background notes

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doctrinal / teaching points

1. People who don't believe the words of Jesus, don't believe in the God of the Bible.

2. The wrath of God abides on the unbeliever.

practical applications

1. What do you have that you did not receive? (1 Corinthians 4:7)

2. Do you know the secret of joy?

questions

1. What are "these things" of John 3:22?

2. What are the two ministries of baptisms going on here?

3. What was the dispute about between John's disciples and the other Jews?

4. How did John give testimony to the supremacy of Christ?

5. Is it possible to believe in the God of the Bible while not believing the words of Christ?

6. What do you have that you did not receive?

answers

1. Primarily the Lord's conversation with Nicodemus

2. John was baptizing a baptism of repentance, preparing the people for the coming kingdom of God. Meanwhile, the Lord and His disciples were involved in a ministry of baptism similar to John's, a repentance preparing the people for the kingdom of God.

3. Purification

4. "He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30)

5. No. See John 3:33-34.

6. See John 3:27 and 1 Corinthians 4:7.

discuss / consider

1. When does everlasting life begin? When does the wrath of God abide on the unbeliever?

2. Review practical application #2. Do you know the secret of real joy? Does it show in your life?

challenge

Are you fully persuaded of the truth of John 3:30? How does this show in your life?

memorize