He Must Increase

1. IN ORDER FOR US to LIVE FOR CHRIST, WE NEED TO DIE TO OURSELVES!

“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”

Galatians 5:24 (NIV)

“For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.”

Romans 8:13 (NIV)

• YOU CAN’T HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT TOO!

“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me...” Galatians 2:20 (NLT)

“He must increase, but I must decrease.”

John 3:30 (NKJV)

“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”

Hebrews 4:12 (NLT)

2. GOD’S INCREASE HAPPENS WITH INTENTIONALITY AND DISCIPLINE!

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.”

James 1:22–25 (NIV)

“Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.”

2 Chronicles 20:3 (NIV)

3. SUBMIT UNDER HIM SO HE CAN INCREASE!

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV)

“...We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you. All the men of Judah, with

their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the Lord.”

2 Chronicles 20:12-13 (NIV)

“...This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of

this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.... You will not have to fight this

battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give

you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face

them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’”

2 Chronicles 20:15,17(NIV)

Victory Group Questions:

1. What do you feel in your life that needs to die in order to follow Christ fully?

2. Is reading the word important to you? How often do you dive into the word?

3. What areas of your life do you need to submit under the Lord fully?

4. What are some practical things you can do for the Lord to increase as you decrease?