Christ Be Magnified

Introduction: A Parable of Perspective

There’s a story of a man named Sam who loved his job as a janitor in a grand observatory. Every day, he diligently cleaned the floors, polished the telescope lenses, and dusted the equipment. One day, a group of scientists invited Sam to take a look through the telescope. With great excitement, he peered through the lens and was awestruck by the vast expanse of stars and galaxies. Sam realized his small efforts in maintaining the observatory played a part in uncovering the beauty of the universe. From that day on, Sam didn’t see himself as just a janitor but as someone contributing to a much greater purpose.

In a similar way, our lives as believers are meant to point to something—or Someone—far greater than ourselves. The theme of today’s message is simple but profound: “Christ Be Magnified.” Just as a telescope magnifies distant stars and reveals their beauty, our lives are designed to magnify Christ, bringing Him into focus for those around us.

The Apostle Paul captures this feeling in John 3:30 when he writes, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” This foundational truth is woven throughout Scripture and calls us to live in such a way that Christ is glorified in every aspect of our lives. Let’s explore this theme under three main points:

1. The Necessity of Magnifying Christ (John 3:30)
2. The Power of Christ in Weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9)
3. The Transforming Effect of a Christ-Magnifying Life (Philippians 1:20-21)

1. The Necessity of Magnifying Christ (John 3:30)

John the Baptist’s words in John 3:30 are a humbling reminder of our role as believers. John’s ministry had drawn large crowds, and his disciples were concerned when people began following Jesus instead. But John’s response was striking: “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

This statement highlights two key principles:

• Our Purpose is to Exalt Christ: Just as John recognized that his mission was to prepare the way for Jesus, we must understand that our lives are meant to point others to Christ. John’s humility teaches us that the ultimate goal is not personal recognition but making Christ known. In a culture that often encourages self-promotion, John’s humility challenges us to redirect the spotlight to Jesus. Consider how the achievements we pursue and the ways we present ourselves either elevate or obscure Christ’s presence in our lives.
• Self-Denial is Essential: To magnify Christ, we must decrease. This doesn’t mean we lose our identity but that we surrender our will, pride, and desires to Him. As Paul writes in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” True magnification of Christ occurs when we willingly take a step back and allow His character, works, and love to take center stage.

Practical examples of magnifying Christ can be found in everyday acts of obedience, kindness, and servant leadership. Consider the story of a believer who quietly sacrifices their time to mentor a struggling young person or the employee who works with excellence and integrity, pointing colleagues toward the hope found in Jesus.

2. The Power of Christ in Weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness,” reveal an essential truth about magnifying Christ. It’s not through our strength or abilities that Christ is glorified but through our dependence on Him.

Paul experienced this firsthand when he pleaded with the Lord to remove a “thorn in the flesh.” While the exact nature of the thorn remains unknown, it represented a persistent struggle or affliction that humbled Paul and kept him dependent on God. Instead of removing it, God reminded Paul that His grace was sufficient. This teaches us two important lessons:

• Weakness Reveals God’s Strength: When we acknowledge our limitations and rely on God, His power is displayed in ways that leave no room for boasting. Our weaknesses become opportunities for His strength to shine. Think of Moses, who doubted his ability to lead due to his speech impediment, yet God used him to deliver Israel. Similarly, Gideon, who considered himself the least in his family, was used by God to defeat the Midianites. These stories remind us that God’s power is not limited by our human frailties.
• Grace Sustains and Magnifies Christ: God’s grace is not just a safety net but the very means by which we live and thrive. As we depend on His grace, our lives become a testimony to His faithfulness and sufficiency. Reflect on the countless believers who, despite physical challenges, persecution, or personal loss, have exemplified unwavering faith. Their stories magnify Christ’s sustaining power.

In practical terms, embracing weakness means being transparent about our struggles and allowing God’s grace to shine through them. This might look like sharing your testimony of overcoming addiction, enduring a health crisis with hope, or finding peace in a season of uncertainty. When we point to God’s grace as the source of our strength, we inspire others to trust Him.

3. The Transforming Effect of a Christ-Magnifying Life (Philippians 1:20-21)

Paul’s words in Philippians 1:20-21 encapsulate the heart of a Christ-magnifying life: “It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

This passage reveals the transformative power of magnifying Christ in two ways:

• A Life of Bold Witness: Paul’s confidence in Christ’s ultimate glory allowed him to face trials with courage. When we live to magnify Christ, we are emboldened to share the gospel, serve others, and stand firm in our faith, regardless of the cost. Consider the early church martyrs who faced death rather than deny their faith. Their courage inspired countless others to turn to Christ. Today, we are called to live with that same boldness, whether by sharing our faith with a neighbor or standing firm in biblical truth amidst societal pressures.
• An Eternal Perspective: Paul’s declaration that “to live is Christ, and to die is gain” reflects a mindset rooted in eternity. When Christ is magnified in our lives, our priorities shift from earthly concerns to eternal significance. This gives us peace, purpose, and hope, even in the face of death. Think of the missionary who leaves behind comfort and familiarity to serve in an unreached area or the parent who prioritizes teaching their children about God’s Word over worldly success. These choices reflect a life lived with eternity in view.

Practical Application: Magnifying Christ Today

In our modern world, where self-promotion and instant gratification are celebrated, living to magnify Christ requires intentionality. Here are three practical ways to apply this message:

1. Examine Your Priorities: Take inventory of your time, resources, and relationships. Are they aligned with the goal of magnifying Christ? Consider how your daily choices reflect your desire to glorify Him. For instance, are you using your talents to serve others, or are they solely for personal gain? Are your conversations filled with words that uplift and reflect Christ?
2. Embrace Weakness: Instead of striving for perfection or hiding your struggles, allow God to use your weaknesses for His glory. Share your testimony of how His grace has sustained you through challenges. Being vulnerable in community can encourage others to trust in God’s sufficiency.
3. Live with Eternal Perspective: Remember that this life is temporary, but the impact of a Christ-magnifying life is eternal. Focus on what truly matters: loving God, sharing the gospel, and serving others. This might involve prioritizing time for spiritual growth through prayer and Scripture or committing to acts of kindness that reflect Christ’s love.

Conclusion: A Life Well Lived

Just as Sam, the janitor, found joy in his small but significant role in revealing the beauty of the cosmos, we, too, have the privilege of magnifying Christ in our lives. Whether through our words, actions, or attitudes, we can point others to the greatness of our Savior.

Let us echo the words of John the Baptist, “He must increase, but I must decrease,” and commit to living lives that glorify Christ. May we embrace our weaknesses, boldly proclaim His truth, and live with an eternal perspective, so that in all things, Christ is magnified.