Sermon Listening Guide
Speaker: Dr. Condy Richardson
Scripture: John 3:22-36
Sermon Title: “Testify!”
John 3:22-36 (NIV)
22 After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized. 23 Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptized. 24 (This was before John was put in prison.) 25 An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. 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.”
27 To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ 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. 30 He must become greater; I must become less.”
31 The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. 33 Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. 34 For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. 35 The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.
27 To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ 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. 30 He must become greater; I must become less.”
31 The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. 33 Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. 34 For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. 35 The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.
First Thoughts
John 3 tells the story of one who knew how to “stay in his lane.”
John the Baptist existed to point people to Jesus.
Temptation
In our verses, a dispute arose between followers of Jesus and followers of John the Baptist.
John was an extraordinary man who earned fame and followers.
Today’s culture tells us we should all be influencers and main characters.
Should Christians bristle at the idea of being the center of attention?
What John the Baptist Knew
Verses 27-29 show John to be humble and focused on Christ.
He knew he was created by God and subject to God’s sovereign desires.
Humility comes from the Holy Spirit, but John was a great example of that virtue.
Increase/Decrease
In verse 30, John famously declares he should decrease so Christ can increase.
Verses 31-36 remind us Jesus is of heavenly origin and with no limits.
By acting with humility and decreasing, John opened the door for Christ to increase.
We must all act with humility, so Christ remains the main character at FIFBC.
Final Thoughts
We “stay in our lane” when we point people to Jesus. What portions of your life need to decrease so Christ can increase in you?
Who are you pointing to Jesus?
John 3 tells the story of one who knew how to “stay in his lane.”
John the Baptist existed to point people to Jesus.
Temptation
In our verses, a dispute arose between followers of Jesus and followers of John the Baptist.
John was an extraordinary man who earned fame and followers.
Today’s culture tells us we should all be influencers and main characters.
Should Christians bristle at the idea of being the center of attention?
What John the Baptist Knew
Verses 27-29 show John to be humble and focused on Christ.
He knew he was created by God and subject to God’s sovereign desires.
Humility comes from the Holy Spirit, but John was a great example of that virtue.
Increase/Decrease
In verse 30, John famously declares he should decrease so Christ can increase.
Verses 31-36 remind us Jesus is of heavenly origin and with no limits.
By acting with humility and decreasing, John opened the door for Christ to increase.
We must all act with humility, so Christ remains the main character at FIFBC.
Final Thoughts
We “stay in our lane” when we point people to Jesus. What portions of your life need to decrease so Christ can increase in you?
Who are you pointing to Jesus?