The Increase and Decrease of John the Baptist | Dr. Stephen Conley

The Christ-Exalting Integrity of John the Baptist (John 1:19-29; 3:25-30)

• He was marked by self-denial and humility.
• He found contentment and joy in the role God gave him.
• He lived to see Christ and His ministry increase and see himself decrease.

The Christ-Denying Corruption of Herod the King (Mark 6:14-29)

• He was a slave to his own lusts (his wife was a slave to her own hate).
• He was a captive of his own fears.
• He had a conscience that was defiled by his own sinful choices.
• He was intrigued by Jesus, but never submitted to Him and His message (see Luke 23:6-11).