The 3:30 Plan: He Must Increase, I Must Decrease
John 3:22-30
January 8, 2012
God has called us to glorify Him and enjoy Him forever.  The way we do this is by exalting Jesus in every area of our lives: work, recreation, school, marriage, being single, raising children, friendships, serving, sharing about Jesus, etc.  Our joy will come when we are most satisfied in Jesus while God is most glorified and reflected in our lives.

Getting Started
1. Share something in your life that you are so passionate for that it takes most of your passion, focus and energy. 

Digging In
2. Read John 3:22-30.  What was John's response to the dispute that everyone was going to Jesus to be baptized? 

3. Why did John respond the way he did?

Living It
4. When was the last time in your life, if ever, you served with the sort of focus, passion and energy John displayed for the Kingdom of God?  Read 2 Cor. 5:16-21 to understand that we are ambassadors for Christ and have been given the ministry of reconciliation.

5. What skill or talent has God given to you that you are most proud of or praised for in your daily life? How can you use that skill or talent to increase God’s kingdom?

6. How can this principle of our own self interests decreasing and Jesus and His Kingdom increasing impact your Growth Group this trimester?  What can your group begin or continue to do to reflect this principle?

Prayer
--Spend some time as a group praying that the group can represent Jesus well in your neighborhoods. 
--Pray for wisdom and laser-sharp focus to be intentional to live on mission for Jesus as a group.
--Prayer for Josiah and Heidi
1.         Continued progress in language learning.
2.         Process of welcoming new team members, Neal and Kristen in February.
3.         Deepening of relationships with people in Kite City.

Homework
Read Matthew 13:44-46; Gal. 2:20; Mark 8:34-38 and take some time to reflect on what it means for you to live for Christ – alone, not for yourself.