6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
7The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
8He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
Introduction:
There was one person who was a very special witness to Christ,John the Baptist. John's sole purpose on earth was to witness and to bear testimony to the Light of the world.His purpose stands as a dynamic example for every believer,The purpose of every believer is to bear the same witness as John: Jesus Christ is the light of the world.
1) John was a man sent from God (vs.6)
2) John was a man sent on a very special mission (vs.7)
3) John was a great man but he was not the Light (vs.8)
[1]
(1:6) John the Baptist-commission:a man sent from God.(note 3 points)
a) The man "was a man" and only a man who was born like any other man.
b) The man ,however,was "sent from God",and he was sent on a very special mission.We to who have been called of God out of the darkness into his marvelous light,are also sent on a special mission. We too are to bear witness to the light.We were saved to go tell others about the saving power of Jesus Christ.
c) The man was named John.His name means gracious.He was sent forth with a message that match His message.God's grace is now to enter the scene of world history. prepare ye the way of the Lord, who is the embodiment of God's glorious grace.
[2]
(1:7)Mission-Witnessing: a man with a mission(2 points)
a) The man came to bear witness of the Light.He was sent with a very specific message,and that message was to proclaim the Light,Christ Himself.The servant of God is not left to come up with his/her own message.He does not depend on his own reasoning,thoughts or ideals.His message is Christ the light of the world. God's only message to a dying world.
b) The purpose of the man's message is clearly stated:that all men,through Christ,might believe.His purpose was not to start a movement, his purpose was to lead men to believe in the Light.He witnessed and proclaimed the Light that all man might believe.He was sent to focus on people and to lead them to believe in Christ Jesus.
***The servant of God has one primary purpose: to lead men to believe in Christ Jesus,the Light of the world.His purpose is to lead men to believe in Christ Jesus.Everything else is method not purpose.Men have too often confused purpose with method,and the result has been that millions haven't been reached, and thousands are being decieved by confusing methods of religion with the purpose of God:which is the salvation of man through the belief in his Son.
[3]
(1:8) Humility-Ministers:a man who was great,but he was not the Light.John the Baptist was great, Jesus Himself said "Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist".But he was not the Light,he was to bear witness to the Light.We are not the Light,it is not important that the world knows we are saved,what is important is that the world believes there is a Savior.John's humility is and example to be followed by all servants of God.For we must decrease while Christ increase.It is not about us and in our witness we must get out of the way so others can see Christ,so they can see the light to which we bear witness.
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We must realize that we all were saved for one purpose,to lead others to Jesus Christ.Some lead through the preaching of the word,some by teaching and even others through pastoring.But we all are suppose to lead the lost by walking in a manner worthy of the name by which we bear.
