The Increase of Jesus
Memory Verse: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
Sermon Sentence: When Christ increases in us, we do not become less—we become who we were always meant to be.
Sermon Sentence: When Christ increases in us, we do not become less—we become who we were always meant to be.
Day 1
Read: John 3:30; Colossians 1:18
John the Baptist’s statement begins with clarity: “He must increase.” This is not a personal preference but a recognition of divine order. Christ’s increase is not dependent on our success or failure—it is woven into God’s redemptive plan. John understood that history bends toward Jesus being preeminent in all things.
When we resist this order, we often feel anxious, competitive, or threatened. When we embrace it, we find rest. Life becomes less about preserving our influence and more about aligning with God’s purposes.
Ask yourself today: Where am I trying to increase myself instead of allowing Christ to increase in me?
What is a step that can be taken to move toward deeper commitment to put Him first?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are worthy of first place in all things. Help me with the help of the Holy Spirit and the truth of Your word to reorder my heart where my desires compete with Your glory. Let my life align with Your divine design. Amen.
John the Baptist’s statement begins with clarity: “He must increase.” This is not a personal preference but a recognition of divine order. Christ’s increase is not dependent on our success or failure—it is woven into God’s redemptive plan. John understood that history bends toward Jesus being preeminent in all things.
When we resist this order, we often feel anxious, competitive, or threatened. When we embrace it, we find rest. Life becomes less about preserving our influence and more about aligning with God’s purposes.
Ask yourself today: Where am I trying to increase myself instead of allowing Christ to increase in me?
What is a step that can be taken to move toward deeper commitment to put Him first?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are worthy of first place in all things. Help me with the help of the Holy Spirit and the truth of Your word to reorder my heart where my desires compete with Your glory. Let my life align with Your divine design. Amen.
Day 2
Read: John 3:26–29; Proverbs 27:2
John’s disciples were troubled by Jesus’ growing popularity, but John was not. Why? Because his identity was secure. He knew he was a voice, not the Word. Comparison did not unsettle him because calling anchored him.
Insecurity always needs affirmation; security can celebrate replacement. John rejoiced when his role diminished because he trusted God’s plan more than his position.
Today, consider where comparison steals your joy. Contentment grows when we trust that God assigns roles—and changes them—perfectly.
Think about the most recent time you witnessed someone receiving a blessing you believe you deserved? What were your thoughts? How did you respond?
Prayer:
Father, free me from the trap of comparison. Anchor my identity in You, not in visibility or affirmation. Teach me to rejoice when others are elevated for Your glory. Amen.
John’s disciples were troubled by Jesus’ growing popularity, but John was not. Why? Because his identity was secure. He knew he was a voice, not the Word. Comparison did not unsettle him because calling anchored him.
Insecurity always needs affirmation; security can celebrate replacement. John rejoiced when his role diminished because he trusted God’s plan more than his position.
Today, consider where comparison steals your joy. Contentment grows when we trust that God assigns roles—and changes them—perfectly.
Think about the most recent time you witnessed someone receiving a blessing you believe you deserved? What were your thoughts? How did you respond?
Prayer:
Father, free me from the trap of comparison. Anchor my identity in You, not in visibility or affirmation. Teach me to rejoice when others are elevated for Your glory. Amen.
Day 3
Read: John 3:29; Philippians 2:17
John says something surprising: “This joy of mine is now complete.” Joy came not from prominence, but from fulfillment. His joy was rooted in obedience, not outcome.
Biblical joy does not depend on staying center stage. It flows from knowing we have faithfully completed what God entrusted to us. Decrease, when embraced in obedience, becomes worship.
Do I equate joy with recognition, or with faithfulness?
Why is faithfulness important?
What might be some reasons recognition feels important?
Prayer:
God, redefine joy in my heart. Help me find contentment not in being seen, but in being faithful. Let obedience, not applause, complete my joy. Amen.
John says something surprising: “This joy of mine is now complete.” Joy came not from prominence, but from fulfillment. His joy was rooted in obedience, not outcome.
Biblical joy does not depend on staying center stage. It flows from knowing we have faithfully completed what God entrusted to us. Decrease, when embraced in obedience, becomes worship.
Do I equate joy with recognition, or with faithfulness?
Why is faithfulness important?
What might be some reasons recognition feels important?
Prayer:
God, redefine joy in my heart. Help me find contentment not in being seen, but in being faithful. Let obedience, not applause, complete my joy. Amen.
Day 4
Read: Matthew 6:1–4; Psalm 75:6–7
Decrease often looks like obscurity. John’s ministry did not end—it simply moved out of the spotlight. God frequently deepens us in unseen places, where faith is purified and motives are revealed.
We live in a culture that equates value with visibility. Scripture teaches the opposite: God exalts in His time, and often after seasons of hiddenness.
Today, embrace whatever quiet obedience God has placed before you. He sees it all.
Look for ways to develop contentment without being in the spotlight.
Prayer:
Lord, help me trust You in hidden seasons. When no one notices my faithfulness, remind me that You do. Shape my character in obscurity and teach me patience. Amen.
Day 5
Read: Galatians 2:20; John 15:4
True decrease is not self-erasure—it is Christ focus. When Christ lives in us, striving lessens and peace grows. Decrease becomes a natural fruit of abiding, not a forced discipline.
As Christ increases within, our need for control, recognition, and self-protection diminishes. We do not become less—we become more aligned with who God designed us to be.
End this week asking not, “How can I decrease?” but “How can I abide more deeply in Christ?”
Take note of the changes you begin to notice in yourself when this is practiced in your daily life.
Prayer:
Jesus, live Your life through me. Let my striving fade as Your presence grows. Increase in my thoughts, my reactions, and my desires. May others see You more clearly because of my life. Amen.
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