THE CONSEQUENCES OF REPENTANCE: It’s striking that John’s answers are very practical.
- Luke 3:10-14.
- vv. 10, 12, 14 – Requests for practical answers.
- The previous passage (and last week’s sermon) focused on the nature of repentance. Now these that were convicted by the message
- Now we see here that repentance is not primarily a feeling but an action.
THE OPPORTUNITY OF REPENTANCE: It’s also striking who is asking these questions.
- Luke 3:10-14.
- The second two questioners in particular are worth noting: tax collectors and soldiers.
- These are groups that were often hated in that society because of how frequently they abused their power. They were often in a position to do so with impunity, which only furthered public ire.
- And yet when they ask John this practical question, his response is not, “Well, actually, you all are too far gone. Repentance isn’t open to you.”
- It’s a wonderful Biblical truth that no one is beyond the hope of repentance and forgiveness in Jesus.
THIS IS A TEST: A good judge of the state of your heart is how you handle money.
- Luke 3:10-14.
- All three of John’s answers have to do with how those asking handle money.
- Why make that the focus? Two passages help clue us in:
a. Matthew 6:24 (see also v. 21).
- God and money are often the main two vying for our heart’s supremacy.
b. Galatian 2:10.
- Paul’s one request: remember the poor.
- Interesting that is the one thing he wants to emphasize.
WHAT JOHN THE BAPTIST POINT THEM TO:
1. Generosity.
- Luke 3:11.
- The spirit of the kingdom is one of generosity with those around us.
- Why? Because this world is not our home and our lives are not to be focused on material things.
2. Honesty.
- Luke 3:13.
- Today we sometimes try to manipulate things to get more than our share.
- Taxes is an obvious issue.
3. Contentment.
- Luke 3:14.
- The first two things mentioned in v. 14 point to manifestations in their work that cause the real problem here: lack of contentment. They extort and accuse in order to get more money because they’re not content with what they have.
