Compare and contrast the following two statements:
“I did it! I did it!”
“He [Jesus] must increase, but I must decrease.”
The first statement comes from an influential New Testament scholar who boasted in his own achievements/respectability. The second statement is from John the Baptist, who took joy in making much of Christ. Which statement currently best reflects the posture of your heart? Or, can you think of a time when God changed your heart posture from pride to humility?
Read: John 3:22–36
Q1: John’s life slogan could be summarized by vs 30: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” His joy was complete in making much of Christ. What has captured the affections of your heart (this week)?
Q2: If your heart is dull to the things of God, how can you fan into flame affection for God? (I’m not talking about chasing an emotional experience). Matthew 6:21: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Your heart follows its investments. What have you been depositing into your heart?
Q3: Our hearts are prone to focus on self because of our sin. Yet, God calls us to die to self and put on Christ. The biblical strategy for maximizing our joy and increasing God’s glory is through sacrificial service. What specific ways can you do this?
Q4: The meaning in John’s statement in vs 30 goes beyond his personal humility. It also demonstrates that John had an awareness of God’s providential plan. He took delight in watching God’s plan unfold. As you think about God’s providence in your life, how are you encouraged? (God’s providence is God’s ongoing care in directing all things according to his plan).
Q5: John’s disciples missed the big point. John’s ministry was always about Jesus. When Jesus finally showed up, they were upset people were flocking to him instead of their ministry. How does John correct their stinking thinking? (hint: look at verses 27–29)
Q6: The Bible doesn’t give us the option of thinking of Jesus as simply a good teacher. In the words of C.S. Lewis, he was either a liar, a lunatic, or Lord. Vs 34 teaches us that when Jesus speaks, God speaks. This helps us make sense of other places in Scripture where we’re told that Jesus spoke as one “with authority.” Have you surrendered to Jesus’ authority? How might this verse help you in evangelism?
Q7: Vs 36 says, “The one who believes in the Son has eternal life, but the one who rejects (literally, does not obey) the Son will not see life; instead, the wrath of God remains on him.” If you’ve not been born again, the Bible says you already are under God’s wrath. The only way to be free from that is to trust in Christ, who bore God’s righteous judgement for you. Have you trusted in Christ? How does this verse motivate you in evangelism?
Q8: Vs 34 reveals a glimpse of God’s triune nature as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus is the eternal Son, sent from the Father, who fully has the Spirit without measure. The Trinity is a mystery. How does reflecting on God as Triune lead you to worship?