AN EXPOSITION OF JOHN 3:22-36

“Christ or Wrath?”

I. JESUS BEGAN BAPTIZING

This verse must be understood in light of John 4:2 which says: Jesus Himself was ____ baptizing, but His disciples were.

What is done by the servants of Christ by His ________ (in His name) is as though it had been done by Christ Himself personally.

We see this principle in 2 Corinthians 5:20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were entreating through us; we beg you on ______ of Christ, be reconciled to God.

II. JOHN WAS STILL BAPTIZING

Jesus and John were engaged in a parallel ministry for a short period of time between Jesus __________ and John’s _______ in Matthew 4.

If baptism were by sprinkling or by pouring, “_____ water” would not be required. The fact that “much water” was required strongly implies that the biblical form of baptism is __________.

The word “baptism,” is a transliteration of the Greek word “baptidzo” and means to ____, to ____, to immerse.  Mark 1:9-10, Acts 8:36-38

Romans 6:4 is clear and conclusive: we have been buried with Christ through baptism into death and raised with Him to newness of life.

III. THE HUMILITY OF THE BAPTIST

The parallel ministry of Jesus and John the Baptist resulted in a dispute between John’s disciples and a Jew over the doctrine of ___________.

The argument was begun by the disciples of John, who probably ascribed _________ (or exclusive) purifying significance to the baptism of their teacher.

Any legitimate ministry John had was given Him from _______ and God alone must receive all the glory. John made it clear again that he was not the ______ but was sent ahead of him.

IV. JOHN’S WORK COMES TO JOYFUL END

John's joy was to hear the voice of the _________ and know that He had claimed His ______.

Today, God is calling out a _______ for His name, the church, the bride of Christ. One day the Bridegroom will come to claim His bride and take her to her _____ in the new heavens and new earth where righteousness shall dwell.

V. THE PREEMINENCE OF CHRIST

The _________ and spotlight must turn from _____ the forerunner to Jesus the expected Messiah, the incarnate Son of God and Son of Man.

Jesus was not simply called from heaven, or empowered by heaven; He ____ from heaven.

Since Jesus came from heaven, He represents the Father; and to reject His testimony is to reject the _____. We know that His testimony is true because He is the true ____.

Jesus shares what He has seen and heard from the Father. Those who receive His testimony and act on it by _____ know by personal experience that His testimony is _____.

The Father sent His Son into the world; He was filled with the Spirit without _______ because in Him dwelt the fullness of ____.

To reject the Son's testimony is to rebel against the _______ authority in the universe.

Because the Father loves the Son, He has given Him all things, and He shows Him all things. Therefore, when we receive His testimony, we share in His _____ and His ______.

VI. CHRIST OR WRATH, TAKE YOUR CHOICE

The wrath of God could be defined as God’s _________ put in action against ____.

To trust Christ is to ____ Him. Jesus says in Luke 6:46, why call me Lord, Lord, if you do not __ what I say?

To reject Christ is to _______ Him (not do what He says) no matter what you _______.  Titus 1:16

“Everlasting life” does not simply mean eternity in _______. The believer possesses that life right now! It is the life of God in the believer.

The opposite of eternal life is eternal _____, the _____ of God.

A person does not have to ___ and go to hell to be under the wrath of God. "He who does not believe has been condemned _______". The verdict has already been given, but the sentence has not yet been executed.