Jul 21 2013

The Preaching of John (7/21/13 PM)

The Preaching of John

John came as the forerunner for Jesus, to prepare the way for Him with a powerful message that got results (Matt. 3:1-6).

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The Preaching of John

John came as the forerunner for Jesus, to prepare the way for Him with a powerful message that got results (Matt. 3:1-6). What can we learn from his preaching?

  1. Power of His Preaching (Matthew 3:7-12)
    • It was pointed and direct (3:7). It took courage to boldly stand against others (2 Tim. 4:2; Rom. 1:15-16).
    • It demanded repentance and obedience (Matt. 3:9-10; Acts 10:34-35, 17:30; Rom. 6:17-18).
    • It exalted Christ (3:11; John 3:30; Acts 8:35; 1 Cor. 2:2).
    • It moved the people to action (3:5-6; Acts 2:37-41, 8:36; 1 Thess. 1:9; 1 Pet. 2:9).
  2. Relevance of His Preaching (Mark 6:14-29)
    • It attacked current sins: adultery (Mark 6:18), fraud (Luke 3:13), violence/false witness/rioting (Luke 3:14).
    • It was not swayed by public opinion. It mattered not what was accepted by the people (1 Cor. 5:1-2, 6-7; Gal. 1:10; Rom. 3:3-4; 2 Tim. 4:2).
    • It stirred opposition (Matt. 5:11-12; John 15:18-20; Acts 17:2-8).
  3. Need for His Preaching (2 Timothy 4:1-4)
    • The same type of preaching is needed today and such will invite the same responses—some will repent, others will be hardened; some will support it, others will persecute it. (Mark 16:15-16; Matt. 10:34ff; John 3:19-21).
    • In doing this, God will be glorified; His Word will do what it was intended to do (Isa 55:11; Eze 2:5; Acts 26:18, 13:46; 20:26-27; 1 Cor. 1:21).