He Must Increase – John 3:22-36

1. Comparison kills…

1.A. It…

“When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” (John 21:21-22)

“But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbour. For each will have to bear his own load.” (Galatians 6:4-5)

1.B. It…

1.C. It…

“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3)

2. Security is in…

“John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven.” (John 3:27)

3. Joy is in…

“…The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:29b-30)

TWO KINDS OF PEOPLE

“There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, “Thy will be done,” and those to whom God says, in the end, “Thy will be done.” All that are in Hell, choose it… No soul that seriously and constantly desires joy will ever miss it. Those who seek find. To those who knock, it is opened.” (C.S. Lewis)

“Some will say yes I get that I must believe, but I still have doubts. That’s okay, and it is another beautiful part of the Christian gospel. If you reach out and grab a branch as you fall from a cliff while also doubting that the branch can hold you, will it affect whether it actually can? No. And that’s true for faith and the work of Jesus. It is not the strength of your faith that saves you, it is the object of your faith that saves you. It is not the depth and purity of your heart, but the work of Jesus on your behalf that saves you.” (Mark Clark)