The Friend of the Bridegroom

Theme: The Friends of the Bridegroom Rejoice in the Savior's Glory.
I. Concern over Loss – vv. 22-26
A. Two "Competing" Baptizers – vv. 22-24; Mk 6:17; I Co 1:12-13, 17
B. Both with Care for God's Church – vv. 25-26; Mt 23:25-28; Is 40:3
II. Witnessing the Truth of Ourselves – vv. 27-29
A. Placement in God's Church is Received from God – v. 27; I Co 4:7; Ro 12:5-8
B. Believers Point to the Savior – v. 28; I Co 10:31-33
C. We Rejoice that Christ Receives His Bride – v. 29; I Co 3:5-6; Mt 5:16
III. He must Increase, I must Decrease – vv. 30-36
A. That in All Things, Christ Must have the Preeminence – v. 30; I Ti 4:16; Col 1:18; Ps 84:10; Jn 1:27; Es 4:13-14
B. Pointing to the True Light – vv. 31-33; Jn 1:29; I Co 13:12; Jn 15:15; Eph 1:13
C. Speaking the Words of Life – vv. 34-36; Eze 4:16; Mk 1:27; 2 Co 2:14-17