What is the meaning of following words
1. Humility
2. Truth
3. Eternal Life
Opening Discussion
1. Why humility is important in our lives and how that can help us grow closer to God?
Passage John 3:22-36 New International Reader’s Version
22 After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the countryside of Judea. There he spent some time with them. And he baptized people there. 23 John was also baptizing. He was at Aenon near Salim, where there was plenty of water. People were coming and being baptized. 24 This was before John was put in prison. 25 Some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew began to argue. They argued about special washings to make people “clean.” 26 They came to John and here is what they said to him. “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan River is baptizing people. He is the one you told us about. Everyone is going to him.” 27 John replied, “A person can receive only what God gives them from heaven. 28 You yourselves are witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah. I was sent ahead of him.’ 29 The bride belongs to the groom. The friend who helps the groom waits and listens for him. He is full of joy when he hears the groom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30 He must become more important. I must become less important. 31 “The one who comes from above is above everything. The one who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks like someone from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above everything. 32 He is a witness to what he has seen and heard. But no one accepts what he says. 33 Anyone who has accepted it has said, ‘Yes. God is truthful.’ 34 The one whom God has sent speaks God’s words. That’s because God gives the Holy Spirit without limit.
35 The Father loves the Son and has put everything into his hands. 36 Anyone who believes in the Son has eternal life. Anyone who does not believe in the Son will not have life. God’s anger remains on them.”
John 3:22-36: "Increasing in Him"
Point 1: Cultivating Humility (John 3:22-30):
The passage emphasizes the importance of humility, urging believers to cultivate a spirit of humility in their interactions with others and in their relationship with Christ. John the Baptist knew the importance of recognizing his role in God's grand plan. In verses 27-30, we see his humility as he acknowledges that he must decrease while Jesus must increase. Let's cultivate humility by recognizing our role in God's plan, allowing Christ to increase in our lives. Let’s live as humble people in this world.
Point 2 :Bearing Witness to the Truth (John 3:31-34):
John the Baptist serves as a model for believers to testify boldly to the truth of Christ. This section encourages us to courageously share the message of Jesus, affirming His divinity and the redemptive truth He brings. John consistently testified to the truth about Jesus. In verses 31-34, we find him emphasizing the heavenly origin of Jesus. Be inspired by John's bold testimony and courageously share the redemptive truth of Christ in our lives.
Point 3: Embracing Eternal Life (John 3:35-36):
The final verses highlight the significance of embracing eternal life through faith in Jesus. Believers are encouraged to recognize the eternal implications of their choices and to place their trust in Christ for everlasting life.The chapter concludes with a focus on eternal life through belief in Jesus. (Verses 35-36) Embrace eternal life through unwavering faith in Jesus, recognizing the profound implications of this choice for everlasting joy and fulfillment.
Discussion question:
How can we follow John's example in boldly testifying to the truth of Jesus and actively embrace and share the promise of eternal life through faith in Christ in our own lives?
Conclusion/Application for our lives today
In our lives today, let's apply the lessons from this sermon. Cultivate humility by recognizing our place in God's plan, allowing Christ to increase while we decrease. Like John the Baptist, boldly bear witness to the truth of Christ, acknowledging His divinity and redemptive message. Embrace eternal life by placing our trust in Jesus, understanding the profound implications of our choices. May humility, truth, and the hope of eternal life shape our daily walk with Chris
