Introduction:
Theme: Three important lessons to learn from the ministry of John the Baptist so you will fulfill your own.
22 After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He was spending time with them and baptizing.
23 John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there; and people were coming and were being baptized—
24 for John had not yet been thrown into prison.
25 Therefore there arose a discussion on the part of John’s disciples with a Jew about purification.
26 And they came to John and said to him, “ Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified, behold, He is baptizing and all are coming to Him.”
27 John answered and said, “ A man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven.
28 You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘ I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent ahead of Him. ’
29 He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made full.
30 He must increase, but I must decrease
(John 3:22-30 NASB)
I. Recognize the important role baptism plays in the Christian life vv. 22-26
A. Baptism pre-dates the formal establishment of Christianity vv. 22-24
1. Jesus was practicing baptism before He called the twelve disciples
2. John was baptizing simultaneously with Jesus as he completed his ministry
B. Baptism has always been a mark of devotion to Christ over all others vv. 25-26
II. Remember that ministry privilege is granted by God vv. 27-28
III. Rejoice in being a faithful servant of Christ vv. 29-30
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