Less Is More

Text: Luke 3:1-20

Introduction

It is our desire as Christians to spread the good news of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. We are given the Great Commission as our guide. We are to be heralds, like John the Baptist, for Jesus, preaching and winning the lost and paving the way for Christ’s second coming.

John serves as a prime example of what God desires in his servants: a desire to serve, concern for social injustice and salvation, humility, and boldness.

I. Desire to Serve (vv. 1-6)

A. When the calling came, John went

1. There is no record of John’s calling, probably because it would have been a very short passage: “John, go.” “ok”

2. Many examples in the Bible of people who run from their calling, here’s a prime example of someone who didn’t

3. “All mankind will see God’s salvation”

B. He served with vigor and zeal (John 1:29-34)

1. He was excited to see Jesus

2. He openly proclaimed Jesus the Son of God without reservation

II. Concern for Social Injustice and Salvation (vv. 7-14)

A. John preached about forgiveness and restoration

1. He was concerned for the eternity of his people, but he wasn’t preaching salvation…

2. He was preparing their hearts and minds for the Holy Spirit

a. Your role doesn’t necessarily have to be converting the lost.

b. Sometimes God needs someone to “weed the garden”

c. They saw God through John (even thought he was God!)

B. John preached about social issues, also

1. Give to the needy, and be honest

a. Doesn’t say, “Give to the needy, unless you think they’re going to go spend it on alcohol or gambling”

b. Don’t you think they had alcoholics and gamblers then?

c. It’s not our problem what they do with the money, that’s between them and God

d. It is our duty to give when we have the ability.

(1) James 2:1-19 (Show faith by actions)

(2) James 4:17: “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.”

2. God is concerned with these also

3. As Christians, being involved in social services is one of the best ways we can demonstrate God’s love and serve God

III. Humility (vv. 15-18)

A. John didn’t require center stage to serve

1. Although he was on the front lines, he exhibited humility

2. When you think of the “Top 10” evangelists of the New Testament, John is not the first person that comes to mind

3. Yet, he was instrumental and laid the foundation for all of the apostles and Jesus himself.

B. He realized that being influential could be used to glorify God

1. When asked, he confessed “I am not the Christ…”

2. “…I’m not even worthy to take of his sandals!”

3. John 3:22-36: “He must become greater, I must become less”

a. “become greater”: to increase, become greater

b. “become less”: to be made lower than

4. John knew that he only played a small part in the big picture, and he didn’t try to make a name for himself, but for Jesus

IV. Boldness and Courage (vv. 19-20)

A. He had faith that God would provide

1. “wore camel skin, and ate locusts and wild honey”

2. Lived in the desert

B. He was unafraid to preach God’s message

1. Against a very powerful leader

2. Despite the certain consequences

3. He was put to death for his willingness to serve God

V. Conclusion and Application

A. Do you have a desire and willingness to serve?

1. When God calls, do you offer excuses or service?

2. Do you place stipulations or conditions on your service?

B. Do you serve God by giving to those who are in need?

C. Are you humble in your service?

1. When you serve, do you look for attention?

2. Or do you look for ways of bringing glory to God?

D. Are you bold and courageous; and have faith that God will provide?