Biblical Humility: 5 Life-Changing Lessons
The World's Wrong Definition of Success
Social media tells us to build our platform. Business culture says climb the ladder. Self-help gurus preach "your best life now." But John the Baptist had a radically different approach to greatness that turned the world upside down.
Seven Words That Changed Everything
When John's disciples worried about losing followers to Jesus, John responded with seven simple words that reveal the secret to true biblical humility:
"He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30)
These weren't the words of someone giving up—they came from a man Jesus called the greatest prophet who ever lived. John understood something our culture has completely missed about genuine success and satisfaction.
The Revolutionary Mindset
Understanding Your Role
John knew exactly who he was and who he wasn't:
"He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled." (John 3:29)
John wasn't the bridegroom (Jesus) or the bride (the church)—he was the friend of the bridegroom. And that role brought him incredible joy because he understood his purpose: pointing people to Christ.
The Path to True Happiness
Here's the secret that will transform your life: True happiness doesn't come from getting what you want—it comes from being excited when someone else gets what they need. What do people need most? Jesus Christ as their Savior.
5 Ways to Live "He Must Increase, I Must Decrease"
1. Check Your Motivations Daily
Before posting on social media, taking on projects, or making decisions, ask: "Will this increase His glory or mine?"
2. Celebrate Others' Success
Practice finding genuine joy when:
- Someone else gets recognition you wanted
- Another believer shares their testimony
- God uses someone else in ways He hasn't used you
3. Point People to Jesus
Like John, make it your mission to direct attention to Christ through conversations, actions, and how you live your faith.
4. Deny Yourself Daily
"If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me" (Matthew 16:24)
Self-denial isn't self-hatred—it's self-forgetfulness. When we stop focusing on ourselves, the Holy Spirit can work through us in amazing ways.
5. Remember Your Identity
You're not the bridegroom—Jesus is. You're part of His bride, the church. Find your joy in His glory, not your own recognition.
The Reward of Biblical Humility
When you live by John's principle, the world might say you've "failed." But like John, you can smile and say, "My joy therefore is fulfilled" (John 3:29).
"But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD" (Jeremiah 9:24)
God lifts-up those who lift-up His Son. Your greatest achievement won't be making your name known—it will be making His name known.
The sweetest words you'll ever hear aren't "Look at me"—they're "Look at HIM."
Listen to the Complete Message 🎧📖
This condensed guide only touches the surface of John 3:22-30's powerful truths. For complete expository preaching and detailed verse-by-verse Bible teaching, listen to the full sermon where these principles are explored in greater depth.
🎧 Listen to the Full Sermon Here →
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