He Must Increase . . .
Gary Waddell • Victory Ministries Middle Tennessee • iamnotashamed.com • 10-01-2026
He must increase, but I must decrease. (John 3:30)
John the Baptist knew his role. He was speaking to the Jews and some of his disciples regarding purification. His instructions came from above and as a prophet, he was doing the Lord’s will. He had not been cast into prison yet and his focus was on the introductory role that God had given him. “John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.” (John 3:27) When John first saw Jesus walking toward him, he immediately recognized the Messiah and his focus was set on Jesus. When John baptized the Lord, he knew that the prophecy regarding Christ, was fulfilled. “Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” (Isaiah 40:3) John publicly announced Jesus to the world at that time. “Behold, the Lamb of God.” (John 1:36)
As followers of Christ, we have the incredible privilege of housing the Holy Ghost within us (if we are born again) and as John stated, “He must increase, but I must decrease,” we also must turn our focus on the Lord. The beautiful hymn written by Helen Lemmel over a hundred years ago, Turn your eyes upon Jesus, has blessed many congregations thousands of times. The last verse states, “His perfect salvation to tell.” As we take upon us our role as believers, our assignment is to tell all about our Christ (Mark 16:15) and humble ourselves (decrease) before the living King of kings and Lord of lords, Jesus Christ. (John 3:30) Let us go and preach it, friends !
Thanks for Taking 5 • Gary Waddell • Victory Ministries Middle Tennessee
www.iamnotashamed.com • www.ioweitalltojesus.com • God bless and bless God
1 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. (Jn 3:23)
