RCCG Canaan Land Digging Deep March 15, 2016 (John 3:22 - 30)

JESUS THE MESSIAH AND BRIDEGROOM Text: John 3:27 - 30 INTRODUCTION Jesus Christ : The Messiah Jesus Christ : The Bridegroom John the Baptist : The Forerunner

JESUS THE MESSIAH AND BRIDEGROOM Text: John 3:22 - 30 What are the dangers of engaging in unhealthy competition among ministers of God? True ministers of God are members of the same body of Christ. The great commission to evangelize is from the Lord Himself. Matt 28 : 19 – 20 . There should be no competition in ministry. God has preordained every minister’s role. Play your part without envy or resentment of others - John 3 : 27.

JESUS THE MESSIAH AND BRIDEGROOM Text: John 3:22 - 30 John the Baptist was not envious of Jesus’ ministry as he recognized that his own ministry was peculiar in that it was complimentary and not competitive with the ministry of Jesus. Ministers of God and believers in general, should understand that we are collaborators working for the common good of the kingdom of God

JESUS THE MESSIAH AND BRIDEGROOM Text: John 3:22 - 30 How does pride affect the effectiveness of ministers of God? No minister should think more highly of himself than he or she ought to. John 3: 28 - 29 Pride goeth before the fall and haughty spirit before destruction - Proverb 16: 18 The gift of God is not for “show off” but for the edification of the body of Christ. Phill 2: 1-4

JESUS THE MESSIAH AND BRIDEGROOM Text: John 3:22 - 30 There is nothing we possess that was not given to us. There should therefore not be any reason for pride in the ministry. John 3: 27

JESUS THE MESSIAH AND BRIDEGROOM Text: John 3:27 - 30 John 3: 29b; Phill 1: 15 – 18 What would happen to ministers that preach the gospel that is contrary to the message of the cross? We are to express joy at the success of others in ministry The success of others in the kingdom ensures that God’s purpose is being fulfilled.

JESUS THE MESSIAH AND BRIDEGROOM Text: John 3:27 - 30 How do we prepare ourselves in Canaanland to share Jesus’ undilluted message of redemption? Our central message should be that of Christ and God’s kingdom. – 1 Cor. 2 : 2 Jesus is the bridegroom while every believer in Christ is the bride. Ministers should also be ready for the bridegroom’s return. The ministers of God are to discharge their various ministries to prepare the bride (believers) of Christ ready for His return. Ministers of God are to focus the attention of the brides (believers) on Jesus Christ and not on themselves.

CONCLUSION John the Baptist pointed others to Christ when he declared, “He must become greater; I must become less”. Every true minister of God should do likewise.

The marriage supper of the Lamb is ready The marriage supper of the Lamb is ready. Jesus is the Lamb, the Messiah and the Bridegroom. Are you ready for the marriage supper of the Lamb? Will you be ready when the Lord shall come?