistake because John clearly stated the purpose of his writings in John 20:30-31
Let’s take a look John 3:22-30
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BOOK
22 After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized. 23 Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptized. 24 (This was before John was put in prison.) 25 An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. 26 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.” 27 To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ 29 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. 30 He must become greater; I must become less.”
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LOOK
AN ARGUMENT DEVELOPED
25 An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing.
A PERSON CAN ONLY RECEIVE WHAT GOD HAS GIVEN
HE MUST BECOME GREATER
30 He must become greater; I must become less.”
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TOOK
I must avoid stupid arguments
23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.
I must be content of what God has given me
11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
He must become greater
8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ
