POWER AND HUMILITY

 

     Good morning.  .  John was called the Baptist because two reasons.  First, the form he used to show people had truly repented of their sins was water baptism.  Then like today it has two particular significances.  This was an outward sign of an inward act.  Baptism in the Jordan showed that you had a true change of heart.  Next, it was a public declaration of faith.  You were telling the world that you were now a follower of God.  You were leaving the old life of sin, sorrow and regret and choosing to live in faith, truth, victory and abundant life.  Secondly, he would have the privilege to baptize Jesus.  John’s baptism was significant because it was Jesus’ coming out party and the revelation of the God head.  You have the voice of the Father who says this is my beloved son and Jesus in the water and the Holy Spirit coming down in the form of a dove landing on Jesus.  John was witness to this. 

 

1.      The first one is John was a powerful preacher.  It shows in Mark 1:5, that he had a powerful impact on Jewish society.  It says that when he started preaching people came from all over Israel to hear him.  So what makes a powerful preacher?

 

a.      Veracity -. Christian preaching must be true to the whole counsel of God, true in whatever else you say or cite.   Whatever is said, what is true and biblical, God can use that preaching.   

b.      Clarity - It must be clear, precise and concise.  John had a simple message.  He was called to call people to repent and he prepared the way for the Kingdom of God

c.       Authority –When Jesus’ taught it was that he spoke with authority (Matt. 7:28-29).   Declaring the truth with boldness, taking courageous stands where others cower in fear.  John did and under the anointing of the Lord and was changing society.

d.      Authenticity –  This is what I mean by authenticity.  John was literally pleading with the people to repent because Jesus’ ministry was just around the corner.  We do not have time

 

2.      Humility.  Mark 1:7, John 1:19-23, He was asked are you the Messiah.  He stated he was a voice of one crying in the wilderness.  When asked about how Jesus was becoming more famous than him.  His response was, “I must decrease and He must increase.”  Humility is the opposite of pride.  A great definition is a modest or low view of one's own importance.  This is a great one, freedom from pride or arrogance.  You know what your role and why.  Colossians 3:12-14, Philippians 2:3-11  John did this and we should as well.

 

3.      Burning Zeal.  John 5:35.  John was zealous for God.  He wanted people to repent.  Zeal means great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective.  In John’s case it was for righteousness, truth, his mission and for the preparation of the Kingdom of God.  He was called to prepare the way for Jesus.  He knew his role, responsibility, objective, goal and mission.  For the child of God we have two objectives.  We are to love and tell others about Jesus.  Our zeal comes directly from the time we spend in prayer, the word, going to his house and telling others.  These are measurements of zeal and commitment.  Any of these out of balance and you are in trouble.  The church is in trouble in the west.  We have lost so much ground.  We have become irrelevant.  We are ignored, mocked, scorned and blamed.  We did this to ourselves.  The Bible does not need to be rewritten.  Our prayer should be Lord, “I am available anytime, anywhere and anyway.”