Sermon Central
-
Less Is Truly More
Contributed by Tony Lee on Jan 2, 2015 (message contributor)
Summary: Spiritual Growth, being less, allowing God to be seen more in your life.
Scripture Text
John 30; 30
He must increase, but I must decrease.
Introduction
History tells of a queen in Scotland by the name Queen Mary Tudor. She was the daughter of King Henry VIII, after his death she quickly and successfully disposed of Queen Lady Jane. She was also very objective of the religious standards King Henry VIII had place in the place and repelled them and replaced them with her own unorthodox laws. Becoming an enemy of the protestant faith she executed over 300 protestant believers earning her the name “Bloody Mary.”
In her courtroom stood a preacher by the name of John Knox, who thundered the truth, even know it could cost him his life.
On one occasion Knox was headed to the Queens chapel to preach, he was warned to postpone the visit since she was in one of her dangerous mood that day. Knox continued on his way, replying why I should be scared of a Queen when I have been on my knees before the King!
In 1521 in a packed Court Room Martin Luther a reformer stood on trial as a heretic. He responded to the political and religious leader of that day saying. My conscience is captive to the word of God, I cannot and will not recant the truth.
Hugh Latimer who advanced the protestant faith reformation in England until he was martyred. Preached a sermon that he preached often, Henry VIII demanded that he preach again and make a public apology, and he refused.
It was Hugh Latimer that spoke that famous line that fired the fule of the young protestant church.
He was about to burned at the stake for his protestant belief and involvement in the reformation. He turned to his accomplish Samuel Ridley, who was about to die in the flame with him, Latimer say to him “Take Heart, we shall this day light such a candle in England that I hope will never burn out”. That fire lite a fire in the young protestant church that begin to burn stronger and stronger and has never went out.
We find in the text a scripture written by a man name John in the times of Herod not Henry. A man with a very thunderous voice concerning a powerful savior. Matter fact John is so remarkable in his ministry historians tell us that he a following the between those he baptized was a total of about 300,000 people. Matter fact it was Matthews record that tell us Jesus evaluation of John.
Matthew 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist:
Luke 7:28 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist:
What that could do for a man ego, his self-esteem but not John.
Even the fact that the Angel came to Elizabeth and Zacharias telling them that they were having a son and his name was to be John, and many would rejoice at his birth, and another evaluation given of John that “He Would Be Great”. {Luke; 1: 13 – 17}
One that was filled spirit in the womb of his mother. Had a voice and message that shook sinners at the core and people traveled miles to hear him and many continued to follow him, but in all that John remained humbled.
They say there are two attitude among all believers!
Those that have the Attitude of Being Entitled!
And those with the Attitude of Entrusted!
I. Entitled
John never took the anointing for granted!
He never felt Entitled to Power or Anointing or Glory because of his evaluation of Jesus or the Angels.
A. Connection
"And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible.
Actually in the same chapter we read John’s response as people attempt to come to him with attitudes of entitlement.
26 And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.
27 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.
Historians tell us that they were actually exaggerated their report. They reported to John that everybody was going to Jesus.
