Embracing Christ's Increase: A Path to Spiritual Growth

 

Summary

In the Gospel of John, chapter 3, verse 30, we find a profound statement: "He must increase, but I must decrease." This principle is not just a historical context but a guiding truth for our entire Christian life. John the Baptist's disciples were concerned about Jesus' growing popularity, but John understood that Jesus' increase was inevitable and necessary. This principle of Jesus increasing and us decreasing is central to our spiritual growth and receiving His fullness. Christianity is about receiving the life and fullness of Jesus Christ, and if we are not experiencing this, we must examine why.

The key to this increase is not merely focusing on self-denial but on the greatness of Christ. The New Testament provides a wealth of teaching to help us see His preeminence. Our troubles often stem from not realizing who Jesus is and what He can do for us. We must look to Him, the author and finisher of our faith, and understand His essential glory, His acts of redemption, and His roles as Prophet, Priest, and King. He is the head of a new humanity, the church, and the mediator of a new covenant. This new covenant offers us unsearchable riches, forgiveness, and a new life in Christ.

As we grasp these truths, Jesus increases in our sight, and we decrease. This transformation is not just doctrinal but practical, affecting how we live and perceive our relationship with God. We are called to examine ourselves, to see if we find complete satisfaction in Him, to desire to know Him more, and to long for His glory and kingdom. Our hope is in His return and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. In the meantime, we are to count our blessings, rejoice in the Lord, and behold His glory, allowing His Spirit to transform us from glory to glory.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Principle of Increase and Decrease: The statement "He must increase, but I must decrease" is a guiding principle for Christian life. It emphasizes the need for Christ to become greater in our lives while we become less focused on ourselves. This shift is essential for spiritual growth and receiving the fullness of Christ. [00:11]

2. Understanding Christ's Preeminence: Our spiritual struggles often arise from not fully realizing who Christ is and what He can do for us. By focusing on His essential glory, acts of redemption, and roles as Prophet, Priest, and King, we can see His preeminence and allow Him to increase in our lives. [04:20]

3. The New Humanity and Covenant: Jesus is the head of a new humanity and the mediator of a new covenant. This new covenant offers us unsearchable riches, forgiveness, and a new life in Christ. Understanding this helps us see the necessity of His increase in our lives. [09:02]

4. Practical Transformation: The increase of Christ in our lives is not just doctrinal but practical. It affects how we live, perceive our relationship with God, and interact with the world. We are called to find satisfaction in Him, desire to know Him more, and long for His glory and kingdom. [19:07]

5. Living in Hope and Joy: As we await Christ's return and the establishment of His eternal kingdom, we are encouraged to count our blessings, rejoice in the Lord, and behold His glory. This perspective allows us to live in hope and joy, knowing our destiny is secure in Him. [49:33]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to John 3:30
- [01:07] - Context of John the Baptist's Statement
- [01:56] - Principle of Christian Life
- [03:00] - The Key to Spiritual Growth
- [04:20] - Understanding Christ's Preeminence
- [05:08] - Christ's Roles: Prophet, Priest, King
- [07:06] - Christ as Head of New Humanity
- [09:02] - The New Covenant
- [13:01] - Christ as Head of the Church
- [19:07] - Practical Implications of Doctrine
- [25:34] - The Unsearchable Riches of Christ
- [29:57] - Communion and the New Covenant
- [33:33] - Forgiveness and New Life in Christ
- [41:49] - Living in Hope and Joy
- [49:33] - Final Reflections and Encouragement

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 3:30 - "He must increase, but I must decrease."
2. Hebrews 12:2 - "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
3. Romans 5:12, 17 - "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned... For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ."

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Observation Questions:
1. What was the concern of John the Baptist's disciples regarding Jesus' growing popularity, and how did John respond to it? [01:07]
2. According to the sermon, what is the key to spiritual growth in the Christian life? [03:00]
3. How does the sermon describe Jesus' roles as Prophet, Priest, and King? [05:08]
4. What does the sermon say about the significance of Jesus being the head of a new humanity? [09:02]

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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the principle of "He must increase, but I must decrease" apply to the modern Christian life, and why is it essential for spiritual growth? [00:11]
2. In what ways does understanding Christ's preeminence help believers overcome spiritual struggles? [04:20]
3. How does the concept of the new covenant, as explained in the sermon, offer believers "unsearchable riches"? [09:02]
4. What practical changes might occur in a believer's life when they truly grasp the fullness of Christ as described in the sermon? [19:07]

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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current spiritual journey. Are there areas where you need to decrease so that Christ can increase in your life? How can you begin to make this shift? [00:11]
2. Consider a recent struggle or challenge you faced. How might a deeper understanding of Christ's preeminence have changed your perspective or response? [04:20]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of the new covenant. How can you remind yourself of the promises and riches available to you through this covenant in your daily life? [09:02]
4. Think about your daily routine. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your actions and thoughts reflect the transformation that comes from Christ increasing in your life? [19:07]
5. As you await Christ's return, how can you cultivate a spirit of hope and joy in your everyday interactions and decisions? [49:33]
6. Identify one specific blessing in your life that you can count and rejoice in this week. How can this practice of gratitude impact your relationship with God and others? [49:33]
7. How can you intentionally focus on beholding the glory of the Lord in your personal study or worship time this week? What changes do you expect to see in your spiritual life as a result? [50:55]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing the Principle of Increase and Decrease
The statement "He must increase, but I must decrease" serves as a guiding principle for Christian life. It emphasizes the need for Christ to become greater in our lives while we become less focused on ourselves. This shift is essential for spiritual growth and receiving the fullness of Christ. By allowing Jesus to increase in our lives, we open ourselves to His transformative power, which leads to a deeper relationship with Him. This principle is not about self-denial for its own sake but about making room for the greatness of Christ to manifest in our lives. As we decrease, we make space for His love, wisdom, and guidance to fill us, leading to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life. [00:11]

Colossians 3:3-4 (ESV): "For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are still trying to be in control? How can you intentionally allow Christ to increase in that area today?


Day 2: Recognizing Christ's Preeminence
Our spiritual struggles often arise from not fully realizing who Christ is and what He can do for us. By focusing on His essential glory, acts of redemption, and roles as Prophet, Priest, and King, we can see His preeminence and allow Him to increase in our lives. Understanding Christ's preeminence means acknowledging His authority and power over all aspects of our lives. It involves recognizing that He is the source of all wisdom, strength, and guidance. As we deepen our understanding of His character and works, we are better equipped to trust Him with our lives and follow His lead. This understanding transforms our perspective, helping us to see our challenges and opportunities through the lens of His sovereignty and love. [04:20]

Hebrews 1:3 (ESV): "He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high."

Reflection: In what ways can you deepen your understanding of Christ's roles as Prophet, Priest, and King? How might this understanding change your approach to a current challenge?


Day 3: Living in the New Humanity and Covenant
Jesus is the head of a new humanity and the mediator of a new covenant. This new covenant offers us unsearchable riches, forgiveness, and a new life in Christ. Understanding this helps us see the necessity of His increase in our lives. The new covenant is a promise of transformation and renewal, offering us a fresh start and a new identity in Christ. As members of this new humanity, we are called to live in a way that reflects the values and principles of God's kingdom. This involves embracing the forgiveness and grace offered to us and extending it to others. By living in the reality of the new covenant, we experience the fullness of life that Christ offers and become agents of His love and reconciliation in the world. [09:02]

2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation."

Reflection: How can you live out your identity as a new creation in Christ today? What steps can you take to embrace the unsearchable riches of the new covenant?


Day 4: Experiencing Practical Transformation
The increase of Christ in our lives is not just doctrinal but practical. It affects how we live, perceive our relationship with God, and interact with the world. We are called to find satisfaction in Him, desire to know Him more, and long for His glory and kingdom. This practical transformation involves aligning our daily actions and decisions with the teachings and example of Christ. It means seeking His guidance in every aspect of our lives and allowing His Spirit to shape our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors. As we grow in our relationship with Him, we become more attuned to His presence and more responsive to His leading. This transformation is a lifelong journey, marked by continual growth and renewal. [19:07]

Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

Reflection: What is one practical change you can make this week to align your life more closely with Christ's teachings? How can you invite His Spirit to guide you in this transformation?


Day 5: Living in Hope and Joy
As we await Christ's return and the establishment of His eternal kingdom, we are encouraged to count our blessings, rejoice in the Lord, and behold His glory. This perspective allows us to live in hope and joy, knowing our destiny is secure in Him. Living in hope and joy involves cultivating a mindset of gratitude and trust, even in the face of challenges and uncertainties. It means focusing on the promises of God and the assurance of His presence and provision. By keeping our eyes on Christ and His eternal kingdom, we find strength and encouragement to persevere through life's trials. This hope and joy are not dependent on our circumstances but are rooted in the unchanging character and faithfulness of God. [49:33]

1 Peter 1:8-9 (ESV): "Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a mindset of hope and joy in your daily life? What are some specific ways you can count your blessings and rejoice in the Lord today?

Quotes


Christianity means essentially what we are told in the 16th verse of the first chapter of this Gospel of John of his fullness of all we received and Grace upon Grace that's what Christianity means to receive of the life and the fullness of the Lord Jesus Christ and the question is have we received it are we receiving it in increasing measure that is Christianity if we are not doing so why not and here we are considering some of the causes and now in particular this cause and this I take it is really the main stumbling block of all in connection with our receiving of his fullness it is this self of ours. [00:02:08]

All our troubles ultimately stem from the fact that we do not realize who he is and what he is and what he can do for us and our position in him that's the source of all our troubles it was the source of the Troubles of the early Christians it still is equally true of us so we must look at him and consider his preeminence looking unto Jesus the author and the finisher of our faith that is still the main thing that we all have to do. [00:03:52]

He is the king seated at the right hand of God all power given unto him in heaven and in Earth and he's coming again to destroy his enemies and to set up his eternal Kingdom he is alone there's no one like him we mustn't put him into any class or category we mustn't mention any name anywhere near his name there is one and one only he is alone now that's the way the New Testament puts uh the teaching concerning him before us and as we look at it he increases in our sight. [00:05:28]

He is the head of a new Humanity now here is teaching which is found in the New Testament that we I sure do not realize sufficiently and grasp as we ought to this idea that we should look at anybody else or that we need any uh help or any additional Aid or anyone to supplement what he has done for us and can do for us becomes so utterly ridiculous when we're realize exactly what God has appointed him to do. [00:07:09]

He is the head of the church now we've seen him as the prophet and the priest and the King we've seen him as the great Creator but here is something again which is special and unique and which the New Testament isolates and emphasizes as teaching let me show it you for for instance as you have it at the end of the first chapter of Paul's epistle to the Ephesians and you see how it is singled out and separated from his kingly glory. [00:13:05]

He is the med mediator of a New Covenant now here is again a great biblical principle this whole question of covenants between God and men and all our blessings arise from the fact that we have a covenant making and keeping God God doesn't merely bless us he tells us what he's doing and he tells us why he does it he makes a covenant makes an agreement you know what a c is it's drawn up by a solicitor or somebody and you sign it it's a deed a legal deed a covenant Testament. [00:20:30]

He says he ha he obtained a more excellent Ministry by how much more also he is the mediator of a better Covenant which is established upon better promises now here is the comparison there are the children of Israel God is going to deliver them from the bondage and the Captivity of Egypt and take them into Canaan so he comes down and he makes a covenant with them through the mediation of Moses his servant it was a wonderful Covenant but says this man though that was wonderful it was nothing when you put it by the side of this. [00:24:00]

In the Lord Jesus Christ we are first and foremost forgiven freely perfectly completely the blood of Jesus Christ his son cleanseth us from all sin and unrighteousness how much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal spirit offered himself without spot un God Purge your conscience from dead Works to serve the Living God and you see it does more than that it means that we have died with him there's the law that is ever against us but in Christ according to this teaching we are dead to the law because we have died with him. [00:33:31]

The moment you regenerate and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ you're no longer in Adam you're in Christ knowing this says Paul in Romans 66 that our old men was crucified with him the old man has gone he's dead he's finished with I am no longer in Adam I am in Christ now this is the most amazing Liber in thought a man can ever come at us I have confessed it from this Pulpit on previous occasions that to me has been the single most liberating thing I've ever discovered in the New Testament the death of the old man. [00:36:16]

We are partakers of this new Humanity as we are descended formerly from the first adom we now descend from the second adom new Humanity a new race of people gathered out of every tribe and Nation Under Heaven Redeemed by the gospel yes not merely forgiven but born again made partakers of the new nature the new Humanity put into the New Kingdom put into the body here it is a new race of men God's children that's it and this goes on and in this position we become partakers of these unsearchable Riches of Christ. [00:38:37]

The holy spirit is put within us and he works in us both to Will and to do of God's good pleasure he strengthens us he gives us ability he creates within us a great desire to live to the glory of God let me sum it up in the words of Paul there is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus for the law the spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death I'm delivered I'm emancipated there is a grand Redemption my soul is free. [00:41:27]

Rejoice in the lord always and again I say rejoice in other words when you look at the world and you're depressed when you look at yourself and you're depressed when things happen that depress you don't look at them look at him realize the truth about him realize that you're in him realize that though the World the Flesh the devil and all hell fight against you you're safe you're secure and your destiny is secure the glorification is to come rejoice in the lord always everywhere and again I say rejoice. [00:49:52]

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