Further Testimony of John the Baptist
John 3:22-36

Lesson 15

background notes

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 baptism 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?

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.

 

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

• “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.” John 3:27

• “He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30

• “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” John 3:36