"HE MUST INCREASE, I MUST DECREASE" - Powerful Sermon on John 3:22-30

🗡️ This expository sermon was delivered at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Cookeville, TN on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 11:00 am. 🗡️

Are you struggling with pride, self-promotion, and the world's constant pressure to increase your status? In a culture obsessed with social media influence and self-advancement, discover the counterintuitive biblical truth that will transform your spiritual walk!

In this eye-opening sermon, we explore John the Baptist's profound humility as he declares "He must increase, but I must decrease." Learn the critical difference between the bride of Christ (the Church) and the friend of the bridegroom, and discover why John the Baptist continued his ministry even after Jesus began His.

Uncover the secret to true happiness that goes against everything our consumer culture teaches. This message reveals how decreasing yourself and elevating Christ brings fulfillment that no worldly achievement ever could. Experience the joy that comes from pointing others to Jesus rather than building your own platform.

#JohnTheBaptist #HeadOfTheChurch #BrideOfChrist #TrueHumility #ChristianSermon #BiblicalTeaching #JohnChapter3 #Humility #DecreaseYourself #ChristianLiving #BaptismTeaching #SpiritualGrowth

Scripture References Used in This Sermon:

• John 3:22-30 (Main passage)

• John 2:6 (Water pots of stone, purifying of the Jews)

• John 3:3-4 (Born again dialogue with Nicodemus)

• John 4:1-2 (Clarification that Jesus Himself baptized not, but His disciples)

• Matthew 3 (John's declaration about water baptism vs. Spirit baptism)

• Acts 9:4 (Saul's conversion, "why persecutest thou me?")

• Revelation 20:9 (Reference to "the bride, the lamb's wife")

• Colossians 1:18 (Christ as head of the body, the church)

• Ephesians 5 (Church and Christ's love, marriage relationship)

• Isaiah 54 (God the Father's bride - Israel, mentioned as reference)

• Isaiah 62 (God the Father's bride - Israel, mentioned as reference)

• Jeremiah 9 (Not glorying in wisdom, might, or riches)

• Leviticus 16 (Referenced regarding Aaron's purification)

Additional Biblical principles referenced:

• "The last shall be first and the first last"

• "Whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it"

• "He that is greatest among you shall be your servant"

• "In lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves"

• "Lay up treasures in heaven"

• "It is more blessed to give than to receive"

• "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me"

• "For even the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister"

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For more info, about Pilgrim Baptist Church, in Cookeville, TN visit:

⛪ https://pilgrimbaptist.church/

Pastor Fortunato's Blog:

✍️ https://fortunato.blog/

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✝️ Facebook: / pilgrimbaptistcookeville

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