WEBVTT 00:00:00.800 --> 00:00:02.000 Good morning. 00:00:02.319 --> 00:00:09.199 It is so good to have you here with us as we worship the Lord together, as we gather as a church family. 00:00:09.359 --> 00:00:25.120 And the whole idea behind what we do here is growing together, growing together in the Lord, growing in spirit, and growing in number as we reach out to this community, as we find souls that are lost and bring them back to Jesus. 00:00:25.280 --> 00:00:30.399 And our goal in gathering this morning is to edify and lift each other up. 00:00:30.480 --> 00:00:37.759 And we're having opportunities to do exactly that, to lean into one another, to grow in this community. 00:00:37.840 --> 00:00:40.560 And we want to encourage you to join us today for lunch. 00:00:40.880 --> 00:00:44.640 If you didn't, maybe didn't have that on your plans, well, let me just say, please join us. 00:00:44.719 --> 00:00:45.759 Please stick around. 00:00:46.079 --> 00:00:48.880 Stick around for Bible classes, stick around for that meal together. 00:00:48.960 --> 00:01:00.159 It's a great time for us to spend time as a church family, learn a little more about each other, and uh be able to create those friendships and those bonds and that family uh that sticks together. 00:01:00.240 --> 00:01:04.719 And with that said, I also encourage you to come join us a week from tomorrow. 00:01:04.799 --> 00:01:08.400 Uh we're having a family gathering uh on Labor Day. 00:01:08.560 --> 00:01:09.920 We'll begin about three o'clock. 00:01:10.000 --> 00:01:18.560 We'll have all kinds of games and a lot of things to play outside uh for the kids and for the grown kids and uh everybody else in between. 00:01:18.640 --> 00:01:20.239 And we want you to join us for that. 00:01:20.400 --> 00:01:23.680 Again, a family meal together will happen around five o'clock. 00:01:23.760 --> 00:01:30.879 We're planning to order barbecue and encourage you to bring sides and drinks and that sort of thing as we gather together for family. 00:01:30.959 --> 00:01:40.959 But in preparation for that, we want to encourage you to let us know if you're planning to be here so we can have an idea of what kind of numbers we're gonna have so we know how much barbecue we need to order. 00:01:41.040 --> 00:01:44.560 So if you can sign up on that sheet out there, that would certainly be helpful. 00:01:44.640 --> 00:01:58.159 But we want this to be a family event uh for everybody and to be invited, to invite your friends, your neighbors, it's a good chance for those that maybe aren't normally here and maybe wouldn't come for a service to come learn what this family is all about. 00:01:58.400 --> 00:02:01.920 So we want to use this as an opportunity to reach out to those around us. 00:02:02.000 --> 00:02:08.960 So we we encourage you to be a part of that Labor Day gathering and invite your friends to join us as well. 00:02:09.599 --> 00:02:27.599 So this morning, as we focus on this idea of growth, as we've worked our way through what God is doing here at Chisholm Hills and how we can grow closer to Him, we've reached this point in the year where we've been talking about growing in favor with God. 00:02:27.680 --> 00:02:32.479 And I think part of that is putting God in His proper place in our lives. 00:02:32.800 --> 00:02:34.560 Anyone know what this logo? 00:02:34.879 --> 00:02:36.400 Have you seen this logo before? 00:02:36.560 --> 00:02:42.159 Um, the first time I saw it, I was in Hawaii and I'm like, Akai, like what is this? 00:02:42.240 --> 00:02:44.400 This was this was like 15 years ago or so. 00:02:44.479 --> 00:02:47.599 And I remember looking at that logo and I'm like, what in the world is this? 00:02:47.759 --> 00:02:52.879 I was actually helping out at a Christian youth camp in Hawaii, you know, tough job, right? 00:02:52.960 --> 00:02:57.120 Uh but I got to spend a week there, and uh and I remember seeing that all over the place. 00:02:57.199 --> 00:03:00.240 And I and I and then finally I just asked somebody, what is that? 00:03:00.400 --> 00:03:03.680 I thought it was like a surf brand or whatever, and then they explained it to me. 00:03:03.840 --> 00:03:05.520 It's pretty simple when you look at it. 00:03:05.840 --> 00:03:07.439 He is greater than I. 00:03:07.599 --> 00:03:08.960 And that's what it comes down to. 00:03:09.280 --> 00:03:11.039 He is greater than I. 00:03:11.199 --> 00:03:16.960 And it's based on John 3.30, where he says, He must increase and I must decrease. 00:03:17.120 --> 00:03:22.000 And I got to thinking about how great of a life mission that is for all of us. 00:03:22.159 --> 00:03:27.199 Isn't that the way we should live our lives and what we should reflect and what we do each and every day? 00:03:27.439 --> 00:03:29.919 The fact is, he is greater than I. 00:03:30.000 --> 00:03:39.439 And I remember just thinking about how great this little sticker is, even though I didn't get it at first, when it finally clicked, I ordered a sticker to put on my Jeep at the time. 00:03:39.520 --> 00:03:43.759 I got a couple t-shirts, and I still wear those shirts every once in a while. 00:03:43.840 --> 00:03:45.199 Uh, that sticker is long gone. 00:03:45.280 --> 00:03:46.479 Maybe I need to order another one. 00:03:46.560 --> 00:03:59.759 But but there's something about that logo that's a great reminder for all of us of Jesus' proper place in our lives and who God is and what we do each and every day. 00:04:00.080 --> 00:04:07.360 But it's one thing to put it on a piece of clothing, it's another thing to live that out in what we do each and every day. 00:04:07.599 --> 00:04:09.840 So that's the point this morning. 00:04:10.000 --> 00:04:17.360 As we talk about growing in favor with God, I think it begins with putting God in his proper place in our lives. 00:04:17.519 --> 00:04:24.560 And I think that is a great example of what that looks like and how we should go about living like that. 00:04:24.720 --> 00:04:32.959 And if there's someone that understood that message and what that looks like in their lives, perhaps more than anybody else we see in the Bible, it's John. 00:04:33.199 --> 00:04:36.240 John the Baptist, as he's going about speaking. 00:04:36.399 --> 00:04:38.800 He was a pretty big deal at the time. 00:04:38.959 --> 00:04:47.120 Matthew tells us that there were people coming from Jerusalem and Judea and the entire region around the Jordan, and they were coming just to hear John preach. 00:04:47.279 --> 00:04:49.519 So John had disciples and influence. 00:04:49.759 --> 00:04:51.519 People around there knew his name. 00:04:51.680 --> 00:04:58.079 In fact, Luke tells us that people were actually wondering if John might actually be the Christ himself. 00:04:58.319 --> 00:05:00.639 That's how much attention he was getting at the time. 00:05:00.720 --> 00:05:05.680 And then all of a sudden, Jesus shows up, and something started happening. 00:05:05.839 --> 00:05:11.759 The crowds that were going to see Jesus all of a sudden were now going to see John. 00:05:12.480 --> 00:05:15.600 And in that moment, John's disciples began to notice. 00:05:15.680 --> 00:05:30.240 And then we see in John 3, 26, and they came to John and said to him, Rabbi, he who is with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness, look, he is baptizing and all are going to him. 00:05:30.800 --> 00:05:34.480 Can you hear the concern in their voice as they approach John? 00:05:34.879 --> 00:05:37.439 He says, John, we've got a problem. 00:05:37.680 --> 00:05:42.800 Everybody used to come to us, and now it seems like everybody's going to him instead of us. 00:05:42.959 --> 00:05:44.560 Our numbers are going down. 00:05:44.720 --> 00:05:46.079 His numbers are going up. 00:05:46.160 --> 00:05:47.439 We're losing people. 00:05:47.839 --> 00:05:50.560 And in that moment, John doesn't panic. 00:05:50.800 --> 00:05:54.480 He doesn't try to figure out how to get the crowds back. 00:05:55.040 --> 00:05:58.639 He doesn't start competing with Jesus. 00:05:58.959 --> 00:06:05.279 And it's simply because John understood something that his disciples didn't understand at that time. 00:06:05.439 --> 00:06:10.240 That this mission, what he was about, was never about John. 00:06:10.720 --> 00:06:12.800 It was never about what he was doing. 00:06:13.040 --> 00:06:19.600 And that leads him to this statement that we find that's the backbone of he is greater than I. 00:06:19.680 --> 00:06:26.480 And that is, in John 3.30, he must increase, but I must decrease. 00:06:26.959 --> 00:06:36.560 And maybe that's what this entire quarter breaks down to if we really think about what we've been talking about and growing in favor with God. 00:06:37.120 --> 00:06:38.959 Because we've been talking about the heart. 00:06:39.120 --> 00:06:41.680 We've been talking about a faith that pleases him. 00:06:42.079 --> 00:06:50.800 We've been talking about what it means to remind my family and to live in that lineage and share our faith with those around us. 00:06:51.040 --> 00:06:59.439 We've been talking last week about holiness and how God is holy and we want to represent him with holiness in our own lives. 00:06:59.680 --> 00:07:13.519 And if I want my heart and my family and my holiness, my worship, even my obedience, if I want my whole life to belong to God, then perhaps I've got to get the order right in the first place. 00:07:14.240 --> 00:07:20.800 And we need to lean into this truth that he must increase, but I must decrease. 00:07:20.959 --> 00:07:30.560 Because a faith, I believe, that pleases God, that puts God in his proper place, also puts me in mine. 00:07:31.360 --> 00:07:36.800 So our first point this morning, if you're using your outlines, is it was never about me. 00:07:37.120 --> 00:07:41.040 And that's what John knew when he was out there baptizing. 00:07:41.199 --> 00:07:44.319 He knew what his role was within the church. 00:07:44.560 --> 00:07:46.240 It was never about me. 00:07:46.480 --> 00:07:52.240 Listen to John's first response when his disciples came to him, so concerned that all his people were leaving. 00:07:52.399 --> 00:08:01.279 In John 3, 27, he says, a person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given to him from heaven. 00:08:01.600 --> 00:08:03.439 Man, I love that response. 00:08:03.759 --> 00:08:13.439 Because John's disciples are so worried about what they are losing in this moment, and John immediately starts talking about what he has been given. 00:08:13.680 --> 00:08:17.680 And I think that's a completely different way of looking at life. 00:08:18.000 --> 00:08:24.000 John essentially says, What makes you think any of this belonged to us in the first place? 00:08:24.399 --> 00:08:26.000 None of this is mine. 00:08:26.319 --> 00:08:27.120 The crowds? 00:08:27.279 --> 00:08:29.439 Well, God gave those to me. 00:08:29.680 --> 00:08:32.960 This ministry, God gave me that opportunity. 00:08:33.200 --> 00:08:35.840 The influence, well, it came from God. 00:08:36.320 --> 00:08:40.559 The ability to preach, even, was a gift from God. 00:08:41.679 --> 00:08:44.879 The opportunity to prepare the way for Jesus. 00:08:45.120 --> 00:08:46.000 Guess what? 00:08:46.320 --> 00:08:48.960 God gave me that opportunity as well. 00:08:49.200 --> 00:08:55.039 So John in that moment understood that he was not the purpose. 00:08:55.360 --> 00:08:57.360 He was not the owner. 00:08:57.600 --> 00:09:00.399 He was simply a steward of what God was doing. 00:09:00.480 --> 00:09:05.759 And I think there's a freedom that comes when we begin to understand that in our own lives. 00:09:05.919 --> 00:09:09.440 That it's not about me, it's all about him. 00:09:10.720 --> 00:09:20.559 I remember reading a story many years ago about an Auburn football coach and something he tried to impress upon his players that came into the program. 00:09:22.240 --> 00:09:30.960 And yes, I realize I'm going to use an Auburn football coach and use this as an illustration of greatness. 00:09:31.120 --> 00:09:36.159 Some of you are already questioning the premise based on the past six years or so. 00:09:36.879 --> 00:09:41.360 But there's a time, children, when Auburn was great. 00:09:42.720 --> 00:09:44.159 Some of us remember it. 00:09:44.320 --> 00:09:47.519 Well, the coach's point to the players was essentially this. 00:09:47.679 --> 00:09:51.440 He said, Auburn was great before you got here. 00:09:51.919 --> 00:09:57.600 People filled this stadium before anybody knew your name, before you were even born. 00:09:57.840 --> 00:10:01.440 He said, Great players wore that uniform before you did. 00:10:01.679 --> 00:10:06.399 People loved Auburn before you ever received a scholarship offer. 00:10:06.639 --> 00:10:11.759 He says, This place has history, it has tradition, it has a name. 00:10:12.000 --> 00:10:18.399 And now you've been given the privilege of putting on that uniform and representing it. 00:10:18.639 --> 00:10:20.960 He says, so understand something. 00:10:21.279 --> 00:10:25.279 You didn't come here so Auburn could make much of you. 00:10:25.519 --> 00:10:31.759 You've been given an opportunity to represent something bigger than yourself. 00:10:32.320 --> 00:10:35.200 I think that's where the truth lies. 00:10:35.519 --> 00:10:42.960 There's an old saying in sports the name on the front of your jersey matters more than the name on the back. 00:10:43.360 --> 00:10:54.480 Now, obviously, we're talking about football, we're talking about a university, we're talking about something that at the end of the day isn't all that important, no matter which university you choose. 00:10:55.600 --> 00:11:03.360 But I think there's something about that idea that helps me understand what John's talking about here. 00:11:03.759 --> 00:11:09.759 John looks at everything happening around him, and he simply says, I didn't create this. 00:11:10.000 --> 00:11:16.799 I didn't build this kingdom, I didn't invent this message, I didn't create this opportunity. 00:11:18.000 --> 00:11:23.440 I was invited into something that was bigger than me in the first place. 00:11:27.519 --> 00:11:28.480 So were we. 00:12:45.679 --> 00:12:50.480 And I've been given the privilege of wearing his name, Christian. 00:12:51.120 --> 00:12:53.440 Y'all already know where I'm going with this one. 00:12:53.919 --> 00:12:57.519 You say Christ's out of Christian, you're left with three letters, right? 00:12:57.840 --> 00:12:58.559 I-A-N. 00:12:59.440 --> 00:13:00.799 I ain't nothing. 00:13:01.519 --> 00:13:17.120 Because the truth is, the most important name I'll ever carry is not Gallimore, it's not preacher, it's not realtor, it's not whatever title someone tries to associate with my name. 00:13:17.360 --> 00:13:22.399 The greatest name I will ever wear is the name of Jesus Christ. 00:13:23.120 --> 00:13:30.080 And the name that I wear matters infinitely more than any name that I take for myself. 00:13:31.440 --> 00:13:34.240 That's who we are as Christians. 00:13:35.279 --> 00:13:38.960 Because without him, I ain't nothing. 00:13:40.080 --> 00:13:41.679 That's what John understood. 00:13:42.320 --> 00:13:45.360 See, even in that moment, people knew John's name. 00:13:45.600 --> 00:13:47.120 People followed John. 00:13:47.840 --> 00:13:51.519 People traveled into the wilderness just to hear him preach. 00:13:51.759 --> 00:13:57.200 And now his disciples are standing there saying, John, everybody's going to Jesus. 00:13:57.440 --> 00:13:59.440 And John essentially says, Good. 00:13:59.600 --> 00:14:00.879 That's the whole point. 00:14:01.039 --> 00:14:03.840 That's why I was brought here in the first place. 00:14:05.039 --> 00:14:07.759 Because I was never trying to make John great. 00:14:08.080 --> 00:14:10.720 My entire purpose was pointing people to Jesus. 00:14:10.799 --> 00:14:19.279 And then verse 28, he says, You yourselves bear me witness that I said I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him. 00:14:19.759 --> 00:14:24.320 He says, I've already told you who I am, and more importantly, I told you who I'm not. 00:14:24.559 --> 00:14:26.480 I told you I'm not the Christ. 00:14:26.720 --> 00:14:28.480 I told you I'm not the Savior. 00:14:28.639 --> 00:14:29.759 I'm not the point. 00:14:30.000 --> 00:14:32.080 I'm the guy that was sent ahead of him. 00:14:32.480 --> 00:14:40.080 And if everybody is going to him now, then maybe I've done exactly what the Lord sent me here to do in the first place. 00:14:41.120 --> 00:14:43.600 Simply point to Jesus. 00:14:45.039 --> 00:14:49.600 There's something incredibly freeing about knowing that you're not the point. 00:14:50.080 --> 00:14:50.960 Think about it. 00:14:51.279 --> 00:14:54.720 Because suddenly I don't have to protect my importance. 00:14:54.960 --> 00:14:58.480 I don't have to make sure that everybody notices me. 00:14:58.799 --> 00:15:00.320 I don't have to get the credit. 00:15:00.480 --> 00:15:02.559 I don't have to win every argument. 00:15:02.960 --> 00:15:04.879 I don't have to have everything go my way. 00:15:05.039 --> 00:15:09.440 I don't have to build my little kingdom and ask God to bless that. 00:15:10.240 --> 00:15:13.440 Because this was never about me in the first place. 00:15:14.480 --> 00:15:17.200 See, I've been invited into this story. 00:15:17.440 --> 00:15:20.320 I've been invited in to this kingdom. 00:15:20.480 --> 00:15:22.960 I've been given this name to wear. 00:15:23.279 --> 00:15:25.759 I've been entrusted with his gospel. 00:15:26.480 --> 00:15:32.320 And I've been given opportunities to serve in this incredible kingdom. 00:15:33.519 --> 00:15:37.519 So I don't have to make sure that everybody notices me. 00:15:38.320 --> 00:15:46.639 See, whatever I've been given, my abilities, my resources, my influences, my family, my opportunity, my very life. 00:15:47.279 --> 00:15:49.679 This is true for each and every one of us. 00:15:50.480 --> 00:15:57.440 John reminds us a person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given to him from heaven. 00:15:57.679 --> 00:16:02.159 So the question isn't how much can I make of myself with what I've been given? 00:16:02.399 --> 00:16:09.279 The question becomes, how much can I make of him with what I've been given? 00:16:10.000 --> 00:16:10.799 About the difference. 00:16:11.440 --> 00:16:15.759 We get so busy building up who we are and what we represent. 00:16:16.480 --> 00:16:18.080 Sometimes we miss the entire thing. 00:16:18.960 --> 00:16:20.639 Because it's not about you. 00:16:21.679 --> 00:16:22.480 It's all about. 00:16:24.480 --> 00:16:26.399 Because he must increase. 00:16:29.600 --> 00:16:32.960 Number two, exactly where we're going with this. 00:16:33.279 --> 00:16:34.720 Jesus is the point. 00:16:35.919 --> 00:16:39.440 John understands that none of this belonged to him in the first place. 00:16:39.759 --> 00:16:43.840 His ministry, this opportunity, his influence, it was all given to him. 00:16:44.080 --> 00:16:48.159 And once John understands that, he can understand something else. 00:16:48.399 --> 00:16:50.080 That he was never the point. 00:16:50.240 --> 00:16:52.320 Again, we go to verse 28. 00:16:52.559 --> 00:16:58.480 You yourselves bear me witness that I said, I am not the Christ, but I've been sent before him. 00:16:58.720 --> 00:17:00.720 John says, I've already told you this. 00:17:00.960 --> 00:17:02.240 I'm not him. 00:17:03.120 --> 00:17:05.039 I'm just the guy who was sent ahead of him. 00:17:05.200 --> 00:17:15.039 And then in verse 29, the one who was the bride, the one who has the bride is the bridegroom. 00:17:15.279 --> 00:17:21.359 The friend of the bridegroom who stands and hears him rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. 00:17:21.599 --> 00:17:25.039 Therefore, this joy of mine is now complete. 00:17:25.599 --> 00:17:29.039 So John looks out and he says, I am not the groom. 00:17:29.440 --> 00:17:31.839 I'm simply the friend of the groom. 00:17:32.000 --> 00:17:36.160 In other words, what we would say nowadays, John says, I'm the best man. 00:17:36.480 --> 00:17:39.119 And I think that's a pretty good picture. 00:17:39.519 --> 00:17:46.799 Imagine going to a wedding, and the best man is all upset because nobody's paying any attention to me. 00:17:47.359 --> 00:17:52.160 The best man stands up and he says, I can't believe nobody said that I look good in this suit. 00:17:52.400 --> 00:17:56.720 Everybody's talking about the groom, and don't let me get started about the bride. 00:17:56.880 --> 00:17:57.759 This is ridiculous. 00:17:57.920 --> 00:17:59.680 Nobody's even noticed me. 00:17:59.920 --> 00:18:01.440 The best man looks at the pictures. 00:18:01.599 --> 00:18:05.759 He said, All these pictures of the bride and groom, where are the pictures of me? 00:18:05.839 --> 00:18:08.960 There's like three in there, and there's like 600 of the bride. 00:18:09.119 --> 00:18:10.240 What is going on? 00:18:10.480 --> 00:18:12.480 What would you say to that best man? 00:18:13.599 --> 00:18:14.640 Settle down. 00:18:14.880 --> 00:18:16.319 This isn't about you. 00:18:17.759 --> 00:18:19.759 You're a little crazy right now. 00:18:20.799 --> 00:18:24.559 The bride would probably just get on, get to stepping right now. 00:18:26.640 --> 00:18:31.599 But the priority in that moment of that day was never about the best man. 00:18:32.079 --> 00:18:33.359 He has a role. 00:18:33.599 --> 00:18:37.200 Yes, but he's there to support what's happening in front of him. 00:18:37.440 --> 00:18:39.599 And John says, I'm not the groom. 00:18:40.240 --> 00:18:41.839 I am the best man. 00:18:42.559 --> 00:18:44.799 I'm not here for myself. 00:18:45.680 --> 00:18:49.279 But I'm here to simply point to Jesus. 00:18:52.640 --> 00:18:54.799 You really are. 00:19:02.480 --> 00:19:05.039 The best man really is the best man. 00:19:06.000 --> 00:19:08.240 He's happy about what's happening. 00:19:08.480 --> 00:19:13.359 Yeah, there's tons of pictures of everybody else, and he's glad because it's their day. 00:19:13.680 --> 00:19:15.119 It's all about them. 00:19:18.480 --> 00:19:20.240 I think that's exactly what John says. 00:19:20.400 --> 00:19:22.240 Don't miss the emotion in verse 29. 00:19:22.400 --> 00:19:26.160 Therefore, this joy of mine is now complete. 00:19:26.720 --> 00:19:28.880 He says, This joy of mine. 00:19:29.200 --> 00:19:33.440 You see, John isn't reluctantly giving up the spotlight in this moment. 00:19:33.599 --> 00:19:41.039 He's not standing there saying, Well, I guess if this is what has to happen, he's not bitter of Jesus getting more attention. 00:19:41.200 --> 00:19:43.519 He's not jealous that the crowds are leaving him. 00:19:43.680 --> 00:19:46.960 John says, This is the moment I've been waiting for. 00:19:47.119 --> 00:19:49.119 This is why I came in the first place. 00:19:49.359 --> 00:19:51.279 This was my role. 00:19:51.680 --> 00:19:56.240 John looks at those same people walking towards Jesus and says, It's working. 00:19:56.400 --> 00:20:00.000 And I think that's a completely different definition of success. 00:20:00.319 --> 00:20:05.119 See, because John's goal was never, how many people can I get to follow John? 00:20:05.680 --> 00:20:10.000 John's goal was simply, how many people can I point towards Jesus? 00:20:10.480 --> 00:20:14.319 How many people can I put on that proper path? 00:20:16.240 --> 00:20:22.720 And I think that ought to make us stop and think about how we measure the success of our own lives. 00:20:23.839 --> 00:20:27.440 Because we like to measure ourselves by increase, don't we? 00:20:28.079 --> 00:20:30.960 We may ask questions like, How much do I have? 00:20:31.359 --> 00:20:33.440 How far have I gone? 00:20:33.759 --> 00:20:36.079 How successful have I become? 00:20:36.240 --> 00:20:38.000 How many people know my name? 00:20:38.240 --> 00:20:40.240 How much influence do I have? 00:20:40.480 --> 00:20:42.480 How much recognition am I getting? 00:20:42.640 --> 00:20:45.839 Even in the church, we can fall into that trap. 00:20:46.079 --> 00:20:48.079 How big is the congregation? 00:20:48.400 --> 00:20:49.680 How many people came? 00:20:49.839 --> 00:20:53.200 How many people complimented the sermon this morning? 00:20:53.440 --> 00:20:56.000 How many people noticed what I did? 00:20:56.480 --> 00:20:57.759 Did anybody thank me? 00:20:57.839 --> 00:21:01.759 Did anybody actually recognize how much work I put into this? 00:21:03.200 --> 00:21:08.079 And none of those things are necessarily wrong in and of themselves. 00:21:08.400 --> 00:21:10.079 Because growth can be good. 00:21:10.400 --> 00:21:11.839 Success can be good. 00:21:12.079 --> 00:21:15.920 Influence can certainly be used for tremendous good. 00:21:17.839 --> 00:21:19.839 But all of those things make terrible. 00:21:21.599 --> 00:21:28.559 If that's the ultimate, if that's what we're seeking, then we're missing the entire point of why we're here this morning. 00:21:30.160 --> 00:21:32.079 Because Jesus is the point. 00:21:32.640 --> 00:21:41.599 And sometimes growing in favor with God means learning to be completely satisfied when Jesus gets the glory and I don't. 00:21:42.400 --> 00:21:50.880 That's not always easy in our culture that preaches me first, our culture that preaches you got to build yourself up. 00:21:51.599 --> 00:21:52.640 Make your own choice. 00:21:52.799 --> 00:21:54.160 Do what's important to you. 00:21:54.400 --> 00:21:55.680 Live your truth. 00:21:57.119 --> 00:21:59.440 God's message says it's not about you. 00:22:00.240 --> 00:22:03.680 I think there's something inside most of us that wants a little credit. 00:22:03.839 --> 00:22:05.839 We don't necessarily need all of it. 00:22:06.079 --> 00:22:07.599 We just need someone to notice. 00:22:07.759 --> 00:22:09.200 Did you see what I did? 00:22:09.440 --> 00:22:11.359 Did you notice how much I gave? 00:22:11.599 --> 00:22:13.200 Did you see how much I served? 00:22:13.359 --> 00:22:14.559 Did you hear what I said? 00:22:14.799 --> 00:22:16.960 Did you notice that sacrifice that I made? 00:22:17.119 --> 00:22:19.920 And then John comes along and says, Look at him. 00:22:20.400 --> 00:22:22.559 That's the whole reason I'm here. 00:22:22.799 --> 00:22:26.400 Because if Jesus is the point, then I don't have to be. 00:22:26.880 --> 00:22:30.079 I don't have to be the smartest person in every conversation. 00:22:30.240 --> 00:22:33.839 I don't have to get the last word every single time. 00:22:34.160 --> 00:22:37.920 I don't have to receive all the credit in this moment. 00:22:40.400 --> 00:22:42.160 I can point to Jesus. 00:22:42.480 --> 00:22:48.160 And maybe that's one of the marks of spiritual maturity as we grow closer to Him. 00:22:49.119 --> 00:22:55.119 I'm becoming increasingly happy with the attention that Jesus is getting. 00:22:55.519 --> 00:22:57.680 Not merely willing, but happy. 00:22:57.759 --> 00:22:59.599 I find joy in it. 00:22:59.839 --> 00:23:01.279 Because that's what love does. 00:23:01.440 --> 00:23:05.359 When you really love somebody, you enjoy making much of them. 00:23:05.519 --> 00:23:08.720 When you love somebody, do you find yourself talking about them more? 00:23:09.200 --> 00:23:10.400 You brag on them. 00:23:10.640 --> 00:23:15.680 You want people to see something in them, maybe something you already see. 00:23:16.000 --> 00:23:20.960 You don't feel diminished because somebody you love is being celebrated. 00:23:21.440 --> 00:23:26.400 The joy becomes your joy because you love them. 00:23:26.640 --> 00:23:28.000 And I think that's John. 00:23:28.319 --> 00:23:32.000 John's disciples say everybody's going to him, and John says, Exactly. 00:23:32.240 --> 00:23:34.160 Now you understand what I'm talking about. 00:23:34.319 --> 00:23:35.519 That's what I wanted. 00:23:35.759 --> 00:23:38.400 That's why I came, that's why I preached. 00:23:38.640 --> 00:23:42.160 I wasn't preparing the way for me, I was preparing the way for him. 00:23:42.720 --> 00:23:50.240 I think there's something here that connects directly with what we've been talking about all quarter. 00:23:50.799 --> 00:23:53.119 Growing in favor with God. 00:23:54.480 --> 00:23:58.960 Because God has never simply wanted our outward compliance. 00:23:59.119 --> 00:24:02.799 It's not about checking the boxes, it's not just about showing up. 00:24:03.519 --> 00:24:05.279 But God wants your heart. 00:24:05.839 --> 00:24:09.279 He wants you to live within Him. 00:24:09.759 --> 00:24:10.880 He wants you. 00:24:11.680 --> 00:24:16.880 And I think there's a difference between us saying, fine, God, I'll just do what you want. 00:24:18.000 --> 00:24:23.359 And instead saying, God, what you want is what I want. 00:24:25.200 --> 00:24:27.920 I think we have to move towards the latter. 00:24:29.759 --> 00:24:32.720 John doesn't merely accept that Jesus becomes a greater. 00:24:32.960 --> 00:24:35.039 He rejoices in it. 00:24:35.920 --> 00:24:40.400 At first, following Jesus, maybe you've been here, maybe you're in this season right now. 00:24:40.559 --> 00:24:47.680 But I think when we first become followers of Jesus, it constantly feels like we're giving things up. 00:24:48.400 --> 00:24:50.880 Like I can't do what I want. 00:24:51.279 --> 00:24:53.759 I have to do what God says. 00:24:54.160 --> 00:24:55.920 I have to surrender this. 00:24:56.079 --> 00:24:57.599 I have to change that. 00:24:58.480 --> 00:25:04.960 But I think as our faith matures, something begins to happen in my life. 00:25:06.400 --> 00:25:08.480 Our desires begin to change. 00:25:10.000 --> 00:25:11.599 Our heart begins to change. 00:25:11.680 --> 00:25:25.279 And instead of asking, how much of what I want can I keep, perhaps our whole mindset becomes how much of my life can I give to him? 00:25:26.160 --> 00:25:27.279 See the difference? 00:25:28.880 --> 00:25:35.279 Instead of how little do I have to surrender, maybe we ask, how much can God use? 00:25:35.920 --> 00:25:38.400 How much of my life can he put to work? 00:25:38.640 --> 00:25:41.039 Instead of asking, will anybody notice me? 00:25:41.200 --> 00:25:46.160 We begin to ask, Will anybody see Jesus because of what I'm doing? 00:25:47.599 --> 00:25:48.960 That's all about him. 00:25:49.519 --> 00:25:51.599 That's a different kind of life. 00:25:51.920 --> 00:25:54.880 And maybe that's the question we ought to ask ourselves. 00:25:55.119 --> 00:25:59.680 When people look at my life, who am I trying to get them to notice? 00:26:00.240 --> 00:26:02.240 Am I trying to get them to notice me? 00:26:03.359 --> 00:26:05.039 Or is it all about Jesus? 00:26:05.200 --> 00:26:08.799 Because John understood he was not the groom. 00:26:11.920 --> 00:26:16.880 Therefore, this joy of mine is now complete, he says. 00:26:17.759 --> 00:26:22.480 Because he must increase, but I must decrease. 00:26:23.359 --> 00:26:25.039 Number three on your outlines this morning. 00:26:25.359 --> 00:26:28.160 When he increases, I can decrease. 00:26:28.559 --> 00:26:31.839 And all of that brings us to verse 30. 00:26:32.319 --> 00:26:34.160 The one we've been quoting throughout. 00:26:34.559 --> 00:26:38.960 Simply says, He must increase, but I must decrease. 00:26:39.359 --> 00:26:44.799 Notice John doesn't say, It would probably be good if he increased. 00:26:45.039 --> 00:26:48.559 He doesn't say, Well, I prefer Jesus to increase. 00:26:49.680 --> 00:26:50.960 Notice the words there. 00:26:51.279 --> 00:26:52.559 He must. 00:26:53.440 --> 00:26:56.000 Jesus must increase. 00:26:59.440 --> 00:27:03.359 Christianity doesn't teach us that we have no value. 00:27:03.519 --> 00:27:07.200 You know, you see that second part, but I must decrease. 00:27:07.599 --> 00:27:10.880 He's not saying there's nothing good about me. 00:27:12.640 --> 00:27:14.240 John isn't saying I'm worthless. 00:27:14.319 --> 00:27:16.319 He's not saying I don't matter. 00:27:17.519 --> 00:27:20.480 Christianity doesn't teach us we don't have value. 00:27:20.640 --> 00:27:23.920 In fact, the cross tells us exactly the opposite. 00:27:24.160 --> 00:27:31.200 You are deeply valuable to God, but being valuable doesn't mean you're at the center. 00:27:31.359 --> 00:27:33.200 And I think that's the difference. 00:27:33.599 --> 00:27:38.319 Your value isn't determined by it all being about you. 00:27:40.160 --> 00:27:42.240 John isn't decreasing his value. 00:27:42.400 --> 00:27:44.640 Instead, he's surrendering his position. 00:27:44.880 --> 00:27:46.400 And I hope you can note the difference. 00:27:46.480 --> 00:27:49.519 He's saying Jesus belongs at the center, and I don't. 00:27:49.759 --> 00:27:54.960 And maybe that's the hardest part of our faith because most of us don't mind Jesus being important. 00:27:55.279 --> 00:27:58.160 We don't mind if Jesus is a part of our lives. 00:27:58.400 --> 00:28:01.440 We don't even mind if Jesus is a big part of our lives. 00:28:01.680 --> 00:28:05.599 But John isn't talking about making Jesus an important part of his life. 00:28:05.839 --> 00:28:12.079 He's talking about giving Jesus the place that he belongs, right at the center of everything. 00:28:12.319 --> 00:28:14.880 There's only one room for one there. 00:28:15.200 --> 00:28:19.119 The throne that he sits on, the throne of your life who is there. 00:28:19.200 --> 00:28:25.759 And I think our temptation is to put ourselves there, to seek what we want and maybe sprinkle a little Jesus here and there. 00:28:26.319 --> 00:28:27.920 But John understood the truth. 00:28:28.000 --> 00:28:30.000 It's not about you on that. 00:28:30.400 --> 00:28:31.759 I'm gonna put Jesus there. 00:28:31.920 --> 00:28:34.559 I'm gonna allow him to increase in my life. 00:28:34.720 --> 00:28:37.920 And as he increases, I decrease. 00:28:38.400 --> 00:28:41.119 And that's what must happen. 00:28:41.440 --> 00:28:47.680 I must decrease because if he increases, something else has to decrease. 00:28:48.160 --> 00:28:50.079 And usually that something is me. 00:28:50.240 --> 00:28:51.359 What does that look like? 00:28:51.519 --> 00:29:07.119 Well, I think it's my need for control, my need to understand everything right away, my need to get my way, my need to be right all the time, my need to recognize my plans, my preferences, my pride. 00:29:07.599 --> 00:29:12.240 Instead, we say he must increase, but I must decrease. 00:29:12.319 --> 00:29:21.279 And suddenly that little logo that we started with becomes a lot more challenging because he is greater than I. 00:29:21.519 --> 00:29:23.920 Again, that's easy to put on a shirt. 00:29:24.160 --> 00:29:27.119 It's easy to put a sticker on the back of your car. 00:29:28.160 --> 00:29:34.720 It's easy to say in church, are you actually living it out in your choices every day? 00:29:34.880 --> 00:29:37.359 Because what does that really mean? 00:29:37.680 --> 00:29:39.279 He is greater than I. 00:29:39.519 --> 00:29:48.240 When I want, when what I want conflicts with what he wants, we need to know he is greater than I. 00:29:48.480 --> 00:29:55.519 When God's word challenges something that I would rather believe, he is greater than I. 00:29:56.559 --> 00:30:03.839 When forgiving someone is harder than holding on to what they did, well, he is greater than I. 00:30:04.160 --> 00:30:22.640 When holiness and seeking God and making his truth number one in our lives conflicts with what we want, when it conflicts with what I would rather believe, when it cost me something, he is greater than I. 00:30:23.519 --> 00:30:27.440 When God's timing is not my timing, man, it's hard. 00:30:27.759 --> 00:30:30.799 We got to remember He is greater than I. 00:30:31.279 --> 00:30:42.799 In those moments where I may not understand all the things he's doing in my life, all the struggles, all the hardship that I'm dealing with in this moment, we got to remember he is greater than I. 00:30:43.279 --> 00:30:50.480 When obedience and following his word is not convenient, when it doesn't fit the mold that our culture is trying to put us in, guess what? 00:30:50.799 --> 00:30:52.960 He is greater than I. 00:30:53.599 --> 00:31:00.000 All of these moments in our lives should be a reminder of who sits on the throne. 00:31:00.319 --> 00:31:04.240 When I would have written my story differently, well, guess what? 00:31:04.559 --> 00:31:06.480