Well Done John
Pastor Erickson preaches from Matthew 11:11 and the Gospels on John the Baptist, a man the enemy studied but could never make into a trophy because he stayed humble and pointed people to Jesus. He warns that pride, success and offense give the devil an opening, and he calls the church to keep their hearts right so they can one day hear well done.
The message in 6 points
Sifted, but prayed for
He reads the words every servant wants to hear, well done, and Jesus' warning that Satan desired to sift the disciples as wheat. Satan wants to break you, but Jesus prays that your faith fail not. Jesus called John the Baptist the greatest born of women, so his topic is Well done, John.
51:02Hell has a trophy room
He tells of a huge buck that hunters tracked for years until it stepped out of cover. The devil studies people with purpose and anointing, and he tells of a mighty preacher who let success go to his head, grew bitter, and ended up broken. Nobody is beyond attack.
56:37Called before he was born
John lost his head, but the enemy never got his heart. After 400 silent years an angel told Zacharias of a son who would be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. You are not an accident; God knew your purpose before anyone knew your name.
1:05:19Prepared in the wilderness
John lived about 30 years in obscurity while God shaped his humility. The wilderness is not punishment but preparation and protection. Everybody wants a platform, but greatness is built when nobody is watching, and John's greatest test was success.
1:10:30A voice that points to Jesus
John was only the voice; Jesus was the message. When Jesus came he said, Behold the Lamb of God, and when the crowds left him for Jesus he said, He must increase, but I must decrease. The greatest thing you will ever do is point somebody to Jesus.
1:13:11Humility guards the heart
The enemy only needs an opening, often pride, bitterness or offense, and a root of bitterness defiles many. John kept his heart right even in prison and in doubt. He calls the church to stay under their covering, refuse offense, and pray that the devil may get their head but never their heart.
1:22:01
In his words
“But greatness is not built in front of crowds. I'm going to say it again. Greatness is not built in front of crowds. Greatness is built when nobody else is watching.”
“The greatest thing you will ever do is not build your name. The greatest thing you will ever do is point somebody to Jesus.”
“Listen, devil, you might get my head, but you will never get my heart. You can take this head off my shoulders, but you will not get my heart.”
Taken word for word from the video, with punctuation added.
Scripture
He reads
Matthew 11:11
11Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
King James Version.
Luke 1:13-15
13But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. 14And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. 15For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.
King James Version.
Luke 1:41
41And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
King James Version.
Matthew 3:1-3
1In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 3For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
King James Version.
Matthew 3:5-6
5Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, 6And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
King James Version.
John 3:26-28
26And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him. 27John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. 28Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.
King James Version.
John 3:30
Hebrews 12:15
15Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
King James Version.
He also points to
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