John 3:22–30 - Cameron Jungles - 6-16-2013

“Christ Must Become Greater”: John 3:22–30 (Eastside Baptist/Sun AM/June 16, 2013)

 John 3:30

He must become greater; I must become less.”

 1.  John humbly submitted himself to the will of God.

 ·         John understood his dependence on Divine grace.

 John 3:27

To this John replied, "A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. 

·         John willingly embraced his role in preparing the way for Jesus.

 John 3:28

You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.'

John 3:29

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. 

·         John humbly accepted his decreasing popularity and influence.

 John 3:26

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."

John 3:27

To this John replied, "A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. 

·         John laid down his life in service to Christ.

 John 3:24

(This was before John was put in prison.)

 Matthew 14:3-4

Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, for John had been saying to him: "It is not lawful for you to have her."

Matthew 14:5

Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they considered John a prophet.

Matthew 14:6-7

On Herod's birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for the guests and pleased Herod so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked.

Matthew 14:8

Prompted by her mother, she said, "Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist."

Matthew 14:9-10

The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted and had John beheaded in the prison.

Matthew 14:11

His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother.

Matthew 14:12

John's disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.

 Mark 8:34

Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

Mark 8:35

For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.

 Matthew 23:8

"But you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers.

Matthew 23:9

And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven.

Matthew 23:10

Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah.

Matthew 23:11-12

The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

 2.  So that, Jesus Christ would be glorified.

 John 3:29

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.

John 3:30

He must become greater; I must become less.”

 Colossians 1:18

And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

 Philippians 2:9

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,

Philippians 2:10

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

Philippians 2:11

and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Main Idea

We must willingly offer ourselves in humble self-sacrificing service, so that our Lord Jesus Christ may be exalted in all things.

 Romans 12:1

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--this is your true and proper worship.