09/10/2026
Wednesday Evening Bible Study with Mr. James
John 3:22–36 — “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
We apologize that we weren’t able to record tonight’s Bible study. I tried to take good notes as Mr. James taught, so for those who weren’t able to be with us, here is a recap of the lesson.
Tonight we continued in John chapter 3, beginning with verse 22.
As Jesus’ ministry began to draw more people, a question arose concerning baptism. John’s disciples came to him concerned because people were going to Jesus. But John wasn’t interested in competing with Christ or drawing attention to himself.
He knew exactly who he was.
“A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.” — John 3:27 KJV
John reminded them that he had never claimed to be the Christ. He had been sent before Him. His purpose was to prepare the way and point people to Jesus.
The discussion also turned to the Pharisees and their desire to be seen and receive the praise of men. Mr. James asked us to consider whether that same spirit can still be seen today. It was a reminder of the danger of exalting men rather than God.
No matter how much we respect a preacher or teacher, our final authority must always be the Word of God. We should know the Scriptures for ourselves and measure what we hear by them. Men can make mistakes; God’s Word remains true.
John then gave the beautiful picture of the bridegroom and his friend. Christ is the Bridegroom. John was the friend of the Bridegroom, sent to prepare the way.
The friend doesn’t take the Bridegroom’s place or seek the honor that belongs to Him.
John proclaimed Christ to men rather than exalting himself.
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” — John 3:30 KJV
There was no competition. John knew his place, his purpose, and Who deserved the glory.
We also looked ahead to what eventually happened to John. He would be imprisoned by Herod and later put to death. Yet John’s ministry had never been about building a name for himself. He had been sent to prepare the way for Christ, and he faithfully pointed men to Him.
That gives even more weight to John’s words: “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
That truth reaches into our own lives as well. Whatever ability or gift God has given us should be used to honor and glorify Him, not ourselves.
The world encourages us to get to the top, make a name for ourselves, and be noticed. But the Christian life points in another direction. When we are born again, Christ should increase in our lives while the old life, the old ways, and the desires of the world decrease. Our desires should increasingly become His desires.
John then turns our attention to why Christ is above all:
“He that cometh from above is above all…” — John 3:31 KJV
John was a man of the earth. He had never come down from Heaven. Jesus had.
Christ came from the spiritual world into this physical world—a world that is broken, weak, and corrupt. He alone could speak with the authority of One who came from Heaven.
Verse 33 tells us:
“He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.” — John 3:33 KJV
We talked about the significance of a seal—something that authenticated or confirmed what was true. Christ’s testimony could be trusted because He was sent by God.
The discussion also touched on false religions and the many different ways the world claims will lead to God. But Scripture doesn’t present many ways. Jesus Christ is the only way.
It isn’t about a person’s color, background, or standing in this world. Before God, those things do not give one person an advantage over another. We all need the same Saviour.
And the chapter ends with a very important distinction:
“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life…” — John 3:36 KJV
We discussed what it means to believe. Biblical belief is more than simply acknowledging that Jesus exists. James tells us that “the devils also believe, and tremble.” Saving faith is not merely knowing about Christ—it is placing our faith in Him.
The world offers many religions, many voices, and many supposed ways to God. But Scripture points us to one Bridegroom and one way to Heaven—Jesus Christ.
John understood that his ministry wasn’t about John.
It was about Christ.
“He must increase, but I must decrease.”
