Luke 3:7-18 Our text tells us what it not about and what Christianity is about?
1. Its not about so much of simply saying forgive me but it is about Repentance8 Therefore, bear fruits worthy of repentance
• Jesus tells us it’s Time to produce better fruit
• It’s about changing our self from old man to new man
• Its about repentance taking a complete life style change.
• I no longer neglect the assembling, I no longer do the wrong things but I try to do the right things Straight is the gate and not broad is the way.
2. It’s not about religion its about Living Right
• John says to the crowds. “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? , and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor,’
• He tells the crowd it is not about your identity (Chosen People)
• It is not about being Jew who attends synagogue, prays in public,
• consider the young rich fellow who told Jesus that he had kept all the commandments Jesus told him to sell what he had and give. Living right is producing produce that is fresh, delicious and attractive.
• John tells the crowd it’s all about living right for Jesus the one who baptizes immerses one in forgiveness, love, care, and a changed heart
3. The People are concerned about what it is really about?And what should we do?
• “And the crowds asked him, ‘What then should we do?’” (v. 10). In other words, “How can we show people we care?”
• Its about sharing which shows. we share because we care “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise” (v. 11).If you have food do like wise
• Jesus Shared Sharing is the whole point of Christmas, isn’t it? God shared Jesus with the world. Jesus’ life and ministry were marked by acts of sharing and service. He fed the hungry (Matthew 14:13-21), healed the sick (Matthew 8:16), and spent time with the marginalized (Luke 19:1-10).
• The early Church shared “All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need” (Acts 2:44-45). No wonder that they earned “the goodwill of all the people” (Acts 2:47).
• Hebrews says, ““Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God”
4. It’s not about chopping the other but it’s about helping the other
• John wants us to stop The Greed Need or the need for greed
• The people wonder how can we improve the fruit bearing
• The tax collectors asked how do we bear fruit? 12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what should we do?” 13 He said to them, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.”
• Soldiers were wondering 14 Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what should we do?” He said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.”
5. It’s not about Us but it’s about Him. What is Christianity about? Its about Living Right
• What is our Messiah? Prestige, Education, Money, Health, Jesus
• The people of Johns Day thought John was Messiah 15 As the people were filled with expectation and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah
• Jesus according to John is ] 16 John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water, but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with[b] the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
• Christianity is about Jesus we repent and produce good fruit turn from and become no longer
• If it is all about Jesus it is not about religion but its about immersing in love and care
• If it is about Jesus its all about sharing its all about help
• If it is all about Jesus it is about axeing things so good fruit can grow again
• Fruit like of “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).
