John the Baptizer (Matthew 3:1-12)

OUTLINE:

Main Point: Because of God’s reign, we must repent of sin.

I. The Kingdom Announced by John v1, 3-4

II. The Kingdom Requires Repentance v2

The Kingdom of Heaven is not a place or location, or a presence of God; rather, it is a realization of God’s reign, and then a submission to it.

Repentance: The acknowledgement that my sin does not align with God’s reign, and the action to turn from it.

A. By Commitment v5-6a

B. By Confession v6b

C. By Humility v11

D. By Action v8

III. The Kingdom Warns Judgement

A. Against Rituals v7

B. Against Heritage v9

C. Applying Visuals

1. Ax 10

2. Winnowing Fork 12

Beyond the Walls

Weekly Reading:

Day 1

Scripture Reading: Matthew 3:1-3, Isaiah 40:3, Hosea 2:14-15, Jeremiah 2:2-3

1. How does the message that God's reign is "at hand" challenge the idea of "come as you are" and compel you to a more radical life-change?

2. How can you actively "make straight the paths" for God in your own heart and mind, allowing His reign to more fully take hold in your daily thoughts and actions?

Day 2

Scripture Reading: Matthew 3:4-6, Ezekiel 36:26-27, Psalm 32:5, Isaiah 44:3-4

1. How does John's baptism, as a public confirmation of repentance and a seal of forgiveness, challenge you to connect the internal change of your heart to the external actions of your life?

2. What specific sins do you need to confess to God and commit to turning away from, so that you can experience the flourishing of life that comes from true repentance?

3. How does the act of confession and repentance, as a humble act of submitting to God's reign, foster genuine joy and peace in your relationship with Him?

Day 3

Scripture Reading: Matthew 3:7-10, Jeremiah 46:22, Daniel 4:14, Isaiah 10:22-24

1. What "religious past" or external accomplishments might you be tempted to rely on for your standing with God, rather than the ongoing reality of repentance and fruit in your life?

2. How does the warning that the "ax is already at the root of the trees" challenge the idea that you can continue to presume on God's grace while living in unrepentant sin?

3. John warns the Pharisees that God can raise up children from stones. What is the difference between simply having a religious identity and truly bearing "good fruit" that demonstrates a changed heart?

Day 4

Scripture Reading: Matthew 3:11, Malachi 3:2-3, Ezekiel 36:26-27

1. How does John's profound humility—feeling unworthy even to perform a menial task for Jesus—challenge you to compare your own life not to others, but to the sinless Messiah King?

2. What does it mean for you to be "baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire," and how does this dual image encourage you about the purifying work God wants to do in your life?

3. How can you practically cultivate a sense of humility and gratitude for the immeasurable gift of Jesus, knowing that you were not worthy of His grace?

Day 5

Scripture Reading: Matthew 3:12, Job 20:26, Isaiah 34:8-10

1. How does the imagery of the winnowing fork and the separation of grain from chaff provide you with a "blessed hope" that God will ultimately remove all evil for the sake of His people?

2. In what ways can you allow God to refine you and burn away what is evil in your own life, so that you are found to be "grain" for His storehouse, not "chaff" for the fire?

3. How does the sobering reality of unstoppable judgment, when balanced with God's loving mercy and refining work, motivate you to embrace His reign and turn from sin with greater urgency and sincerity?