I Must Decrease
The Gospel of John is a captivating collection of moments from the life of Jesus, written by the "disciple whom Jesus loved." This Account was written for one clear purpose that still carries power and truth today: so that we might believe Jesus is the Messiah, and by believing, find true life in His name. We invite you to walk through these pages with us as we dive deep into the radical life of Jesus—His miracles, His words, and His heart for you. Whether you’re a lifelong follower or just curious about who Jesus is, come encounter the One who changes everything.
Genesis 11:4 NIV
Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves;
Genesis 3:4-5 NIV
“You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God…
Isaiah 14:12-15 NLT
“How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning! You have been thrown down to the earth, you who destroyed the nations of the world. For you said to yourself, ‘I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north. I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.’ Instead, you will be brought down to the place of the dead, down to its lowest depths.
The reason HELL exists is because somebody stood in the presence of God, and still said ‘I must increase.’
HOW DO YOU STAY LOW IN A WORLD THAT’S CALLING YOU HIGHER?
John 3:22-30 NIV '22
After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized them. Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptized. (This was before John was put in prison.) An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.” To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30 He must become greater; I must become less.”
In your heart, Christ is King of ALL, or He’s not King AT ALL
HOW DO YOU STAY LOW IN A WORLD THAT’S CALLING YOU HIGHER?
1. SETTLE THE SOURCE
John 3:26-27
They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.” “To this John replied, ‘A person can receive only what is given them from heaven.’”
If God gave it, then God can sustain it. If God doesn’t give it, then I don’t need it!
“Without God, I am nothing. I know nothing. I have nothing.” - Pastor Dennis Rouse
HOW DO YOU STAY LOW IN A WORLD THAT’S CALLING YOU HIGHER?
1. SETTLE THE SOURCE
2. STAY CLEAR ON THE ASSIGNMENT
John 3:27-28 NIV
To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’
2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NIV
“For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”[a] made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
If people need YOU to feel close to JESUS, something is OFF…
Your charisma may bend the yoke, but only the anointing can break it.
If your Christianity can’t survive without a certain preacher, a specific podcast, sound, or vibe… you might be in danger of following a messenger more than the Messiah.
The goal of Christianity is NOT self-discovery. It's not self-realization. It's self-DENIAL.
1 Corinthians 15:31 NKJV
…"I die daily."
Luke 9:23 ESV
"If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."
HOW DO YOU STAY LOW IN A WORLD THAT’S CALLING YOU HIGHER?
1. SETTLE THE SOURCE
2. STAY CLEAR ON THE ASSIGNMENT
3. FIND JOY IN THE HANDOFF
John 3:29–30 NIV “The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less.”
Decreasing doesn’t mean disappearing. It just gives the world a better view of The One who is glorious.
PRACTICAL WAYS TO START DECREASING TODAY:
1. More SILENCE & less SCROLLING
2. Choose OBSCURITY over ATTENTION
3. CELEBRATE OTHERS intentionally & often
4. Choose HUMILITY in everyday moments
5. Receive CORRECTION without DEFENSIVENESS
6. SERVE even when it’s INCONVENIENT
7. DEFINE your BLINDSPOTS
Maybe you made a decision to follow Jesus today, or maybe you’re curious what life with Him is all about. Wherever you are on your journey, we invite you to share with us so we can help you discover your next step.
