John the Baptist's Humility: Surrendering to God's Will and Magnifying His Purpose

About this sermon

Learn More | https://trbc.org/encountering-jesus-study/ Watch Week 1 | https://youtu.be/gbym71RRBmk Watch Week 3 | https://youtu.be/xPfB8GjF4FM Giving | http://TRBC.org/GIVE Subscribe for weekly content | http://youtube.com/@ThomasRoadChurch?sub_confirmation=1 Week 2: Discussion Guide | https://cdn.trbc.org/wp-content/uploads/Encountering-Jesus-Digital.pdf DISCOVER: What does the passage say? Who is the author and what is the time period that the passage was written? ◊ The Gospel of John was written by the apostle John,most likely in Syria and Asia Minor. Many theologians and historians hold the belief that the book of John was written during the time period between 70-90 A.D. What is the setting? When did it happen (look at the chapter before)? Where was it? Who is the audience? ◊ The third chapter of John explores the early ministry of Jesus, specifically focusing on the role of John the Baptist as the one who was born to pave the way for Jesus, the Messiah. The third chapter of John explores the early ministry of Jesus, with a particular focus on John the Baptist and his role as the precursor to Jesus, the Messiah. ◊ In these verses, we are able to gain some insight into both Jesus’ and John the Baptist’s ministries. John the Baptist had his own ministry with a respectable number of followers and disciples. When John’s followers saw that people were leaving their group to be baptized by Jesus, it made them compare the two ministries and raised some concerns. ◊ John the Baptist spoke to his disciples and a Jew who was in a dispute with them. This conversation took place in Aenon, a region which is situated along the Israeli boundary of the Jordan River, lying between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea. Are any key words or phrases repeated? Which ones are the most important? ◊ In these verses, there are several significant keywords that carry special importance. Phrases like friend of the bridegroom, bear witness, increase, decrease, and sent hold great importance. However, among them, the most significant phrases are friend of the bridegroom and increase. These keywords serve as a guiding principle for believers, encouraging them to lead a life that directs attention towards Jesus, rather than themselves. LEARN: What is the passage teaching? What was the biggest lesson you learned from today’s teaching? ◊ John understood that the purpose of his life and ministry was not to bring glory to himself, but rather to exalt Jesus, the chosen Messiah. The same should go for us – we should live in a way that directs praise and honor towards Jesus, rather than personal recognition. What do these verses teach about God (the Father, Son, and Spirit) and His character? ◊ Although this passage does not explicitly discuss specific roles of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, it does highlight the unique authority and significance of Jesus as the one whom God sent to save all of humanity. This passage shows us the importance of who Jesus is and displays that His life was the culmination of the entire Old Testament and its prophecies. How do these verses reveal the nature of humanity to you? ◊ Embedded into our sinful nature is the desire to selfishly bring glory to ourselves. Even those of us who know Jesus well and profess Him as Lord and Savior struggle greatly to live for His glory alone. Every one of us is born with a predisposition towards arrogance, self-importance, and pride. APPLY: What are you to do with the passage? 1. Consider the busy times in your life. How can you be more intentional to make sure Jesus remains the priority? 2. When success garners attention or when your work goes unrecognized, how do you manage your personal emotions while also guiding others towards Christ? 3. Consider a time where you chose to ignore your own agenda to help another person succeed. What was the motivator for that decision? 4. How can you lead with BOLD HUMILITY in your workplace, with your family, in your community, or church? – Stay connected with our church. Instagram | http://instagram.com/ThomasRoad Facebook | http://facebook.com/ThomasRoad – Timeline 0:00 Intro 0:45 John the Baptist Message 3:35 1. John Knew His Purpose and Identity 4:25 2. John's Humility to Surrender Authority 5:27 3. John's Humility was Focused on God's Will 6:15 Our Mission in Life

Topics

• Humility
• Obedience
• Purpose & Calling