John 3:25-2625 Now a discussion arose between some of John’s disciples and a Jew over purification. 26 And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.”

John 3:27-2827 John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’

John 3:29-3029 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.”

John the Baptist• His circumstance (loss) – vs. 26.• His response (joy) – vs. 29• His worldview (kingdom) – vs. 27• His desire (Jesus) – vs. 30

How do you say what John said and actually mean it?

Joy should be independent of circumstances

• James 1:2-4• Philippians 4:4• Galatians 5:22-24• 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Why isn’t joy independent of our circumstances?

What/Where is your joy?

If I had ______, then I would have joy.

1. If I am unable to attain __________ then I can never have joy.

2. If __________ is threatened I will lose the joy I have.

False dichotomy – loss of anything is a loss of joy.

How does John do it?John 3:30 “I must decrease and he must increase.”

• This is not stoicism • This is not playing the martyr• John “sees” his place in the

kingdom (John 3:1-5).• Solution is found in the Gospel.

John 3:31-3231 He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He bears witness to what he has seen and heard, yet no one receives his testimony.

John 3:33-3433 Whoever receives his testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true. 34 For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure.

John 3:35-3635 The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.