Decreasing Self to Increase Christ in Our Lives
Summary
In the Gospel of John, chapter 3, verse 30, John the Baptist declares, "He must increase, but I must decrease." This profound statement encapsulates a fundamental principle of the Christian life: the necessity of diminishing self to allow Christ to grow within us. John the Baptist's words were a response to his disciples' jealousy over Jesus' rising influence, highlighting their lack of spiritual understanding. This principle is not only the entry point into the Christian life but also the path we must continually walk. Self-centeredness, self-righteousness, and self-concern are the greatest obstacles to spiritual growth, often obscuring our view of Christ.
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, emphasizes that true believers worship God in spirit, rejoice in Christ, and place no confidence in the flesh. This mindset is crucial for both entering and continuing in the Christian life. The devil often exploits our self-centered tendencies, making it imperative that we focus on Christ, allowing Him to increase in our lives. The key to this transformation lies in looking to Jesus, as the author of Hebrews advises, to prevent spiritual drift.
The New Testament, particularly the Gospels, was written to establish the greatness and glory of Christ. John's Gospel, for instance, was penned to affirm that Jesus of Nazareth is the eternal Son of God. This focus on Christ's preeminence is essential for spiritual revival and reformation. Throughout history, periods of spiritual awakening have been marked by a renewed emphasis on Christ's greatness and glory.
To truly grasp Christ's greatness, we must consider His self-abasement and obedience. Though equal with God, He humbled Himself, taking on human form and submitting to death on the cross. This ultimate act of obedience and sacrifice is the foundation of our salvation. By contemplating these truths, we allow Christ to increase in our lives, transforming our perspective and priorities.
Key Takeaways:
- The principle of "He must increase, but I must decrease" is central to the Christian life. It requires us to diminish our self-centeredness and allow Christ to grow within us, transforming our lives and perspectives. [00:10]
- True spiritual growth involves recognizing the futility of self-reliance and placing our confidence entirely in Christ. This mindset is essential for both entering and continuing in the Christian life. [01:26]
- The New Testament emphasizes the greatness and glory of Christ, urging believers to focus on Him to prevent spiritual drift and to experience true revival and reformation. [06:01]
- Christ's self-abasement and obedience, culminating in His death on the cross, are the ultimate expressions of His greatness and love. By contemplating these truths, we allow Christ to increase in our lives. [16:06]
- Understanding and meditating on Christ's work and His nature is crucial for overcoming personal struggles and spiritual challenges. By focusing on Him, we find the strength and perspective to face life's difficulties. [30:30]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to John 3:30
- [00:27] - The Principle of Decreasing Self
- [01:26] - Entering the Christian Life
- [02:31] - The Curse of Self-Centeredness
- [03:28] - Receiving Christ's Fullness
- [04:45] - Looking to Jesus
- [06:01] - The Preeminence of Christ
- [07:04] - The Purpose of the Gospels
- [09:18] - The Glory of Christ
- [10:24] - Revival and Reformation
- [16:06] - Christ's Self-Abasement
- [19:39] - The Humility of Christ
- [22:35] - Christ's Obedience and Sacrifice
- [30:30] - Overcoming Struggles Through Christ
- [41:38] - The Panorama of Redemption
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- John 3:30
- Philippians 2:5-8
- Hebrews 12:1-2
---
Observation Questions:
1. What was the context in which John the Baptist declared, "He must increase, but I must decrease"? How did his disciples react to Jesus' rising influence? [00:57]
2. According to the sermon, what are the characteristics of true believers as described by Paul in Philippians 3:3? [01:39]
3. How does the author of Hebrews suggest believers can prevent spiritual drift? [06:01]
4. What does the sermon say about the purpose of the Gospels, particularly the Gospel of John? [07:04]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the principle of "He must increase, but I must decrease" challenge common self-centered tendencies in modern Christian life? [02:31]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that focusing on Christ's greatness can lead to personal spiritual revival and reformation? [10:24]
3. How does the sermon describe the significance of Christ's self-abasement and obedience, and what impact should this have on a believer's life? [16:06]
4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between understanding Christ's work and overcoming personal struggles? [30:30]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where self-centeredness might have obscured your view of Christ. How can you apply the principle of "He must increase, but I must decrease" in similar situations in the future? [02:31]
2. Identify an area in your life where you are relying on self-reliance rather than placing your confidence in Christ. What steps can you take to shift your focus? [01:26]
3. Consider a time when you experienced spiritual drift. How can you use the advice from Hebrews to refocus on Christ and prevent this from happening again? [06:01]
4. How can meditating on Christ's self-abasement and obedience change your perspective on personal sacrifices you are called to make? [16:06]
5. Think of a personal struggle you are currently facing. How can focusing on Christ's work and nature provide strength and perspective to face this challenge? [30:30]
6. What practical steps can you take this week to diminish self-centeredness and allow Christ to grow within you? [00:10]
7. How can you incorporate the greatness and glory of Christ into your daily routine to experience spiritual revival in your life? [10:24]
Devotional
Day 1: Diminishing Self for Christ's Growth
The principle of "He must increase, but I must decrease" is central to the Christian life. It requires us to diminish our self-centeredness and allow Christ to grow within us, transforming our lives and perspectives. John the Baptist's declaration in John 3:30 serves as a profound reminder of the need to prioritize Christ over our own desires and ambitions. This principle is not just an entry point into the Christian life but a continuous journey. Self-centeredness, self-righteousness, and self-concern are significant barriers to spiritual growth, often clouding our vision of Christ. By focusing on Christ and allowing Him to increase in our lives, we can experience a transformation in our perspectives and priorities. [00:10]
Galatians 2:20 (ESV): "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself prioritizing your own desires over Christ's? How can you begin to shift your focus to allow Christ to increase in that area today?
Day 2: Confidence in Christ Alone
True spiritual growth involves recognizing the futility of self-reliance and placing our confidence entirely in Christ. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, emphasizes that true believers worship God in spirit, rejoice in Christ, and place no confidence in the flesh. This mindset is crucial for both entering and continuing in the Christian life. The devil often exploits our self-centered tendencies, making it imperative that we focus on Christ, allowing Him to increase in our lives. By placing our confidence in Christ, we can overcome the obstacles that hinder our spiritual growth and experience the fullness of life in Him. [01:26]
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."
Reflection: In what ways have you been relying on your own strength rather than trusting in Christ? What steps can you take today to place your confidence entirely in Him?
Day 3: The Preeminence of Christ
The New Testament emphasizes the greatness and glory of Christ, urging believers to focus on Him to prevent spiritual drift and to experience true revival and reformation. John's Gospel, for instance, was written to affirm that Jesus of Nazareth is the eternal Son of God. This focus on Christ's preeminence is essential for spiritual revival and reformation. Throughout history, periods of spiritual awakening have been marked by a renewed emphasis on Christ's greatness and glory. By keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, we can prevent spiritual drift and experience a deeper relationship with Him. [06:01]
Colossians 1:17-18 (ESV): "And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent."
Reflection: How can you intentionally focus on the greatness and glory of Christ in your daily life? What practices can you incorporate to prevent spiritual drift and keep Christ at the center?
Day 4: Christ's Self-Abasement and Obedience
Christ's self-abasement and obedience, culminating in His death on the cross, are the ultimate expressions of His greatness and love. Though equal with God, He humbled Himself, taking on human form and submitting to death on the cross. This ultimate act of obedience and sacrifice is the foundation of our salvation. By contemplating these truths, we allow Christ to increase in our lives, transforming our perspective and priorities. Understanding and meditating on Christ's work and His nature is crucial for overcoming personal struggles and spiritual challenges. [16:06]
Philippians 2:7-8 (ESV): "But emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."
Reflection: Reflect on Christ's humility and obedience. How can you emulate His example in your own life, particularly in areas where you struggle with pride or self-will?
Day 5: Overcoming Struggles Through Christ
Understanding and meditating on Christ's work and His nature is crucial for overcoming personal struggles and spiritual challenges. By focusing on Him, we find the strength and perspective to face life's difficulties. The key to transformation lies in looking to Jesus, as the author of Hebrews advises, to prevent spiritual drift. By contemplating Christ's greatness and His ultimate sacrifice, we can find the strength to overcome our struggles and align our lives with His will. [30:30]
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Reflection: What is one specific struggle you are currently facing? How can you rely on Christ's strength and grace to overcome it, and what practical steps can you take to seek His guidance and support?
Quotes
John speaks it of course in the particular setting the historical setting which is described in this chapter in the context we needn't be concerned about that that's right of course and true John's disciples had lost their head a bit lost their heads over their own master and have become jealous of the Lord Jesus Christ and want John to assert himself and this is how John answ them they're just showing their ignorance they're just showing their lack of spiritual understanding they're blind he must increase but I must decrease. [00:54:40]
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, emphasizes that true believers worship God in spirit, rejoice in Christ, and place no confidence in the flesh. This mindset is crucial for both entering and continuing in the Christian life. The devil often exploits our self-centered tendencies, making it imperative that we focus on Christ, allowing Him to increase in our lives. [01:45:56]
The New Testament, particularly the Gospels, was written to establish the greatness and glory of Christ. John's Gospel, for instance, was penned to affirm that Jesus of Nazareth is the eternal Son of God. This focus on Christ's preeminence is essential for spiritual revival and reformation. Throughout history, periods of spiritual awakening have been marked by a renewed emphasis on Christ's greatness and glory. [07:10:24]
To truly grasp Christ's greatness, we must consider His self-abasement and obedience. Though equal with God, He humbled Himself, taking on human form and submitting to death on the cross. This ultimate act of obedience and sacrifice is the foundation of our salvation. By contemplating these truths, we allow Christ to increase in our lives, transforming our perspective and priorities. [16:06:00]
Understanding and meditating on Christ's work and His nature is crucial for overcoming personal struggles and spiritual challenges. By focusing on Him, we find the strength and perspective to face life's difficulties. The key to this transformation lies in looking to Jesus, as the author of Hebrews advises, to prevent spiritual drift. [30:30:00]
The principle that governs the whole of the Christian Life One enters into the Christian Life in this way if you have any confidence whatsoever in yourself or In the Flesh you're not a Christian you're outside this says Paul to the Philippians in Philippians 3:3 we are the circumcision well what are the character what are the characteristics of such people he says there are these we worship God in the spirit we rejoice in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh. [01:26:00]
The devil will be playing on self, self is the greatest curse in our lives, that's the terrible thing the most devastating thing that sin and the Fall have done to us all to introduce this element of self self-centeredness, self-righteousness, self- protection, self-concern and self can become so important and so inflated as even to hide the Lord himself so this principle governs the whole of Our Lives. [02:31:00]
The answer to all this I say is given us in this great statement he must increase but I must decrease my dear friends do you know him this morning the great leading text of this Gospel of John is the 16th verse of the first chapter of his fullness of all we received and Grace upon Grace that's Christianity receiving of his blessed fullness and more and more of it as you go on is that true of this well if it isn't probably the main explanation is that it is this self that's standing in the way. [03:28:00]
This is the ultimate secret of it all, this is the way in which we can make sure that he does and will increase in our minds in our thoughts in our estimates in our hearts in our love and in the whole of our until we are finally lost in him and self has vanished all together now how can we so look at him that he may increase in every way in our lives and experiences. [04:45:00]
The leading theme of the New Testament, why do you think these four gospels were ever written there's only one answer to that question they were written in order to show men and women and to establish and fix once and forever his true greatness and His glory take this Gospel of John why did did John write this why was he led by the spirit to lead it well he tells us himself at the end of chapter 20. [07:04:00]
The martyrs haven't done that and he's greater than all Martyrs no no he knew what it would mean he was had looked from eternity into the face of the father sees that man's sin is coming between them and there'll be a terrible moment when he won't be able to look into the face of God he says is there no other way cannot men and women be saved by any other method has it got to come to this if it be possible let this cup pass by if there isn't any other way well I'll go on with it nevertheless not my will but thine be done his utter obedience to the F being found in fashionism and he humbles himself yet further and becomes obedient unto death. [34:36:00]
The author of the epist of the epistle to the Hebrews catches it listen to him who being the brightness of his glory and the express image of his person and upholding All Things by the word of his power listen to this when he had by himself purged ourselves he did it by himself he was alone and indeed it involved this loneliness The Cry of their elction my God my God why hast Thou forsaken me we beheld him smitten stricken of God forsaken of men alone he T The Wine Press alone he had by himself self Purge our sins and he died the author of Life the sustainer of all being he died they take down his body and they Buri it in a grave and then you remember the glory of the Resurrection he comes out of it he bursts us under the bends of death he rises triumphant over the grave he cannot be hen of death why well because he is the author of Life he's everlasting God and out he comes conquering death and the grave and all things that are set against us. [39:36:00]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?