He Must Increase
A Sermon on John 3:30
Originally preached May 29, 1966
Scripture
30He must increase, but I must decrease.
Sermon Description
What does it mean to be baptized in the Spirit? In this sermon on John 3:30, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches from the part of this gospel where John the Baptist says, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” He speaks of what it means to be baptized by the Holy Ghost, which is mentioned throughout the book of John. Dr. Lloyd-Jones preaches that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is one that awakens a believer into joy and evangelism and out of despair and loneliness. Many have prayed to be baptized by the Spirit, but God has only chosen to give it to some. Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that John the Baptist was not baptized by the Spirit since he was the least in the kingdom. He also explains that John the Baptist sometimes spoke the words of God, while Jesus Christ always spoke the words of God. This contrast is important when recognizing that prophets and people are not infallible, yet Jesus Christ was and is truly without error. The difference between water baptism and baptism by the Spirit, Dr. Lloyd-Jones preaches, is that water baptism is obedience and confirmation of conversion, and baptism by the Holy Ghost is in order to bring more lost souls home to Christ.
Sermon Breakdown
- The sermon focuses on John 3:30 which states "He must increase, but I must decrease."
- John the Baptist's disciples were jealous that Jesus was baptizing more people than John. But John says they are wrong to think this way.
- John says Jesus is greater because he comes from above while John is just a man. Jesus speaks God's words fully while John only speaks God's words at times.
- The Father loves Jesus and has given him the Spirit without limit. The Father has given Jesus all things.
- The sermon is given on Whit Sunday which celebrates the Holy Spirit coming upon the disciples.
- The sermon considers the difference between John's baptism and Jesus' baptism of the Holy Spirit.
- John's baptism was just preparatory while Jesus' baptism is the real baptism. Jesus' baptism is with the Holy Spirit and fire.
- The difference between the baptisms is like the difference between a child and an adult. John's disciples were like children while those baptized in the Spirit are like adults.
- Adults have greater understanding than children. The Old Testament saints were like children compared to those with the Spirit. The disciples were like children before Pentecost but became like adults after.
- Those with the Spirit have greater certainty and assurance in their faith. John doubted in prison but those with the Spirit have a faith that cannot be shaken.
- The Spirit gives complete satisfaction in Christ. Without the Spirit, faith can seem like a burden but with the Spirit one finds rest in Christ.
- The Spirit brings joy and gladness. Early Christians ate with gladness and joy. The Spirit gives joy unspeakable and full of glory.
- The Spirit makes one fruitful. Out of believers will flow rivers of living water that refreshes others. The early Christians witnessed powerfully through their transformed lives.
- We must let Christ increase and self decrease. We must give up pride in self and desire only Christ and what he gives through his Spirit.
Sermon Q&A
What is the Baptism with the Holy Spirit According to Martyn Lloyd-Jones?
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains the baptism with the Holy Spirit in this sermon from John 3:30. Here are some key questions and answers about this important theological concept based on his teaching.
What is the difference between John's baptism and Jesus' baptism according to Lloyd-Jones?
According to Lloyd-Jones, John's baptism with water was merely preparatory, while Jesus baptizes "with the Holy Ghost and with fire." John acknowledged, "He must increase, but I must decrease," recognizing that his ministry was temporary and pointing to Christ. As Lloyd-Jones explains, "John says that my baptism is, in a sense, nothing but a preparatory one. His is going to be the real baptism."
Can someone be a Christian without being baptized with the Holy Spirit?
Yes, Lloyd-Jones clearly teaches that one can be genuinely saved yet not experience the baptism with the Holy Spirit. He states: "I'm not asking whether you're a Christian. I'm assuming that. I am saying that you can be a Christian, born again with the spirit of God in you and still in the child condition, not knowing the baptism with the Holy Ghost." He describes this as the difference between a child and an adult—both are family members, but at different stages of maturity.
What are the effects of being baptized with the Holy Spirit?
According to Lloyd-Jones, the baptism with the Holy Spirit produces several effects:
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Greater understanding: "The first big difference, of course, is in understanding that is the difference between the child and the adult."
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Absolute certainty and assurance: "The baptism of the spirit is that which gives absolute certainty, full assurance of salvation."
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Complete satisfaction in Christ: "The moment such a person is baptized with the Holy Ghost, there is a complete sense of satisfaction."
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Joy and gladness: "When a man is baptized with the Holy Ghost, he is filled with joy... 'you rejoice with a joy unspeakable beyond expression and full of glory.'"
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Spiritual fruitfulness: "Out of his belly, out of his innermost parts shall flow rivers of living water."
How does the baptism with the Holy Spirit relate to evangelism?
Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that the baptism with the Holy Spirit empowers believers for effective witness. He says, "Once a man is baptized with the Holy Ghost, he's so transformed that he becomes a kind of magnet. He attracts people and he's able to help them." This power to witness was promised by Jesus: "He shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you and shall be witnesses unto me." Lloyd-Jones argues this is exactly what the church needs today: "There's nothing that I know of that is more important" for reaching "the masses of the people [who] are outside the christian church in this country."
How does the experience of the apostles illustrate the baptism with the Holy Spirit?
Lloyd-Jones points to the transformation of the apostles as evidence of what the baptism with the Holy Spirit produces. Before Pentecost, though they were believers, they were "muddled" in their understanding and uncertain. Peter even denied Jesus. But after being baptized with the Spirit at Pentecost, they exhibited "absolute certainty" and boldness. Lloyd-Jones notes: "Look at his boldness on the day of Pentecost. What's this? This is nothing but absolute certainty, full assurance."
How can someone receive the baptism with the Holy Spirit?
While Lloyd-Jones doesn't provide a step-by-step formula in this sermon, he emphasizes that this baptism comes directly from Christ: "He's received the spirit in all his fullness himself... when he ascended to heaven, God gave him the gift of the spirit again that he might give it unto us." The sermon concludes with a challenge: "My dear friends do you know this baptism? Are you in the position now to say let him increase? As for myself I desire nothing but him and his glory and all that he has to give."
The Book of John
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.