John 3:22-36
Big Idea: Jesus Must Increase And We Must Decrease
In response to Jesus’ surpassing greatness:
1) Embrace gospel priority because Jesus is the Savior not me (v. 22-29)
2 aspects of gospel priority and purity:
1) My identity is in Christ not ministry or church (v. 27-29)
2) Proclaiming the gospel with conviction, confidence, and consistency (v. 27-29)
2) Embrace gospel generosity because Jesus’ mission supersedes me (v. 27-30)
2 guiding principles of the Biblical theology of generosity:
1) God’s grace is the source of it all (v. 27)
2) God’s purposes and glory are the reason for it all (v. 28-30)
3) Embrace God-empowered humility because Jesus is greater than me (v. 28-31)
“Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility towards one another for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because he cares for you.”
– 1 Peter 5:5b-7
3 aspects of embracing humility daily:
1) My Priority: Emphasize Jesus (v. 28)
2) My Purpose: Exalt Jesus (v. 29)
3) My Blessing: Enduring Joy From Jesus (v. 29)
4) Embrace faithful obedience because Jesus reigns sovereignly over me (v. 31-36)
Two evidences of eternal-life giving genuine surrender to Jesus:
1) Believing in the Word of God (v. 33)
2) Obedience to the Word of God (v. 36)