This past Sunday (September 7), I encouraged people to read Luke, chapter 3:7-20.  After reading the text, answer the following questions:

1.       What are some lessons I can learn about teaching, from John?

2.       What are some lessons I can learn about the message of Christ, from John?

 

Below are some of my thoughts as I reflect on the text and these questions.  Understand, this is not to say that your ideas are wrong, but rather to spur you on to deeper thought.

 

What are some lessons I can lean about teaching, from John?
(v. 7) You brood of vipers!  Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath!
·         Our teaching does not need to be watered down to attract people.

·         Everyone – on a deep level – is aware of their need to be cleansed before truly meeting the Lord.

·         Bringing up tough spiritual questions, leads others to ask questions themselves.  If we can assist them in finding those answers… we might just lead them to Christ.

·         Not everyone that we teach will accept the message.

·         Some people will be highly offended by the message, and may even try to harm us as a result.

 

What are some lessons I can lean about the message of Christ, from John?
·         First off, John’s baptism was one of repentance & forgiveness!  In a nut shell, that points to the overall message of Christ…  We are sinners in need of help.  If we repent (turn from our sins), God is more then willing to forgive us.

(v. 8) Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.  And do not begin to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our father.”

·         A changed life (fruit) is a sign that someone has truly embraced Christ.  Without any evidence, there is a strong likelihood that the person is not truly a Christian.

·         A religious background does not make one a Christian.

·         The message of Christ puts everyone on level ground.

 

(v. 11) Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.
·         The message of Christ is about a life of compassion and mercy.

(v. 13) Don’t collect any more than you are required to.
·         The message of Christ is about a life of truth.

 

(v. 14) Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.
·         The message of Christ is about a life of justice and contentment.

 

(v. 16) I baptize you with water.  But one who is more powerful than I will come…

·         The message of Christ is not about us… it’s about Jesus!

 

Finally… (v. 19 & 20)  But when John rebuked Herod… He Locked John up in prison.
·         The message of Christ is offensive to the world…

·         And living it out will lead to persecution.

 

I hope this has been a blessing to you!

Eric