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I. The Transforming Power of the Spirit
A. John shows Christ’s supremacy by comparing his baptism to the one that Jesus would bring
1. John’s
a) Need for forgiveness
b) Point to Jesus > to reveal Him John 1:31
2. Jesus’
a) Dies/Rises – actually takes away our sin
b) Sends the Spirit to deliver us from the power of sin
(1) John 1:33 Jesus would baptize not just with water but with the Spirit
(a) Refers to the Pentecost (Acts 1:8a)
(2) John 1:33 also shows that John wasn’t just giving his opinion, but witnessing on the authority of God’s word
B. The power of the Spirit is an important part of our witness
1. Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:14 )
2. Peter’s example
3. Jesus two-fold purpose:
a) 1 John 3:5 and1 John 3:8
4. Non-believers need to be told about this transforming power
C. Transformation into Christ’s image (Freedom from Sin)
1. John 8:36 and 2 Cor 3:17b-18b
2. What form does this transformation take?
a) John 1:32 Holy Spirit comes in the form of a dove
3. Purity, Gentleness, Meekness… are evidence of power in the Bible
II. Trusting, Worshiping, and Witnessing to Jesus Christ
A. John witnessed to Jesus’ WORK (as the lamb and as the sender of God’s spirit) and also exalted the PERSON of Christ
1. Jesus’ title: “Lamb of God”
a) Sacrificial lambs had to be spotless, without blemish
b) Humble obedience (Isa 53:7)
c) Sympathize with our weakness (Heb 4:15)
d) The Biblical portrait is superior to doctrinal explanations
B. John concludes his witness by identifying Jesus as the Son of God
1. It was not until he baptized Jesus and saw the Spirit of God descend on Him that he FULLY understood that this was the Son of God (John 1:33-34)
a) Cf. Matt. 3:17, 16:17
2. Trust Him as savior and Exalt Him as Lord
a) Worship and Prayer
b) This also means following Jb’s example and telling others about Jesus
(1) “Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world”
(2) “This is the Son of God”… Join me in worshiping and trusting Him…
C. May God, by the outpouring of His spirit cause us to bear witness to a dying world of its only savior