How to Be Humble According to the Bible

Jimmy Fortunato

May 31, 2025

How to Be Humble According to the Bible

Are You Chasing the Wrong Kind of Success?

In a world obsessed with building personal brands, gaining followers, and climbing the ladder of success, we've forgotten one of the most profound truths ever spoken. Seven simple words that reveal the path to genuine fulfillment and biblical greatness: "He must increase, but I must decrease."

These weren't the words of a self-help guru or motivational speaker. They came from John the Baptist - a man whom Jesus called the greatest prophet who ever lived. What did John understand about true success that our culture has completely missed?

The Revolutionary Mindset That Changes Everything

In John 3:22-30, we discover a scene that perfectly illustrates the collision between worldly thinking and kingdom thinking. John's disciples were concerned about their "brand recognition." People were leaving John to follow Jesus, and they were worried about their declining influence.

"And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou bearest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him." (John 3:26)

Sound familiar? It's the same anxiety that drives our social media obsession, our career ambitions, and our desperate need for recognition. John's disciples were essentially saying, "Master, your numbers are dropping! Aren't you concerned about your platform?"

But John's response reveals a completely different way of thinking about success, significance, and satisfaction.

The Doctrinal Foundation: Understanding Our Role

John understood something profound that we often miss: identity determines destiny. He knew exactly who he was and who he wasn't:

"Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him." (John 3:28)

John wasn't the bridegroom - Jesus was. John wasn't the bride - the church is. John was the friend of the bridegroom, and that role brought him incredible joy:

"He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled." (John 3:29)

What This Means for Your Life Today

Breaking Free from Cultural Lies

Our culture tells us to:

  • Build your platform and grow your followers

  • Climb the ladder and step on others if necessary

  • Upgrade constantly to find happiness

  • Be a VIP - a Very Important Person

  • Make your name known and demand attention

But John the Baptist shows us a better way. Instead of being a VIP, he chose to be a V - a Very Intentional Decreaser.

The Path to True Happiness

Here's the secret that will revolutionize your life: True happiness doesn't come from getting what you want - it comes from being excited when someone else gets what they need.

What do people need most? They need Jesus Christ as their Savior. When someone trusts Christ, that should fill your heart with the same joy John experienced. This is why witnessing isn't a burden - it's the source of our greatest joy.

Biblical Principles for Kingdom Living

The Bible consistently teaches this upside-down kingdom principle:

  • "So the last shall be first, and the first last" (Matthew 20:16)

  • "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it" (Matthew 16:25)

  • "He that is greatest among you shall be your servant" (Matthew 23:11)

How to Live Out "He Must Increase, I Must Decrease"

1. Check Your Motivations

Before you post on social media, take on a new project, or make any decision, ask yourself: "Will this increase His glory or mine?"

2. Find Joy in Others' Success

Practice celebrating when:

  • Someone else gets recognized for good work

  • Another believer shares their testimony

  • God uses someone else in ways He hasn't used you

3. Deny Yourself Daily

"If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me" (Matthew 16:24)

Self-denial isn't about self-hatred - it's about self-forgetfulness. When we stop focusing on ourselves, the Holy Spirit can work through us in ways we never imagined.

4. Point Others to Jesus

Like John the Baptist, make it your mission to point people to Christ. Whether through a conversation, a tract, or simply living out your faith, be intentional about decreasing so He can increase.

5. Remember Your Identity

You are not the bridegroom - Jesus is. You are part of His bride, the church. Find your joy in His glory, not your own recognition.

The Reward of Biblical Humility

When you live by John's principle, the world might look at you and say you've "failed" by worldly standards. But like John, you can smile and say, "My joy therefore is fulfilled" (John 3:29).

God lifts up those who lift up His Son. The true path to greatness runs through the valley of humility. Your greatest achievement won't be making your name known - it will be making His name known.

"But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD" (Jeremiah 9:24)

The sweetest words you'll ever hear aren't "Look at me" - they're "Look at Him."

Listen to the Complete Message 🎧📖

This blog post only scratches the surface of this powerful passage from John 3. For the complete expository preaching and verse-by-verse Bible teaching, we encourage you to listen to the entire sermon where these truths are unpacked in greater detail. Discover more about biblical baptism, the friend of the bridegroom, and practical applications for Christian living.

🎧 Listen to the Full Sermon Here →

Experience the power of systematic Bible teaching that transforms hearts and minds through God's Word.

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