John 3:30
“He must increase, but I must decrease.”
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No man can bear witness to Christ and to himself at the same time. No man can give the impression that he himself is clever and that Christ is mighty to save. James Denny
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In the context of John the Baptizer’s familiar saying, his disciples are dismayed that the up-and-comer (a.k.a., Jesus) is surpassing their man in popularity.
But John is not fazed by his fading role. He is joyfully content to be the bridegroom’s friend.
Then he utters today’s indelible words to those who have misunderstood their place in Messianic ministry.
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To be an ambassador for Christ is to joyfully trade popularity for humility.
It is not for those who are seeking to boost their self-esteem.
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How tempting it is for the preacher to think that people come to hear from him, rather than the Word (and how shameful when they actually do).
The true servant of Christ is not one who uses Christ to elevate his personal stature, but one who treasures Christ’s reputation more than his own.
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amen.