Pointing at Him

handling ministry success or failure like a Baptist

Identifying John“Saints are often depicted with symbols, items that signify an

abstract quality like piety, purity, or fortitude, or that are emblems

of martyrdom. [Symbolic] attributes are items that refer to

the saint's historical (or legendary role) or career.” Paula Russell

Identifying Jesus

John is a powerful pointer.

Parallel Paths• Jesus was baptizing with His

disciples (3:22)• John was also baptizing with his

disciples (3:23-24)– People were coming– People were being baptized– There was no hold on the

ministry

Success!ministry “going well”, positive growth

Comparative Criticism• An argument about purification

was raised (3:25)• A question of loyalty was raised

(3:26)– “You are our rabbi”– “We are supposed to be partners

with Jesus”– “He is stealing our success”

Failure?!ministry not “going well”, losses in numbers

Accurate Answers• Everything that I have is from

God (3:27)

• I am just a pointer (3:28)

• I am only the best man (3:29)

– I get excited about hearing Him– I am made full of joy by His joy

• I must decrease, so that He might increase (3:30)

Ministry Movements• In ministry success or failure, I

will NOT…– Worry about how to keep it going

or make it happen– Point at others, finding fault with

or detracting from their ministry– Expend my energy on self-service,

protection nor aggrandizement

Ministry Movements• In ministry success or failure, I

will…– Worship (put my attention on)

God from whom all things flow– Point others to focus on Christ

above all else– Find my greatest joy in knowing

the groom