SUNDAY, AUGUST 10, 2025

A Lesson from the Forerunner

BIBLICAL FOUNDATION:

TEXT: John 3:22-36 (NIV)

22: After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized.

23: Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptized.

24: (This was before John was put in prison.)

25: An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing.

26: They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.”

27: To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven.

28: You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’

29: The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.

30: He must become greater; I must become less.”

MESSAGE:The Temptation of Envy

The seven deadly sins, also known as the capital vices, are a classic grouping of sins within Christian teachings that are considered to be the root of many other sins. The traditional list includes: pride, greed, anger, envy, lust, gluttony, and sloth. In the account of John the Baptist’s ministry, we see a powerful example of a man who could have easily succumbed to one of these vices, but instead, he demonstrated a profound spiritual maturity.

John the Baptist was a powerful and popular minister. He was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, and a multitude of people were flocking to him. Then, a new dynamic entered the scene: Jesus and His disciples began to baptize in the same region. This news was unsettling to John’s disciples. They noticed that Jesus’ influence was growing, while John’s seemed to be waning. They approached John with a tone of alarm and jealousy, saying, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.” (John 3:26).

John’s disciples saw this as a competition for followers and influence. Their response was a classic manifestation of envy, a deep-seated resentment toward another person’s success, possessions, or gifts. It’s the feeling of “why them and not me?” This is one of the most destructive sins, as it can corrupt our hearts and poison our relationships.

The Antidote to Envy: A God-Given Assignment

Instead of reacting with anger or jealousy, John the Baptist offered a beautiful and profound response that stands as a timeless antidote to envy. He replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven.” (John 3:27). This statement reveals a key to overcoming envy: the understanding that our gifts, our calling, and our purpose are not self-generated but are given to us by God.

John had a clear understanding of his God-given role. He reminded his disciples of what he had told them all along: “I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.” (John 3:28). He saw his ministry not as an end in itself, but as a preparatory stage for the coming of Jesus.

He then used a beautiful metaphor to explain his joy. He compared himself to “the friend who attends the bridegroom” (John 3:29). In ancient Jewish custom, the groom’s best friend would have a crucial role in preparing for the wedding and standing by the groom. When the bridegroom finally came to claim his bride, the friend’s joy would be complete. He would not be jealous or envious; his purpose would be fulfilled. John saw himself in this role, and he declared, “That joy is mine, and it is now complete.”

This is the very essence of humility and contentment. John the Baptist’s famous words, “He must become greater; I must become less,” (John 3:30) are not a cry of defeat but a declaration of purpose. He was not grieving his diminishing influence; he was celebrating his completed mission.

The Destructive Power of Envy

Envy is a root sin that can lead to a host of other evils. As the Bible says, “Where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” (James 3:16). Envy creates disorder, disharmony, competition, conflicts, and divisions. It is a poison that, if left unchecked, can lead to violence and even murder.

The Bible is filled with examples of the destructive power of envy:

Cain and Abel: Cain murdered his brother Abel out of envy because God had accepted Abel’s offering but not his (Genesis 4:1-8).

Joseph and His Brothers: Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery out of envy because he was their father’s favorite and had prophetic dreams of his future greatness (Genesis 37:11-28).

Saul and David: King Saul tried to kill David out of envy because the women of Israel praised David more than him for his military victories (1 Samuel 18:6-9).

The Religious Leaders and Jesus: The Bible clearly states that the religious leaders handed Jesus over to be crucified because they deeply envied Him. They could not tolerate His popularity, His wisdom, and the miracles He performed (Matthew 27:18).

These examples underscore a vital truth: envy is not a harmless emotion. It is a venomous sin that can lead to the most heinous crimes and has the power to destroy our souls and those around us.

A Call to Humility and Contentment

John the Baptist’s response is a powerful challenge to us today. Are you struggling with any of the seven deadly sins, especially envy? In a world that often measures success by public recognition, influence, and wealth, it is easy to become envious of others.

But John’s example shows us a better way. We can overcome envy by:

Understanding Our God-Given Purpose: Like John, we must understand that our gifts and callings are from heaven. We are not in a competition with one another but are all part of God’s larger plan.
Embracing Humility: We must be willing to decrease so that Christ can increase in our lives. Our ultimate goal should be to glorify God, not ourselves.
Finding Joy in Others’ Success: We should celebrate the accomplishments of others as if they were our own. When a fellow believer is successful, it is a victory for the entire body of Christ.
Focusing on Our Assignment: Instead of comparing ourselves to others, we should focus on the work that God has given us to do.

Let us learn from the example of John the Baptist and resist the temptation to envy. Let us seek to find our joy in fulfilling the unique purpose God has given us, knowing that our ultimate satisfaction is not in our own greatness but in the greatness of our Savior.

PRAYER:

Purge me out, dear Lord, of the seven deadly sins in Jesus’ name. Fill my heart with humility, contentment, and joy, that I may celebrate the success of others and find my purpose in serving You. Amen.