Advent Series number 2


John leading with humility – he must become more important while I become less important John 3.30
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Coming expectantly
How do we maintain our spiritual energy?  What depletes us and what energises us? The Jews who came from Jerusalem to meet John were looking for something. They were spiritually hungry. Did they go away satisfied? How about us? What difference has meeting Christ made? Transformation – Trans – across (beyond) Formation – To create, bring into being. Paul says we should be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2) What does that mean?
Making way for others.
What blockages are there to God’s spirit at work in us? What do you make of John’s acknowledgement above(John 3:30) How can we learn to co-operate and not compete? What do we feel when our ideas are not the ones to be progressed? Ego has been defined as Edging God Out. Can you reflect on occasions when this has happened to you? How did you respond?
Sacrifice and servanthood
John was simultaneously the greatest and the least. (Matthew 11:11) How do we see our place in the community of Overton?  Why should anyone listen to us? Are we being prompted to nail our colours to the mast? What are the particular ‘colours’ that we bring? Is the message of God’s love met with apathy or incredulity? Apathy is the enemy of faith. It may be more challenging, but it is easier to talk with someone who can’t believe because it seems impossible rather than with someone who can’t be bothered. We all know that actions speak louder than words, but endless activity(serving others) can be as deadening(self justifying) as inactivity. How can we achieve a healthy balance so that we neither compromise our own well-being nor cop out of taking responsibility?  Like the accusation John made to the religious leaders of his day,(Matthew3:7) there is always the danger of looking good on the outside whilst being rotten inside. When the task seems too big where do we go? Incremental steps are as important as giant leaps.





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