How can we practically ensure "He must increase, I must decrease" in our lives? \Setting the Stage: John 3:30 in Context\ • John the Baptist, filled with joy at Jesus’ arrival, declared, “He must increase; I must decrease” (John 3:30). • The statement flows from his conviction that Jesus is “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). • John’s life goal: magnify Christ, shrink self. \Why Christ Must Increase\ • He is supreme: “so that in all things He may have preeminence” (Colossians 1:18). • He alone saves: “There is salvation in no one else” (Acts 4:12). • He supplies life and fruitfulness: “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). \Why We Must Decrease\ • Our old self died with Him: “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). • Pride blocks His glory: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride” (Philippians 2:3). • Self-reliance steals His credit and weakens witness. \Practices that Let Him Increase\ • Delight in Scripture daily—He speaks, faith grows. • Lift continual praise—He is enthroned on our worship (Psalm 22:3). • Abide consciously—repeatedly turn heart and mind toward Him through the day (John 15:5). • Serve others in His name—good works “glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). • Speak of Him naturally—share testimony, gospel conversations, hospitality. \Practices that Help Us Decrease\ • Regular confession—agree with God about sin; humility deepens. • Fasting—step away from comforts or platforms that feed self-focus. • Hidden acts of kindness—choose assignments no one applauds (Matthew 6:3-4). • Celebrate others’ successes—rejoice when Christ uses them. • Limit self-promotion—post, speak, and plan with His honor, not personal brand, in view. \A Daily Heart Check\ • Examine whose glory was sought today. • Note moments of self-reliance and surrender them. • Thank Him for every glimpse of His increase. \Encouragement for the Journey\ • The call is daily: “He must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). • The reward is fullness: “that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:19). • As He rises in focus, joy multiplies—just as it did for John the Baptist. |
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