pointing at him
DESCRIPTION
A look at John the Baptist's handling of comparative criticisms of his ministry. John 3:22-32, paryer meeting TaBernacle Baptist, Jan 3, 2013TRANSCRIPT
Pointing at Him
handling ministry success or failure like a Baptist
Identifying John“Saints are often depicted with symbols, items that signify an
abstract quality like piety, purity, or fortitude, or that are emblems
of martyrdom. [Symbolic] attributes are items that refer to
the saint's historical (or legendary role) or career.” Paula Russell
Identifying Jesus
John is a powerful pointer.
Parallel Paths• Jesus was baptizing with His
disciples (3:22)• John was also baptizing with his
disciples (3:23-24)– People were coming– People were being baptized– There was no hold on the
ministry
Success!ministry “going well”, positive growth
Comparative Criticism• An argument about purification
was raised (3:25)• A question of loyalty was raised
(3:26)– “You are our rabbi”– “We are supposed to be partners
with Jesus”– “He is stealing our success”
Failure?!ministry not “going well”, losses in numbers
Accurate Answers• Everything that I have is from
God (3:27)
• I am just a pointer (3:28)
• I am only the best man (3:29)
– I get excited about hearing Him– I am made full of joy by His joy
• I must decrease, so that He might increase (3:30)
Ministry Movements• In ministry success or failure, I
will NOT…– Worry about how to keep it going
or make it happen– Point at others, finding fault with
or detracting from their ministry– Expend my energy on self-service,
protection nor aggrandizement
Ministry Movements• In ministry success or failure, I
will…– Worship (put my attention on)
God from whom all things flow– Point others to focus on Christ
above all else– Find my greatest joy in knowing
the groom