I Must Decrease

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message emphasizes the importance of humility and surrender in our walk with God. We often fall into the trap of thinking that we need to be successful, popular, or prominent in order for God's work to advance. However, this is a lie that can lead us away from true spiritual growth and intimacy with Christ. Instead, we are called to decrease so that He may increase.

Key Scripture References

• John 3:30 - Jesus himself declared, "He must become greater; I must become less." This verse sets the tone for our understanding of God's desire for us to surrender and decrease. As we look at this passage, we see that Jesus is not saying that He needs us to increase in order for Him to grow. Rather, He is emphasizing His own supremacy and our need to humble ourselves before Him.
• Philippians 2:5-8 - In this passage, Paul exhorts the believers to have the same mindset as Christ, who "did not consider equality with God something to be used for his own advantage." Instead, He emptied Himself and took on the form of a servant. This is the ultimate example of decreasing so that God may increase.
• Matthew 20:26-28 - Jesus taught His disciples that in order to be great in the kingdom of heaven, they must become servants and not lords. This concept is at odds with our natural desire for self-promotion and recognition, but it is essential for true greatness in God's eyes.
• 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 - Paul describes the characteristics of love, which are essential for decreasing so that God may increase. Love is not self-seeking or boastful, but rather humble and patient. As we cultivate these qualities in our lives, we will be more willing to surrender and decrease.
• Galatians 2:20 - Paul writes, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me." This verse illustrates the ultimate form of decreasing, where we die to our own desires and ambitions so that Christ may live through us.
• Isaiah 2:11-12 - The prophet Isaiah warns against trusting in human wisdom and power, which can lead us away from God. Instead, we are called to humble ourselves before Him and seek His guidance and strength.
• Ephesians 4:1-3 - Paul exhorts the believers to live a life worthy of their calling, which involves humility, gentleness, and patience. As we cultivate these qualities, we will be more willing to decrease so that God may increase.

Key Takeaways

• The lie that we must increase in order for God's work to advance is a common deception that can lead us away from true spiritual growth. Instead, we are called to decrease so that He may increase (John 3:30).
• We must surrender our own ambitions and desires and seek God's guidance and strength. This involves humility, patience, and gentleness (Ephesians 4:1-3).
• Christ's example of decreasing is the ultimate model for us to follow. He emptied Himself and took on the form of a servant, demonstrating that true greatness comes from serving others (Philippians 2:5-8).
• We must be willing to die to our own desires and ambitions so that Christ may live through us (Galatians 2:20). This is the ultimate form of decreasing.

This Week's Challenge

As we seek to decrease so that God may increase, here are two specific challenges for this week:

• Identify one area in your life where you have been seeking to increase and promote yourself. Ask God to reveal any areas of pride or self-seeking.
• Find a way to serve someone else this week, whether it's a family member, friend, or stranger. This can be as simple as doing a load of laundry for someone or making them a cup of coffee. As you serve others, remember that you are decreasing so that God may increase.

Reflection Questions

• What areas in your life have you been seeking to increase and promote yourself? How can you surrender these desires and seek God's guidance and strength?
• How can you serve someone else this week, whether it's a family member or stranger? What opportunities are there for you to decrease so that God may increase?
• As you reflect on your own life and circumstances, what lies or deceptions have you been believing about God's work and your role in it? How can you seek to decrease and surrender these deceptions so that God may increase?