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Sermon #1140

When the Truth Comes

A Sermon on John 3:30

Originally preached May 22, 1966

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Scripture

John 3:30 ESV KJV
He must increase, but I must decrease.” (ESV)

Sermon Description

In this sermon from John 3:30 titled “When the Truth Comes,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones addresses this main obstacle of receiving the fullness of Christ: pride. He shows that if one is self-satisfied then they most definitely have not received of the fullness of Christ. A person that thinks they are healthy will not go to a doctor for healing; similarly, if they think they are spiritually healthy then they will not come to Christ for forgiveness and help. Everyone’s eyes must be opened to their inadequacies, faults, and even sins before help can be sought. Brothers and sisters are called to consider if they possess spiritual sight to see that they are in need of more of the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. They should also consider that when someone points out their faults, are they immediately defensive or do they welcome criticism? These may be signs that will help to put pride to death and seek out a more full relationship with Christ. Listen to this sermon and hear how Christ alone can offer freedom from these sins and give humility.

Sermon Breakdown

  1. The disciples of John the Baptist were concerned about Jesus' growing popularity and ministry. They wanted John to do something to defend his position and reputation.
  2. The disciples disliked and criticized Jesus' ministry. They felt threatened by Jesus' teaching and popularity.
  3. The disciples tried to feed John the Baptist's pride and encourage his self-satisfaction. They wanted to bolster up his position.
  4. John the Baptist rebuked his disciples. He recognized Jesus as the Son of God and rejoiced in His ministry.
  5. John the Baptist knew his own position and limitations. He was humble and not ambitious for himself. He knew he was just the forerunner of Jesus.
  6. John the Baptist said that no one can receive anything unless God gives it to them. Everything we have is a gift from God, so we have nothing to boast about.
  7. John the Baptist was interested in the truth and the propagation of the truth, not in how it affected him personally. He rejoiced in Jesus' success and glory.
  8. John the Baptist was content with the role God gave him as the forerunner of Jesus. He rejoiced just to be associated with Jesus in any way.
  9. The key issue is whether "he" (Jesus) increases and "I" (self) decreases in our lives. We must die to self and be exalted in Christ.

The Book of John

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.