WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:11.919 Well, I would like you to turn this morning to John chapter 3. 00:00:11.919 --> 00:00:14.839 ! Give me just a second. 00:00:17.719 --> 00:00:20.059 My eyes filled up a little bit here. 00:00:20.059 --> 00:00:20.059 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:33.240 Do you know what makes for good singing? 00:00:33.240 --> 00:00:35.340 Listen. 00:00:35.340 --> 00:00:37.539 What makes for good singing? 00:00:37.539 --> 00:00:41.679 Number one, people who are saved. 00:00:41.679 --> 00:00:45.939 Number two, people who are filled with the Spirit. 00:00:45.939 --> 00:00:48.980 And of course, having encouraged you to pray ahead, right? 00:00:48.980 --> 00:00:54.019 And people who have prayed up and are ready to worship God in the Spirit. 00:00:54.019 --> 00:00:59.159 Well now, I want you to stop just for a second. 00:00:59.159 --> 00:01:01.819 And I'd like you to say something at the very beginning. 00:01:01.819 --> 00:01:05.899 I am going to kill myself on these cords. 00:01:05.899 --> 00:01:08.140 Strangled or tripped, one of the two. 00:01:08.140 --> 00:01:08.879 Okay. 00:01:08.879 --> 00:01:09.739 Here's what I want you to do. 00:01:09.739 --> 00:01:10.739 I want you to say it out loud. 00:01:10.739 --> 00:01:13.039 Now, if you really want to take a pass, you go ahead. 00:01:13.039 --> 00:01:16.979 Don't have to. 00:01:16.979 --> 00:01:19.579 But here's what I'd like you to say out loud. 00:01:19.579 --> 00:01:22.519 I am struggling with pride. 00:01:22.519 --> 00:01:24.420 I am struggling with pride. 00:01:24.420 --> 00:01:26.560 Oh, okay. 00:01:26.560 --> 00:01:29.219 Well, let's take it another step. 00:01:29.219 --> 00:01:33.560 Turn to somebody close to you and say, and I know you're struggling with pride. 00:01:33.560 --> 00:01:34.560 Go ahead. 00:01:34.560 --> 00:01:35.560 It's all right. 00:01:35.560 --> 00:01:40.400 I mean, hey, everybody knows. 00:01:40.400 --> 00:01:43.540 You balked. 00:01:43.540 --> 00:01:45.540 Okay. 00:01:45.540 --> 00:02:10.000 We're going to open up a passage of Scripture this morning that in the flow of the argument of John the Apostle about the supremacy of Christ is very significant. 00:02:10.000 --> 00:02:23.039 And you will remember that one of the things about the gospel of John is that in John chapter 20, 31, he tells us what his theme is. 00:02:24.659 --> 00:02:25.560 He said this. 00:02:25.659 --> 00:02:34.740 He said, but these things are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. 00:02:34.740 --> 00:02:53.960 And so this morning as we come to this passage, we are early in the flow of the logic of the book of John, and we have been reminded that God sent a forerunner, someone in front of Jesus, to announce the coming of the king, John the Baptist. 00:02:53.960 --> 00:02:58.420 A man of unbelievably significant ministry. 00:02:58.560 --> 00:03:06.379 In fact, you'll remember that Jesus bore testimony to the significance and the exceptional nature of John the Baptist. 00:03:06.379 --> 00:03:24.300 So understandably that somewhere in the flow, and this book is written to make it clear to us that Jesus is the Christ, it makes sense that we find out on more than one occasion what John the Baptist thought about Jesus. 00:03:24.300 --> 00:03:50.540 And our lesson this morning really is going to touch on the question of whether or not Jesus being supremely significant, the one who deserves all adoration, whether or not that fact plays out in practical daily living in John the Baptist's life. 00:03:50.539 --> 00:04:02.439 It's one thing to be fairly enthusiastic singing about the testimony and the significance of Christ, but it's another thing to actually put shoes into that and really walk it. 00:04:02.459 --> 00:04:03.239 Would you agree with that? 00:04:04.519 --> 00:04:14.099 And we find John the Baptist giving us a perfect illustration of what humility really looks like. 00:04:14.099 --> 00:04:20.740 There's a poem that I'm going to just reference briefly that says this, 00:04:20.839 --> 00:04:26.620 I'd rather see a sermon than hear one anytime. 00:04:28.519 --> 00:04:39.319 And what we are dealing with in John chapter 3, verse 20 through 30, is really a picture of John the Baptist as a perfect illustration of what real humility looks like. 00:04:39.360 --> 00:04:40.399 And here's what I would pray. 00:04:40.779 --> 00:04:43.740 And it's been something that I have been praying about in my own life. 00:04:43.740 --> 00:04:48.720 I want to grow in my appreciation for the Lord Jesus Christ, and I want to grow in humility. 00:04:49.860 --> 00:04:53.840 And so as we look at this passage, I want you to understand this undeniable truth. 00:04:54.379 --> 00:04:58.720 You can't think much of Christ and much of yourself at the same time. 00:04:59.379 --> 00:05:04.939 And we're going to come to grips with that this morning as we deal with, first of all, the pride of the disciples. 00:05:05.100 --> 00:05:07.780 And let's pick up as we find in verse 22. 00:05:07.779 --> 00:05:24.559 John also was baptizing at Aon near Salem because the water was plentiful there and people were coming and being baptized, for John had not yet been put into prison. 00:05:24.560 --> 00:05:30.199 Now a discussion arose between some of John's disciples and a Jew over purification. 00:05:31.040 --> 00:05:33.860 And they came to John and said to him, 00:05:34.319 --> 00:05:43.259 Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan to whom you bore witness, look, he is baptizing and all are going to him. 00:05:43.259 --> 00:05:58.659 Now, just by virtue of the amount of text that is given to the setting, we learn that this is an interesting piece of information that we need. 00:05:59.259 --> 00:06:05.120 I don't want to belabor the point, but one of the things that we know is that the more attention that is given to something, 00:06:05.279 --> 00:06:09.439 the more instructive the intent is that we learn something from that context. 00:06:09.439 --> 00:06:18.399 And so here is the Spirit of God choosing to spend quite a bit of energy in helping us see the hearts of the disciples. 00:06:19.800 --> 00:06:25.819 Now kind of skip forward, if you will, go on down to what John has to say in verse 30. 00:06:25.920 --> 00:06:26.959 And here's kind of the nut. 00:06:27.240 --> 00:06:28.759 Here's the end of the story. 00:06:29.180 --> 00:06:33.779 And John makes that unbelievably significant spiritual statement. 00:06:34.420 --> 00:06:37.040 He says, he must increase and I must decrease. 00:06:37.040 --> 00:06:38.040 We'll get there later. 00:06:38.040 --> 00:06:50.220 But that abbreviated phrase, abbreviated statement, is one that really has a lot of background to it that the Holy Spirit wants us to pay attention to 00:06:50.220 --> 00:06:53.740 and allow that attention to have an effect upon our life. 00:06:54.259 --> 00:07:01.379 So let's think with the passage here and recognize that when John took all the time that he did, 00:07:02.100 --> 00:07:07.920 he wanted us to really understand the hearts of disciples, not just for the sake of history, 00:07:08.040 --> 00:07:18.060 but so that we ourselves would also identify the nature that we have and that natural inclination we have of being obsessed with ourselves rather than the Lord Jesus. 00:07:18.879 --> 00:07:20.160 So pick up, if you will. 00:07:20.160 --> 00:07:24.140 Well, we find there in verses 22 to 26, the play out of this. 00:07:24.340 --> 00:07:31.240 And in 20 through 22 to 24, we have the stage set that tells us that John and Jesus were baptizing. 00:07:31.340 --> 00:07:38.720 They were both doing that thing of identifying the characteristics of repentance and people making a public statement about that. 00:07:38.720 --> 00:07:46.040 And we do know that in John chapter 4, verse 2, it tells us that Jesus actually did no baptizing. 00:07:46.140 --> 00:07:51.520 Remember, it says here in verse 22, it says they were baptizing, but it was not Jesus. 00:07:51.660 --> 00:07:52.560 It was his disciples. 00:07:53.360 --> 00:07:57.060 And I asked myself, so why would Jesus not actually baptize people? 00:07:58.020 --> 00:08:02.360 Well, how do you think it would go off if people came out of the water and said, well, I've been baptized by Jesus. 00:08:02.360 --> 00:08:03.200 Who baptized you? 00:08:03.199 --> 00:08:06.259 Oh, no, I was baptized by John MacArthur. 00:08:06.420 --> 00:08:08.599 You know, ooh, that must be really special. 00:08:08.719 --> 00:08:11.180 Did he get signed his Bible too, you know, or whatever. 00:08:11.680 --> 00:08:12.959 We get carried away with some of this. 00:08:13.060 --> 00:08:14.860 And Jesus, not baptizing people. 00:08:14.939 --> 00:08:16.039 Now, is baptism important? 00:08:17.279 --> 00:08:17.740 Yes. 00:08:17.939 --> 00:08:18.800 Does it get to heaven? 00:08:19.120 --> 00:08:19.500 No. 00:08:19.899 --> 00:08:20.740 What is baptism? 00:08:20.899 --> 00:08:23.099 Baptism is a public indication. 00:08:23.279 --> 00:08:27.319 It's a testimony of faith of what God has done in saving you. 00:08:27.620 --> 00:08:28.480 It's important. 00:08:28.480 --> 00:08:34.639 And baptism was going on, a testimony of faith, a testimony of repentance. 00:08:35.399 --> 00:08:41.360 And so we find in that context that there was an argument going on as well. 00:08:41.779 --> 00:08:48.720 There in verse 25, now a discussion arose between some of John's disciples and a Jew over purification. 00:08:50.080 --> 00:08:57.200 Purification had to do with the way in which you purified yourself from the common defilements of the day. 00:08:57.200 --> 00:09:01.120 And there are purifications that took part before you ate. 00:09:01.540 --> 00:09:02.600 Washing of the hands. 00:09:03.020 --> 00:09:07.080 Purification that took part before you engaged in spiritual worship. 00:09:07.259 --> 00:09:09.660 There was a pattern that you were supposed to follow. 00:09:10.100 --> 00:09:16.120 And so here are John's disciples, John the Baptist's disciples, and a Jew arguing. 00:09:17.400 --> 00:09:23.200 And so as arguments kind of play out, they thought, well, it would be appropriate to come and ask one of the superior authorities. 00:09:23.200 --> 00:09:26.460 I mean, after all, John the Baptist was who he was. 00:09:26.740 --> 00:09:27.700 Let's ask John. 00:09:28.680 --> 00:09:30.060 And so that's what happens. 00:09:30.180 --> 00:09:30.759 They come. 00:09:32.280 --> 00:09:35.759 And when they come to John, a very interesting thing takes place. 00:09:37.040 --> 00:09:45.379 Instead of asking John his opinion or his understanding of the issue of purification, what happens? 00:09:45.379 --> 00:09:49.320 You can kind of imagine the conversation playing out. 00:09:49.799 --> 00:09:58.019 The disciples of John and this Jew having this back and forth about, well, you ought to let the water drip off your elbows. 00:09:58.200 --> 00:10:00.299 No, you ought to let it drip off your fingers. 00:10:00.439 --> 00:10:01.120 No, off your elbows. 00:10:01.340 --> 00:10:03.820 There was a style to how you washed, okay? 00:10:04.019 --> 00:10:05.279 And they were having this argument. 00:10:05.399 --> 00:10:06.399 Well, let's go ask John. 00:10:06.480 --> 00:10:07.759 They walk into John's presence. 00:10:07.759 --> 00:10:12.460 And now the disciple changes the flow of conversation. 00:10:13.939 --> 00:10:23.840 Have you ever been in a business meeting where something that seems relatively obvious and common, really not of significant importance, 00:10:23.980 --> 00:10:27.819 becomes actually the springboard for someone to launch on their personal attitude? 00:10:29.200 --> 00:10:31.360 Thankfully, it's not the characteristic of our fellowship. 00:10:31.539 --> 00:10:35.179 But I have been in some business meetings where it's like, whoa, where did that come from? 00:10:35.179 --> 00:10:37.559 And that's what happened in this case. 00:10:37.799 --> 00:10:42.279 The disciple of John, in the presence of John, kind of lights up on the subject. 00:10:42.839 --> 00:10:47.819 And we see that there is a deep sense of irritation at this moment. 00:10:50.479 --> 00:10:59.120 These are disciples who had sacrificed to follow John the baptizer. 00:10:59.120 --> 00:11:02.799 And they were people who were well-versed in Scripture. 00:11:02.799 --> 00:11:06.819 And yet we find their hearts were wrong. 00:11:07.779 --> 00:11:09.240 Well, how do we find that? 00:11:09.399 --> 00:11:12.319 Listen to the subtle irritation in the voice. 00:11:13.139 --> 00:11:17.379 Go back there, if you will, to verse 26. 00:11:17.679 --> 00:11:22.000 Rabbi, that's the big kahuna, that's John the Baptist. 00:11:22.779 --> 00:11:23.019 He. 00:11:23.799 --> 00:11:26.479 Now, how had Jesus spoken about the he? 00:11:27.699 --> 00:11:29.839 I mean, how had John spoken about the he? 00:11:29.840 --> 00:11:32.220 John had called him, what? 00:11:33.680 --> 00:11:39.600 Behold, the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. 00:11:40.600 --> 00:11:46.220 And here they are with their little puffy spirits coming into John's presence and saying, 00:11:46.560 --> 00:11:50.440 you know what, that dude that was down there by the Jordan with you, 00:11:50.519 --> 00:11:52.840 I mean, you know, around you and all that kind of... 00:11:52.840 --> 00:11:59.139 And furthermore, they say, he's not the one, but he's just, you know, that guy. 00:12:00.100 --> 00:12:05.060 And remember, after Jesus had been baptized, these disciples probably were there when that took place. 00:12:05.600 --> 00:12:08.580 After Jesus had been baptized by John the Baptist, 00:12:09.399 --> 00:12:14.019 what had happened publicly that gave an indication of who this was? 00:12:14.019 --> 00:12:16.559 Remember, there was a voice from heaven that said, 00:12:17.240 --> 00:12:23.500 this is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased. 00:12:26.199 --> 00:12:32.079 Furthermore, we actually find that they refer to John's testimony. 00:12:32.360 --> 00:12:35.000 It says, you're the one who bore him witness. 00:12:36.039 --> 00:12:40.319 You know, you, John the Baptist, the spectacular preacher and wonderful mouthpiece of God, 00:12:40.320 --> 00:12:43.640 you're the one who actually kind of gave some cred to this guy and said, 00:12:43.920 --> 00:12:44.860 well, he's pretty important. 00:12:45.080 --> 00:12:47.140 And he hadn't forgotten that you kind of lifted him up. 00:12:47.180 --> 00:12:47.780 He's out there. 00:12:47.960 --> 00:12:48.879 And you know what he's doing? 00:12:50.540 --> 00:12:52.560 He's taking disciples away from you. 00:12:52.980 --> 00:12:54.820 This is bad news. 00:12:55.300 --> 00:12:55.940 We're losing. 00:12:56.500 --> 00:12:58.260 Do you know what the attendance was this morning? 00:12:58.260 --> 00:13:00.920 You know, that's John's disciples. 00:13:01.780 --> 00:13:04.640 And we don't have a snow problem either, John, just in case you're wondering. 00:13:04.639 --> 00:13:12.179 You see, what was happening here is that Jesus' crowds were getting bigger and bigger, 00:13:12.340 --> 00:13:14.220 and John's were getting smaller and smaller, 00:13:14.419 --> 00:13:16.899 and the disciples were really upset. 00:13:20.679 --> 00:13:22.019 I want you to mark. 00:13:24.159 --> 00:13:29.879 Here, the Holy Spirit puts a lot of attention on the subject of the shallow 00:13:29.879 --> 00:13:33.220 and proud hearts of these disciples. 00:13:34.639 --> 00:13:37.100 There are a couple things that I want you to glean from this passage. 00:13:37.259 --> 00:13:40.360 For one, a proud person thinks diminishing others is reasonable. 00:13:41.600 --> 00:13:43.879 That's what they were doing when they came to John the Baptist. 00:13:44.039 --> 00:13:46.139 And by the way, they thought John would partner with them. 00:13:46.919 --> 00:13:50.179 They were very subtly putting Jesus down. 00:13:53.419 --> 00:13:54.539 Remember what I said earlier? 00:13:54.659 --> 00:13:57.879 You can't make much of Christ and make much of yourself at the same time. 00:13:58.299 --> 00:13:58.919 It doesn't work. 00:14:00.720 --> 00:14:04.340 There's only one person who gets to be the hero in the story, and it's not you. 00:14:04.639 --> 00:14:05.519 It's not me. 00:14:05.600 --> 00:14:06.039 It's Jesus. 00:14:06.819 --> 00:14:12.240 And here were the disciples having an attitude, and they were all upset by the fact that this 00:14:12.240 --> 00:14:19.039 Jesus, this guy, this Lamb of God, the one that John bore testimony to, he was drawing a bigger 00:14:19.039 --> 00:14:19.419 crowd. 00:14:20.799 --> 00:14:22.840 I thought it was reasonable to put him down, subtly. 00:14:22.840 --> 00:14:26.920 There's another thing that I am struck by. 00:14:27.019 --> 00:14:33.399 The disciples, when they came to John, you know, a proud person thinks everybody is equally proud 00:14:33.399 --> 00:14:36.399 and vulnerable to pride's afflictions. 00:14:37.180 --> 00:14:38.379 What do I mean by that? 00:14:39.080 --> 00:14:47.080 When John's disciples came to him, they fully expected John to partner with them with their 00:14:47.080 --> 00:14:47.740 irritation. 00:14:47.740 --> 00:14:50.139 Do you follow that? 00:14:52.019 --> 00:14:58.759 How many of you have ever been struck by someone's flattery? 00:14:59.100 --> 00:15:00.299 Do you know what I mean by flattery? 00:15:01.180 --> 00:15:02.600 Oh, you're the smartest guy. 00:15:02.759 --> 00:15:04.299 Well, I was last in my class. 00:15:05.120 --> 00:15:06.120 You know, whatever it is. 00:15:06.200 --> 00:15:07.240 You know, we just, we go off. 00:15:07.240 --> 00:15:13.539 And how many of you, when you hear that stuff, it's like, people who are flatterers generally 00:15:13.539 --> 00:15:15.539 are greatly affected by flattery. 00:15:15.620 --> 00:15:17.039 They think it's the coin of the kingdom. 00:15:17.180 --> 00:15:17.980 It works everywhere. 00:15:19.000 --> 00:15:25.379 And here were John's disciples coming to him, and they were irritated with what was going 00:15:25.379 --> 00:15:26.200 on with Jesus. 00:15:26.680 --> 00:15:30.779 And they expected John to partner with him, with them. 00:15:30.779 --> 00:15:36.699 Now, as you're thinking about this, you probably ought to ask yourself, so how few me am I about 00:15:36.699 --> 00:15:37.039 things? 00:15:37.279 --> 00:15:44.379 And do I have the right kind of people around me that kind of tamp down my pride, or do I 00:15:44.379 --> 00:15:46.899 have people that partner with me in being stupid? 00:15:47.860 --> 00:15:48.980 How many of you heard what I just said? 00:15:50.019 --> 00:15:50.860 Okay, here we go. 00:15:51.519 --> 00:15:54.019 Howard Hendricks, something I read several, a month ago or so. 00:15:54.480 --> 00:16:00.279 Howard Hendricks is noted to have commented to his, is this going to cause you a problem, 00:16:00.279 --> 00:16:00.600 John? 00:16:00.899 --> 00:16:02.899 I'm getting these cowards out of the way here. 00:16:04.480 --> 00:16:05.279 Strangle somebody. 00:16:05.419 --> 00:16:11.799 Okay, Howard Hendricks, in one of his classes at Dallas Theological Seminary, towards the 00:16:11.799 --> 00:16:18.459 end when he was dealing with the final year students, he said, I will be able to tell how 00:16:18.459 --> 00:16:23.360 your lives will play out according to two things. 00:16:23.360 --> 00:16:30.600 Who you choose to remain friends with and the books you read. 00:16:31.220 --> 00:16:32.320 Let me say that slowly. 00:16:33.279 --> 00:16:35.300 Who you choose to remain friends with. 00:16:35.340 --> 00:16:37.720 How many of you know that being friends with people takes time and effort? 00:16:38.419 --> 00:16:39.460 I mean, it's actually work. 00:16:40.360 --> 00:16:43.039 There is no such thing as a jerk-free relationship. 00:16:43.259 --> 00:16:44.440 I mean, everybody's in them. 00:16:45.180 --> 00:16:45.980 They're messy. 00:16:46.440 --> 00:16:47.259 They're difficult. 00:16:47.259 --> 00:16:52.240 Well, the person that you are closest to actually has tone of voice issues. 00:16:52.360 --> 00:16:53.939 I mean, there are things that go south. 00:16:56.939 --> 00:17:03.059 Howard Hendricks said, I will be able to tell how you're going to end up by paying attention 00:17:03.059 --> 00:17:08.879 to who you retain as your friends and who you read. 00:17:11.299 --> 00:17:15.720 So here are these disciples coming to John the Baptist, and they thought John the Baptist 00:17:15.720 --> 00:17:19.779 was going to pile on, and John says, what's the deal with you guys? 00:17:19.899 --> 00:17:21.059 I mean, we'll get to that part. 00:17:22.519 --> 00:17:23.379 One more thing. 00:17:25.440 --> 00:17:29.159 A proud person really doesn't like moving away from the center. 00:17:29.160 --> 00:17:36.779 They were no longer the end group. 00:17:38.420 --> 00:17:41.779 They were counting noses and kind of whooping it up. 00:17:41.860 --> 00:17:44.700 Hey, hey, hey, did you know we had a 4% increase this year? 00:17:44.800 --> 00:17:46.519 I mean, more people coming to hear John than ever. 00:17:47.060 --> 00:17:48.620 And, you know, we're part of that. 00:17:48.720 --> 00:17:50.480 We're really important, too. 00:17:51.759 --> 00:17:56.360 And John was losing people left and right, and Jesus was gaining people, and they're all just, 00:17:56.360 --> 00:17:58.440 I tell you what, it's all about size. 00:17:59.160 --> 00:18:05.620 So let's just stop for a minute and let you chew on some of the attitudes that the disciples had 00:18:05.620 --> 00:18:07.660 by asking some questions to your own soul. 00:18:09.160 --> 00:18:10.960 How do I show my pride? 00:18:12.019 --> 00:18:13.460 How do you show your pride? 00:18:13.540 --> 00:18:14.519 Well, a couple things. 00:18:16.080 --> 00:18:18.300 How often does anger get the best of you? 00:18:19.620 --> 00:18:24.640 Let me say that slowly because I think we live in a culture in a day and age where actually being angry 00:18:24.640 --> 00:18:28.740 is something that is marginally respected, not in the Bible. 00:18:31.300 --> 00:18:33.280 How often does anger get the best of you? 00:18:34.780 --> 00:18:38.600 Now, you may have learned that it could create some civil discord. 00:18:38.740 --> 00:18:39.960 You could even end up in jail. 00:18:40.180 --> 00:18:43.720 But I'm talking about the fuming attitudes that some of us have. 00:18:43.720 --> 00:18:49.019 I mean, God forbid it has no place in the life of a spirit-filled and enabled believer. 00:18:49.339 --> 00:18:51.559 And all of God's people said, amen. 00:18:53.640 --> 00:18:56.680 Am I the only one who's said that loudly, or is there other people that? 00:18:57.960 --> 00:18:59.799 Just, okay, check it. 00:19:01.420 --> 00:19:04.380 How often does anger get the best of me? 00:19:04.380 --> 00:19:07.760 Here's another one. 00:19:08.220 --> 00:19:12.000 How often do I think the worst of others rather than the best of others? 00:19:12.400 --> 00:19:15.360 I want to say that very slowly because it's a real kicker. 00:19:16.340 --> 00:19:19.780 How often do I think the worst of others rather than the best of others? 00:19:21.840 --> 00:19:24.860 I remember a time in my life when I was younger. 00:19:25.540 --> 00:19:26.560 I still have a ways to go. 00:19:26.640 --> 00:19:30.620 But I remember when someone would call me, whoever it was, my first thought is, oh, I'm in trouble. 00:19:31.620 --> 00:19:32.640 I've done something wrong. 00:19:32.640 --> 00:19:36.360 Usually it was true, but, you know, it's like, they're not going to be happy with me. 00:19:36.420 --> 00:19:36.980 There's something wrong. 00:19:37.700 --> 00:19:39.240 Now it's like, oh, praise the Lord. 00:19:39.259 --> 00:19:40.340 We've got an opportunity to ministry. 00:19:40.440 --> 00:19:41.060 I don't know what it is. 00:19:41.100 --> 00:19:42.160 It might be something with me. 00:19:42.400 --> 00:19:45.700 But, you know, how often do you think the worst of others? 00:19:48.020 --> 00:19:49.820 Third, try this one. 00:19:49.980 --> 00:19:51.880 How moody and irritable am I? 00:19:52.540 --> 00:19:54.259 Let me say that again real slowly. 00:19:54.980 --> 00:19:59.020 How moody and irritable am I? 00:19:59.019 --> 00:20:09.319 I've shared with you before that a number of years ago I said to my wife, in the future when you find that I'm being moody and irritable, don't ask me if I'm tired. 00:20:10.660 --> 00:20:14.799 That was code in our family for you're going left of center. 00:20:14.859 --> 00:20:15.900 And I said, don't do that anymore. 00:20:16.000 --> 00:20:16.720 Here's what I want you to do. 00:20:16.720 --> 00:20:21.559 When I am being moody and irritable, and for a person who's a melancholy, how many of you understand melancholy? 00:20:21.620 --> 00:20:23.500 It is not an excuse for being a boor. 00:20:25.380 --> 00:20:28.559 And I said, in the future, here's what I want you to say. 00:20:28.759 --> 00:20:30.500 Say, Tim, why are you being proud? 00:20:30.779 --> 00:20:34.000 Now, any of you know that Judith, she has no problem inviting me to that party. 00:20:34.000 --> 00:20:40.500 God help me marry a take-no-prisoners girl. 00:20:40.599 --> 00:20:45.420 She's homesick with the flu, but I love her to death, and she is better than I deserve. 00:20:45.559 --> 00:20:47.319 So anyway, how irritable am I? 00:20:48.079 --> 00:20:49.960 Here's one more, and I'll quit. 00:20:50.920 --> 00:20:52.519 How sarcastic am I? 00:20:54.200 --> 00:20:58.079 I've heard Christians say that sarcasm is their love language. 00:20:59.619 --> 00:21:00.940 That's a lie from hell. 00:21:00.940 --> 00:21:02.340 I say that. 00:21:02.580 --> 00:21:04.019 That is a lie from hell. 00:21:05.799 --> 00:21:10.559 You know, whatsoever is pure, whatsoever is good, whatsoever is true, whatsoever is honorable. 00:21:11.019 --> 00:21:14.559 And here's another passage I've had to memorize for my own conscience' sake. 00:21:14.960 --> 00:21:21.480 It says, let no corrupt communication, let no sarcastic, critical communication come out of your mouth, 00:21:21.740 --> 00:21:27.980 but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace to the hearer. 00:21:27.980 --> 00:21:33.960 Anyway, here are the disciples, and they are all about pride. 00:21:35.759 --> 00:21:37.980 So what's the Bible's remedy for pride? 00:21:38.500 --> 00:21:39.519 What's the Bible's remedy? 00:21:40.120 --> 00:21:42.700 Because remember, when we did that little exercise at the beginning, 00:21:42.960 --> 00:21:46.660 I just wanted to be sure whether or not all of us here probably needed to listen to the sermon, 00:21:46.740 --> 00:21:47.860 or some of you could go home early. 00:21:49.519 --> 00:21:51.440 Okay, what's the Bible's remedy? 00:21:51.640 --> 00:21:52.980 Let's start with this. 00:21:52.980 --> 00:21:56.180 It's the Bible plan, a right view of God. 00:21:56.880 --> 00:21:58.079 John chapter 3. 00:21:59.339 --> 00:22:00.220 John answered. 00:22:02.460 --> 00:22:07.559 And this answer is profound, and it's instructive. 00:22:07.559 --> 00:22:16.279 A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. 00:22:19.559 --> 00:22:21.759 Let me say two things in regards to that. 00:22:21.859 --> 00:22:24.700 A wise answer to a spiritual need always begins with God. 00:22:26.059 --> 00:22:29.399 A wise answer to a spiritual need always begins with God. 00:22:29.400 --> 00:22:37.759 All you have, all you are, every fiber of your being is his doing. 00:22:38.840 --> 00:22:43.800 The scope of your impact, the reputation that he has given you, the ministry, the success, the giftedness, 00:22:44.040 --> 00:22:49.259 whatever it is, it all comes back to something that God has done and is doing in your life. 00:22:49.440 --> 00:22:53.820 So ask yourself this question, and it's important. 00:22:53.819 --> 00:23:00.159 When I am challenged, where does my string of logic begin? 00:23:00.539 --> 00:23:01.279 Do you follow that? 00:23:02.319 --> 00:23:05.539 Where does my string of logic begin? 00:23:07.519 --> 00:23:13.720 In John's string of logic, he started with God. 00:23:14.379 --> 00:23:18.220 I want you to look at one passage just for a moment over in 1 Corinthians 4.7. 00:23:21.519 --> 00:23:23.559 1 Corinthians 4.7. 00:23:23.819 --> 00:23:31.759 Here is, by the way, the apostle Paul, he was both profoundly gentle, 00:23:31.919 --> 00:23:35.460 but also he was pretty pointed with the people at Corinth in particular. 00:23:35.599 --> 00:23:39.939 In verse 7, for who, let me read the second part. 00:23:40.519 --> 00:23:43.019 What do you have that you did not receive? 00:23:44.299 --> 00:23:48.319 If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it? 00:23:48.519 --> 00:23:50.139 He's talking to the people there at Corinth. 00:23:50.619 --> 00:23:52.339 So what gives you such a big head? 00:23:52.339 --> 00:23:55.539 Where did you get what you have from? 00:23:56.799 --> 00:23:57.639 It's from God. 00:23:58.939 --> 00:24:01.720 And when you remember that God's the one who gave it to you, 00:24:01.859 --> 00:24:04.599 it ought to tamp down the arrogance of your heart. 00:24:05.740 --> 00:24:07.139 Why are you the way you are? 00:24:09.039 --> 00:24:13.359 Believe me, only God is the one who gave you what you have. 00:24:13.359 --> 00:24:17.719 And so it's important for us to recognize, John gives us an illustration, 00:24:18.059 --> 00:24:20.559 when you're going to deal with the spiritual, you start with God. 00:24:22.399 --> 00:24:24.159 Secondly, there's a right view of self. 00:24:24.799 --> 00:24:27.559 You look there in verse 28, going back to John chapter 3. 00:24:27.559 --> 00:24:35.859 You yourselves bear me witness that I said I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him. 00:24:35.940 --> 00:24:41.379 So when you think about that, it wouldn't hurt to go back just for a moment to John chapter 1, verse 23 and 27. 00:24:41.539 --> 00:24:42.460 John chapter 1. 00:24:43.159 --> 00:24:43.839 Here is John. 00:24:43.899 --> 00:24:45.000 He has a right view of God. 00:24:45.119 --> 00:24:46.720 That's where we should start as well. 00:24:47.220 --> 00:24:49.059 And John chapter 1, verse 23. 00:24:49.220 --> 00:24:50.019 Here is John. 00:24:50.019 --> 00:25:01.180 John says, well, I'm glad you showed up because I wondered if anybody would recognize just what a spectacular preacher I am. 00:25:01.279 --> 00:25:03.539 I mean, you know how many people I baptized in the last week? 00:25:05.180 --> 00:25:06.859 Would you like to see my corporate jet? 00:25:07.920 --> 00:25:10.619 John the Baptist, he says, hey, let's get this. 00:25:11.220 --> 00:25:11.819 Verse 23. 00:25:11.819 --> 00:25:16.720 I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness. 00:25:16.720 --> 00:25:29.819 Is there any hint in that of John being caught up with himself? 00:25:30.220 --> 00:25:30.860 What's the answer? 00:25:32.059 --> 00:25:32.299 No. 00:25:33.160 --> 00:25:34.019 Verse 27. 00:25:37.079 --> 00:25:38.620 John 26. 00:25:38.620 --> 00:25:42.900 It says, I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know. 00:25:42.900 --> 00:25:49.800 Even he who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. 00:25:53.780 --> 00:25:56.280 How many of you have ever driven past a hog farm? 00:25:58.280 --> 00:25:59.940 I knew Tom would raise his hand. 00:26:00.600 --> 00:26:04.259 Something about northeastern Ohio and northwestern Ohio is where you live, wasn't it? 00:26:06.180 --> 00:26:06.940 Northern India. 00:26:07.180 --> 00:26:07.620 That's right. 00:26:07.680 --> 00:26:08.500 I meant to say that. 00:26:08.640 --> 00:26:09.040 I did. 00:26:09.039 --> 00:26:14.599 When you're driving along, isn't it Route 30 that goes across? 00:26:15.159 --> 00:26:15.359 Yeah. 00:26:16.000 --> 00:26:23.539 And you go through these different, there are little pockets of methane gas that are created 00:26:23.539 --> 00:26:26.259 by tens of thousands of hogs. 00:26:27.039 --> 00:26:28.720 And you can have your air going. 00:26:28.859 --> 00:26:31.619 You can have the cabin filtration just on its max. 00:26:31.680 --> 00:26:32.539 And guess what comes through? 00:26:33.399 --> 00:26:35.220 Hog manure permeates everything. 00:26:35.220 --> 00:26:40.539 And so, you know, just imagine that you are the servant of a hog farmer. 00:26:40.860 --> 00:26:43.519 And he comes in after he's been out slopping the pigs. 00:26:43.579 --> 00:26:45.660 And he walks in and says, would you help me with my boots? 00:26:46.339 --> 00:26:51.920 You know, I mean, here's John the Baptist saying, I'm not even, it's below, I don't have the right 00:26:51.920 --> 00:26:53.819 of taking off Jesus' hog boots. 00:26:53.920 --> 00:26:55.420 You know, I'm not up to it. 00:26:55.420 --> 00:27:04.920 He says, I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord. 00:27:06.340 --> 00:27:06.960 That's all. 00:27:10.000 --> 00:27:16.860 John saw himself as an absolutely insignificant announcer to the supremacy of Christ. 00:27:19.400 --> 00:27:24.620 And if you and I are messengers of Christ, we're no more significant than John, isn't that right? 00:27:25.420 --> 00:27:30.019 And our grasp of our unimportance will protect us from pride. 00:27:31.840 --> 00:27:33.779 I am no one special. 00:27:36.019 --> 00:27:37.259 Can you say that to yourself? 00:27:38.240 --> 00:27:39.100 Just go ahead. 00:27:39.900 --> 00:27:41.140 I am no one special. 00:27:41.860 --> 00:27:42.100 Okay. 00:27:42.860 --> 00:27:44.680 Third, let's deal with the results of truth. 00:27:45.440 --> 00:27:45.960 Here we are. 00:27:46.560 --> 00:27:47.500 John chapter 3. 00:27:48.060 --> 00:27:49.039 Look at verse 29. 00:27:49.039 --> 00:27:52.000 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. 00:27:52.099 --> 00:27:57.319 The friend of the bridegroom who stands and hears him rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. 00:27:57.659 --> 00:28:00.480 This, therefore, this joy of mine is now complete. 00:28:04.259 --> 00:28:08.339 John points out that it was not his place. 00:28:08.879 --> 00:28:12.359 I want to say this and have you accept it and understand it. 00:28:12.359 --> 00:28:17.379 It was not his place to receive any of the affection or the respect of the bride. 00:28:19.159 --> 00:28:24.519 I mean, our weddings are relatively insignificant in comparison to a Jewish wedding back in those days. 00:28:24.639 --> 00:28:26.459 I mean, they were seven-day events. 00:28:26.460 --> 00:28:32.539 But I just want you to imagine that, you know, we're having a wedding here and we're all witness to it. 00:28:32.620 --> 00:28:37.160 And the groom is standing up here and the best man is over here. 00:28:37.360 --> 00:28:43.759 But as the girl starts walking down the aisle, the best man just scampers down right here in the front and stands here. 00:28:44.400 --> 00:28:46.400 I mean, you would think, what would you think? 00:28:47.680 --> 00:28:48.660 Kill the guy. 00:28:49.299 --> 00:28:51.120 I mean, you know, what is this about? 00:28:52.819 --> 00:28:53.299 Okay. 00:28:53.460 --> 00:28:54.220 It's inappropriate. 00:28:54.220 --> 00:28:57.319 And John says, you know what? 00:28:57.400 --> 00:29:14.100 The thing that makes me happy, the thing that lifts my heart up, is the fact that Jesus is the one who justly deserves the adoration and the affection and the joy of the bride. 00:29:14.980 --> 00:29:17.380 It's hers to give to him. 00:29:17.380 --> 00:29:24.900 And John says, I find my pleasure in seeing him connected with her. 00:29:24.900 --> 00:29:46.560 You know, it would be a profoundly proud, ugly parental attitude to have your son walking across the stage getting his Ph.D. 00:29:46.559 --> 00:29:48.539 and he graduated magna cum laude. 00:29:49.019 --> 00:29:55.700 And you have the mother somewhere out in the crowd with this sign saying, I'm the mom of that guy. 00:29:56.119 --> 00:29:59.419 And I'm the one who gets the credit for all of his genes. 00:29:59.639 --> 00:30:01.079 And I'm the one who taught him. 00:30:01.279 --> 00:30:02.399 We were sitting at the dining room. 00:30:02.399 --> 00:30:03.419 I knew this was going to happen. 00:30:03.419 --> 00:30:05.159 You'd think to yourself, stop. 00:30:06.539 --> 00:30:07.519 You follow that? 00:30:07.519 --> 00:30:13.559 John says, here's what makes me happy. 00:30:14.879 --> 00:30:17.119 It is seeing him get the credit and the glory. 00:30:20.099 --> 00:30:23.460 I want to come to one other little piece, and I want you to hold on to this. 00:30:24.859 --> 00:30:27.599 It is joy in the absolute supremacy of Christ. 00:30:27.599 --> 00:30:30.399 There in verse 30. 00:30:31.859 --> 00:30:39.500 And you know, for the most part, I don't overplay the significance of the Greek grammar, and I don't want to do that today. 00:30:39.579 --> 00:30:44.439 I'm reminded of one of the things that David Jeremiah said. 00:30:44.519 --> 00:30:46.480 He said, give people the cake, not the recipes. 00:30:46.599 --> 00:30:47.359 I'm going to try to do that. 00:30:49.519 --> 00:30:55.000 He must increase is a statement that relies upon the active voice. 00:30:55.000 --> 00:30:55.659 Here you go. 00:30:55.939 --> 00:30:56.740 You're glazing out. 00:30:56.740 --> 00:30:58.759 I need Jared in here. 00:30:58.859 --> 00:30:59.980 Someone wave at me, Jared. 00:31:00.039 --> 00:31:00.440 Where are you? 00:31:00.900 --> 00:31:01.099 Okay. 00:31:02.920 --> 00:31:05.660 The active voice means, I'm doing it. 00:31:05.940 --> 00:31:06.539 Do you follow that? 00:31:07.259 --> 00:31:08.400 I'm making it happen. 00:31:09.740 --> 00:31:15.779 John says, he's the one who's going to make himself elevated and lift him up, and justifiably so. 00:31:15.920 --> 00:31:19.240 Why is it that Christ is the one who will glorify himself? 00:31:19.599 --> 00:31:23.079 It's because it's supremely righteous in the glory of eternity. 00:31:23.400 --> 00:31:24.380 He deserves it. 00:31:24.380 --> 00:31:27.120 And it's right for him to do that. 00:31:27.400 --> 00:31:32.800 He cannot bide the arrogant and the stubborn fool. 00:31:32.799 --> 00:31:40.460 Because the righteousness of all eternity rests upon the dignity of the office of Christ. 00:31:41.460 --> 00:31:43.019 He must increase. 00:31:44.200 --> 00:31:45.720 And John says something pretty sweet. 00:31:45.819 --> 00:31:47.779 He says, and I must decrease. 00:31:48.779 --> 00:31:50.480 By the way, that's in the passive voice. 00:31:50.579 --> 00:31:53.099 That means he's doing the smackdown in a sense. 00:31:53.099 --> 00:31:57.199 Now, I shouldn't say smackdown, but remember, here's what had happened. 00:31:58.279 --> 00:31:59.579 History had played out. 00:31:59.719 --> 00:32:00.799 John had big crowds. 00:32:00.899 --> 00:32:02.000 Now he had small crowds. 00:32:02.399 --> 00:32:04.779 And John was saying, he's doing that. 00:32:05.799 --> 00:32:06.899 And it's okay. 00:32:06.899 --> 00:32:07.099 Okay. 00:32:07.099 --> 00:32:15.859 I'm reminded of something Charles Spurgeon said. 00:32:16.039 --> 00:32:16.679 Mostly true. 00:32:17.740 --> 00:32:23.919 He said, a man must humble himself beneath the mighty hand of God, or God will humble him. 00:32:25.839 --> 00:32:26.839 And that's true. 00:32:26.839 --> 00:32:33.199 But as I read the text, I understand something more than that. 00:32:36.399 --> 00:32:41.500 The fact of the matter is, is that because of who Christ is, 00:32:41.500 --> 00:32:51.299 there is this progressive glorification of the Son of God, the Lamb of God, the Savior of the world, 00:32:51.299 --> 00:32:55.039 who we will worship and adore forever. 00:32:59.259 --> 00:33:10.680 And there is a holy and a righteous diminution, a getting smaller of the person who knows Christ. 00:33:11.500 --> 00:33:18.720 Because as we march resolutely towards the day that we will see him face to face, 00:33:19.240 --> 00:33:25.859 when we are in his presence, we will be consumed with his glory and satisfied with his person. 00:33:25.859 --> 00:33:37.920 And we will enjoy that like we can't imagine. 00:33:38.019 --> 00:33:38.480 Isn't that true? 00:33:41.500 --> 00:33:45.380 Let me close by having you look at 1 John 3. 00:33:48.200 --> 00:33:51.339 Well, I'll tell you one thing about John the Apostle. 00:33:51.519 --> 00:33:53.779 He was all about Jesus. 00:33:54.079 --> 00:33:56.799 And I love John 3 in particular. 00:33:56.799 --> 00:34:08.039 I can't adequately communicate the sweetness of the opening statement, but it's like he is just saying, 00:34:08.380 --> 00:34:08.699 Wow! 00:34:10.579 --> 00:34:12.320 He says, See! 00:34:13.380 --> 00:34:14.440 He says, Look! 00:34:14.440 --> 00:34:29.380 What kind of love the Father has given to us that we, me, undeserving, you, undeserving, 00:34:31.460 --> 00:34:34.639 determined rebels against the glory of Christ, 00:34:35.220 --> 00:34:40.099 should be drawn to become his own children by his work and his grace. 00:34:40.099 --> 00:34:43.139 And he says this, 00:34:43.980 --> 00:34:45.339 And so we are. 00:34:47.179 --> 00:34:49.779 And that's the reason why the world does not know us, 00:34:50.019 --> 00:34:51.440 in that it did not know him. 00:34:54.380 --> 00:34:57.099 Beloved, we are God's children now. 00:34:57.099 --> 00:35:02.380 And what we will be has not yet appeared. 00:35:03.639 --> 00:35:06.579 Do you ever find yourself a little frustrated the way things are in your life? 00:35:07.139 --> 00:35:07.639 I do. 00:35:08.599 --> 00:35:09.259 I do. 00:35:10.259 --> 00:35:15.159 But I remind myself that there is the day coming that I am going to see him face to face, 00:35:15.159 --> 00:35:19.359 and I will be supremely satisfied. 00:35:25.119 --> 00:35:31.179 We know that when he appears, we shall be like him because we shall see him as he is. 00:35:31.839 --> 00:35:33.500 Close with this in verse 3. 00:35:33.500 --> 00:35:43.940 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. 00:35:46.159 --> 00:35:48.659 If your hope is in Christ, 00:35:49.900 --> 00:35:54.260 if your ambitions and affections are in Christ, 00:35:54.500 --> 00:35:57.400 then here's what happens as a result of that. 00:35:57.400 --> 00:36:06.639 Your thought life is being reoriented with the supremacy of Christ taking its rightful place. 00:36:08.639 --> 00:36:15.539 Your possessions are being measured according to the rightful place and glory of Christ. 00:36:17.119 --> 00:36:18.480 Your ambitions, 00:36:18.480 --> 00:36:23.719 the way in which you spend your time, 00:36:24.800 --> 00:36:26.380 all come back 00:36:26.380 --> 00:36:30.400 with a Christ-focused interest. 00:36:33.240 --> 00:36:34.740 And so when we look at John, 00:36:35.599 --> 00:36:37.699 we ask ourselves the question, 00:36:37.840 --> 00:36:38.679 Am I like him? 00:36:40.699 --> 00:36:41.760 Am I like him? 00:36:43.659 --> 00:36:47.360 And that's a pretty sober question to ask with humility and say, 00:36:47.360 --> 00:36:52.740 I'm probably not going to do very well at being truthful with myself, 00:36:52.920 --> 00:36:55.900 but I want the Spirit of God to help me 00:36:55.900 --> 00:36:59.360 to be Christ-focused as I ought. 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.940 Let's close in prayer. 00:37:03.539 --> 00:37:04.160 Our Father,