The Coming Messenger, John the Baptist

Sermon Notes:

Who was John?

1. He lived out in the wilderness as a loner. (Isaiah 40:3)
2. He lived out of fashion with his dress and diet.
3. He embodied the spirit of Elijah. (Matthew 17:10-13)
4. He was intense.

What was John’s message?

1. His message was a call to repent.
2. God is near, the Kingdom is at hand!

Who was John’s message targeted at?

1. Religious people.
2. Religious leaders.

1. It was a humbling thing to come to the Jordan.
2. Repentance prepares the way of the Lord in our lives.

 

Follow-up Questions from Sunday’s Message:

Quick Review:
Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything you heard for the first time or that caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?

Digging Deeper:

1. Read Malachi 3:1-4; Malachi 4:1-6, How many “comings” of the Lord do you see? How are they similar and how are they different? For each coming of the Lord, who is the person coming before Him?  How does Luke 2:11-17 and Matthew 17:10-13 help us answer that question?
2. Read Matthew 3:7-10. How do you think people use religious excuses today to justify compromise in following God?
3. Back then, a Jewish person getting baptized was a humbling experience. In what ways do you think pride and lack of humility keep people from God today?
4. Who has been a “John the Baptist” in your life? How did they prepare you to meet Jesus?
5. How is repentance linked to your experience of salvation? In the past? Now?  Where does repentance to God and/or others still need to happen in your life?

 

Taking it Home:

What is one thing you can apply to your life from this message?