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He Must Increase, But I Must Decrease

Text: John 3:22-36
21 May 2006

John’s Special Ministry

“After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He remained with them and baptized. Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim…” (John 3:22-23)

1. The uniqueness of John’s ministry

2. The faithfulness of John

Hidden Dangers That Threaten Ministry

“And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified–behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!”” (John 3:26)

1. Pride

2. Jealously

3. Wrong Competitive Spirit

John’s Perspective Of His Own Ministry

“John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before Him.'” (John 3:27-28)

1. It is never about self

2. It is given to him by privilege

3. It is about being sent by God

John’s Response Towards The Greater Ministry Of Jesus

“”He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:29-30)

1. Joy

2. Humility

3. Focus

John’s Personal Knowledge And Understanding Of Jesus

1. His Focus Is On Jesus

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30)

2. He is from above

“He who comes from above is above all…” (John 3:31)

3. He is above all

“He who comes from above is above all…” (John 3:31)

4. He has heard and seen the Father

“And what He has seen and heard, that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony.” (John 3:32)

5. He speaks the words of God

“For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God…” (John 3:33-34)

6. He is the Son whom the Father loves

“The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand.”( John 3:35)

7. He is the path to everlasting life

“He who believes in the Son has everlasting life…” (John 3:36)

John’s Example To Us

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30)

1. To have the same humble mindset as John did

2. To avoid falling into the hidden dangers of ministry

3. To never place ourselves above the Lord and ministry