João 3

João 3:30

Ironside observes that since God has chosen to give to us the privilege of making known the riches of His grace, a holy privilege, and yet a very responsible one. It should lead every servant of Christ to ask himself, "Am I really in touch with God, am I seeking my own interests, can it be that I am actuated by selfish motives, by vain-glory, simply trying to attract attention to myself and my ministry instead of taking a place like that of John the Baptist of old who pointed the people away from himself to Christ saying, 'He must increase, but I must decrease'" (John 3:30)? This was the attitude of Paul and this will be the attitude of every true minister of God. "We are laborers together with God." They are not left to work in their own strength, but are to give out their message in dependence upon the indwelling Holy Spirit. That is the difference between preaching and worldly oratory. An orator may take a passage from the Bible and read it in a most thrilling way, but that would not be preaching, because he would not be doing it in the power of the Holy Ghost. A poor unlettered man may stand up and preach the gospel in halting English, and yet in such divine power that men would break before it and be led to confess their sins and trust the Saviour… If God gives me any little gift at all, He gives it not that I may gather people about myself, but He gives it to me for the blessing of others, for the salvation of sinners and for the edification of saints. In John the Baptist we have a lovely picture of what every gifted servant of Christ really ought to be. John says, "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord" (John 1:23). And pointing to the Saviour, he says, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30). John found his delight in lifting up Christ, not in directing people's attention to himself. All gifts are given that Christ may be exalted, and in that way others find blessing. (Commentary on 1Corinthians) Every faithful minister of the new dispensation wants to 60lift up the Lord Jesus before the admiring gaze of His people so that, looking on Him, they will be transfigured into His likeness. Like John the Baptist, the true teacher says, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30). (Commentary on Colossians) It is this utter absence of self-seeking that commends any true servant of Christ. We see such an attitude in John the Baptist, who said, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30). It should be the supreme characteristic of the evangelist, pastor, or teacher. Where this spirit of self-abnegation for the glory of the Lord is really found, it commends the ministry, though it makes nothing of the minister. Oh, that we all might be more selfless! (Commentary on Philippians) Vine comments that Jn 3:22-30… gives a beautiful picture of John the Baptist… To him Jesus was everything; His exaltation and His interests were his consuming object… In this lowliness and satisfaction John the Baptist is an example to us. The intimacy of our relationship to the Bridegroom is no doubt greater positionally than his (Ed: For we are the Bride of Christ, while John was in a sense "the best man"). It should be so with us as it was with him, the only thing that should matter should be that Christ is glorified by us and in all our ways and circumstances (cp 1Cor 1:31KJV, Ps 105:3). That Christ may be magnified in our bodies (cp 2Co 4:11)—if that dominates our desires, aims and ambitions, all will be well with us, no matter how greatly we may be despised, no matter how great may be our suffering and trial. (Vine, W. Collected writings of W. E. Vine. Nashville: Thomas Nelson) Richards… How great a protection John's attitude is from the Christian's greatest temptation: pride. Even the little man is tempted to be proud that he's so humble. And the Christian who knows success is in danger indeed! John wasn't concerned about the smaller crowds that came to hear him when Jesus was preaching in the same district. His great joy was that Jesus become greater, and he himself less. The person who is ready to accept a John-like role in life will, like John, find himself often "full of joy" (Jn 3:29). (The 365-Day Devotional Commentary) THE GRACE OF HUMILITY J C Ryle… John the Baptist was an eminent saint of God. There are few names which stand higher than his in the Bible calendar of great and good men. The Lord Jesus Himself declared that "Among those who are born of woman there has not risen a greater than John the Baptist." (Mt 11:11.) The Lord Jesus Himself declared that he was "a burning and a shining light." (Jn 5:35.) Yet here in this passage we see this eminent saint lowly, self-abased, and full of humility. He puts away from himself the honor which the Jews from Jerusalem were ready to pay him. He declines all flattering titles. He speaks of himself as nothing more than the "voice of one crying in the wilderness," (Mt 3:3) and as one who "baptized with water." (Mt 3:11, 12) He proclaims loudly that there is One standing among the Jews far greater than himself, One whose shoe-latchet he is not worthy to unloose (Mk 1:7). He claims honor not for himself but for Christ. To exalt Christ was his mission, and to that mission he steadfastly adheres. The greatest saints of God in every age of the Church have always been men of John the Baptist's spirit. In gifts, and knowledge, and general character they have often differed widely. But in one respect they have always been alike--they have been "clothed with humility." (1Pe 5:5-note) They have not sought their own honor. They have thought little of themselves. They have been ever willing to decrease if Christ might only increase, to be nothing if Christ might be all. And here has been the secret of the honor God has put upon them. "He that humbles himself shall be exalted." (Lk 14:11.) If we profess to have any real Christianity, let us strive to be of John the Baptist's spirit. Let us study HUMILITY. (See studies on humility - tapeinos = adjective = humble, tapeinoo = verb = to humble and tapeinosis = noun = "humility", cp humility of mind) This is the grace (Ed: Beloved, have you ever considered "humility" as a grace, as unmerited favor, as a gift bestowed on you because He desired to do so, not because your actions or attitudes warranted His precious gift of humility!) with which all must begin, who would be saved. We have no true religion about us, until we cast away our high thoughts, and feel ourselves sinners. This is the grace which all saints may follow after, and which none have any excuse for neglecting. All God's children have not gifts, or money, or time to work, or a wide sphere of usefulness; but all may be humble. This is the grace, above all, which will appear most beautiful in our latter end. Never shall we feel the need of humility so deeply, as when we lie on our deathbeds, and stand before the judgment-seat of Christ (See bema). Our whole lives will then appear a long catalogue of imperfections, ourselves nothing, and Christ all (cp Col 2:9-note, Col 3:11b-note). (JOHN chapter 1) The spirit of John the Baptist is so counter to that espoused and esteemed by the fallen world (and even by many believers who are not filled with and walking by the Spirit, not growing in Christ-likeness!) John Wesley once observed that “neither the Romans nor the Greeks had a word for humility.” The very concept was so foreign and abhorrent to their way of thinking that they had no term to describe it. To be low on the social scale, to know poverty, or to be socially powerless was considered shameful to the proud Greeks. Thus they used humility almost exclusively in a derisive way, and in fact most often to describe a slave. And so we see the paradox of Christianity, where Jesus describes His lowly servant John the Baptist as greater than any of his predecessors who were born of women (Mt 11:11), and proclaims believers shall be even greater than John! The way up in God's Kingdom is always downward, ever decreasing! HOW TO RECOGNIZE HUMILITY The great Puritan writer Thomas Watson once ask… How may a Christian know that he is humble—and consequently godly? His answer consisted of 10 separate parts (click and read all ten! - you will need to scroll about halfway down the page!), answer 8 reading as follows… Answer 8: A humble man is willing to have his name and gifts eclipsed, so that God's glory may be increased. He is content to be outshone by others in gifts and esteem, so that the crown of Christ may shine the brighter (Ed: O beloved, how we ["I"] need to read that statement again!). This is the humble man's motto: "Let me decrease; let Christ increase." It is his desire that Christ should be exalted, and if this is effected, whoever is the instrument, he rejoices. "some preach Christ of envy" (Php 1:15-note). They preached to take away some of Paul's hearers. "Well," says he, "Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice" (Php 1:18-note) (Ed: Compare Paul's rejoicing with John the Baptist's joy being made full by Christ increasing and himself decreasing in prominence in the eyes of other men. May His tribe increase! And may their joy overflow!!!). A humble Christian is content to be laid aside, if God has any other tools to work with which may bring Him more glory (Ed: "Am I willing to step out of the spotlight that Christ might increase, that God might be more greatly glorified?"). (The Godly Mans Picture) Comment: It strikes me that a "John the Baptist", Savior increasing, Self decreasing attitude would be a great "cure" for a spirit of jealousy, envy, competition, etc, that is all to common in modern day Christendom, even among genuine believers. Matthew Henry (concise)… John was fully satisfied with the place and work assigned him; but Jesus came on a more important work. He also knew that Jesus would increase in honour and influence, for of his government and peace there would be no end, while he himself would be less followed. John knew that Jesus came from heaven as the Son of God, while he was a sinful, mortal man, who could only speak about the more plain subjects of religion. The words of Jesus were the words of God; he had the Spirit, not by measure, as the prophets, but in all fulness. Everlasting life could only be had by faith in Him, and might be thus obtained; whereas all those, who believe not in the Son of God, cannot partake of salvation, but the wrath of God for ever rests upon them. ><>><>><> The great evangelist George Whitfield… I had the pleasure of introducing my honoured and reverend friend, Mr. John Wesley, to preach at Black-heath. The Lord give him four thousand times more success than He has given me. ><>><>><> Rod Mattoon… Integrity is willing to lose personal fame, status, or wealth so that others will be protected, blessed, benefited, or treated right. When we look at the integrity of John the Baptist, we find that he turned his followers over to Jesus, beginning with the baptism of Jesus. John turned his popularity and ministry over to the Lord so people would be saved and blessed. That was his responsibility and he fulfilled it as he said, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30). (Treasures from 2Corinthians) Our desire should be to seek the approval of the Lord Jesus Christ above everything else. If we will do this, we will be able to shield ourselves against the snares of flattery. We will have the same attitude as John the Baptist who said, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30). (Comments on Proverbs 26:28) (An Illustration of John's decreasing) John said, "I am a voice." (Jn 1:23) He did not say, "I am THE voice." He was a pointer to the King of kings, not to himself. Our ministry as preachers is to point people to Christ and not to ourselves. The hero of the church is to be Jesus, not the pastor. When you listen to others preach, listen carefully for the focus of the sermon. Is it Christ or is it the preacher glorifying himself?… John was content for Jesus to have the higher place of recognition and glory. This attitude is summarized in John 3:30. When you are content to do what God wants you to do and let Jesus be honored in your life, God will do great things for you beyond your comprehension. John acknowledges the fact that Christ was greater or of a higher rank than John and that He existed before John. The appearance of Christ is seen throughout the Old Testament. (Treasures from John) ><>><>><> John Wesley… So they who are now, like John, burning and shining lights, must (if not suddenly eclipsed) like him gradually decrease, while others are increasing about them; as they in their turns grew up, amidst the decays of the former generation. Let us know how to set, as well as how to rise; and let it comfort our declining days to trace, in those who are likely to succeed us in our work, the openings of yet greater usefulness ><>><>><> Welwyn Commentary … (in comments on Job's "humiliation" - Job 40:2) Shrinking in self-importance before God's greatness is an essential part of growing up in the: Christian life. Growing downwards into humility (from the; Latin word humilis, meaning 'low') is the point to which God wants to bring each one of us. Bursting the bubble of self-importance is what we need. Job is reflecting here what John the Baptist would say of his Lord: 'He must become greater; I must become less' (John 3:30). We are to settle for being insignificant and dispensable… In service, as in salvation, the praise must go to God and not to man. when the gospel is preached in power, 'by the Holy Spirit sent down from heaven' (1Pe 1:12), those who proclaim it are obscured by the glory of Christ. This is the exact opposite of much modern expectation, where success is commonly measured by the fame and prominence of the messenger, whether he be pastor or evangelist. Lip-service is rendered to the Baptist's dictum, 'He [Christ] must increase, but I must decrease' (John 3:30), but there are few who are so self-effacing in practice ><>><>><> Ruth Bryan writes… As Jesus is exalted in the soul, self is abased. Most ardently do I long to grow in willingness to be poor in self, that I may be learning experimentally more of His unsearchable riches—who will be all or nothing. To His praise I must confess, that the more I am taken up with Him, the more blessedly do I realize His grace to be sufficient for me—and that amidst many trials and temptations, and through all the plague of indwelling sin. I find sin is more subdued by looking at Him, rather than looking at it; because our Father has laid all our help upon this mighty One. ><>><>><> John the Baptist captured the ultimate purpose of human existence when he said, "He must become "mater; I must become less" (Jn. 3:30). (From Discipleship Magazine) ><>><>><> In a sermon by C H Spurgeon (Martha and Mary) on the well story of devoted Mary and busy Martha (see Lk 10:38, 39, 40, 41, 42) we read… Martha’s spirit has this mischief about it also, that it brings self too much to remembrance. We would not severely judge Martha, but we conceive that in some measure she aimed at making the service a credit to herself as the mistress of the house; at any rate, self came up when she began to grow weary, and complained that she was left to serve alone (Ed: Dear reader can we not identify?!!!). Like Martha, we also want our work to show well; we like those who see it to commend it, and if none commend it we feel that we are harshly treated, and are left to work alone. Now, to the extent in which I think of myself in my service I spoil it (Ed: Keep in mind that this is the "Prince of Preachers" speaking!). Self must sink, and Christ be all in all. John the Baptist’s saying must be our motto, “He must increase, I must decrease;” for Jesus’ shoe-latchet we are not worthy to unloose. Too much work and too little fellowship will always bring self into prominence. Self must be prayed down, and fellowship with Jesus must keep it down. Martha seemed to imagine that what she was doing was needful for Christ. She was cumbered about much serving, because she thought it necessary that there should be noble hospitality for the Lord. We are all too apt to think that Jesus needs our work, and that He cannot do without us. The preacher enquires what would become of the church if he were removed! The deacon is suspicions that if he were taken away there would be a great gap left in the administration of the church. The teacher of a class feels that those children would never be converted, Christ would miss of the travail of his soul, were it not for him. Ah, but a fly on St. Paul’s Cathedral might as well imagine that all the traffic at his feet was regulated by his presence, and would cease should he depart. I love you to think that Christ will do much work by you, and to attach as much weight as you can to your responsibilities, but as to Jesus needing us — the thing is preposterous! Mary is much wiser when she feels, “He desires me to receive his words, and yield him my love; I would gladly give him food, but he will see to that; he is the Master of all things, and can do without me or Martha. I need him far more than he can need me.” We spoil our service when we over-estimate its importance, for this leads us into loftiness and pride. Martha, under the influence of this high temper, came to complain of her sister, and to complain of her Lord too, as if he were excusing her idleness. “Do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone?” How it spoils what we do for Christ when we go about it with a haughty spirit; when we feel “I can do this, and it is grand to do that; am not I somewhat better than others? Must not my Master think well of me?” The humble worker wins the day. God accepts the man who feels his nothingness, and out of the depths cries to him; but the great ones he will put down from their seat, and send the rich ones empty away. Activity, if not balanced by devotion, tends to puff us up, and so to prevent acceptance with God. (Read Spurgeon's entire pithy proclamation - Martha and Mary) ><>><>><> The Message Of A Humble Servant – John the Baptist was a bold preacher. He thundered out against sin and called for people to repent. But, when he began to talk about Jesus Christ, John became a very humble preacher. He tells the people who heard him preach that compared to Jesus, he was a nobody! He tells them that he isn’t even worthy to do the job of the lowest household slave. John says, “I am nothing, but He is everything!” John says, “I didn’t come to call people to me; I came to point people to Him!” That is a humility that is lacking in these days. This highlights one of the reasons people refuse to deal with their sins. People often compare themselves to the wrong standard. If you look around, you can always find someone who lives worse than you do. You can hold them up and say, “See, compared to this person, I don’t look too bad.” That may be true, but if you honestly compare your life to Jesus Christ you would see how bad you really are. The people were flocking to John. He had the ear of the nation. He had the people eating out of his hand. But, when John saw Jesus, John saw how needy John was! When John saw Jesus he saw that John was nothing and Jesus was everything. That is why John was willing to step aside so that Jesus might shine, John 3:30. That is why John magnified Jesus! He knew that if people could just see Jesus they would see themselves as they really were. If they saw themselves as they really were, they would see their need of Jesus. They would want Him to be their Savior and Lord. So, John pointed men to Jesus. That’s the message people need in this day! If people could ever see Jesus, whether they were saved or lost, they would have a desire to humble themselves before Him. They would willingly bow to Him in salvation, surrender and service. (Mark 1:1-8 The Beginning of the Gospel) ------------------------------------------------------------------- (In his sermon on the book of Ruth, Pastor Carr says) Ruth 3:8 She Was At His Feet – A picture of humility and submission. For Jesus to stand tall in our lives, we must be willing to place ourselves at His feet – (Illustration - John the Baptist – John 3:30.) (Illustration - Mt. 23:12; 1Pe 5:6) I must get very little so that He can be very large! (Ref) (Ed comment: While I agree with the last sentence in principle, I think the way we "get very little" is to see a very big God, to see Jesus high and lifted up [cp The apostle John's response in Re 1:17-note!]. When He is pointed to… when He is exalted… when He is our all in all [YouTube - You are My All in All], it is then that we begin to have a proper perspective of who we are.) ><>><>><> John Piper… The litmus test of our faithfully displaying the truth and beauty of Christ in our lives is not in the opinion of others. We want them to see Christ in us and love Him (and thus, very incidentally, to approve of us). When John the Baptist said, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30), he spoke for every true Christian. We must insist on being less than Christ. I am vigilant, as far as it depends on me, to be less than Christ to others. (From Life as a Vapor: Thirty-One Meditations for Your Faith - This excerpt is from Chapter 1 [which can be downloaded] entitled Does It Matter What Others Think? - Download chapters 1-3 PDF).) ><>><>><> Kent