Sermon Central
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The Witness
Contributed by Jason Jones on Oct 10, 2011 (message contributor)
Summary: Exposition of John 1 regarding truths about John the Baptist. He knew his purpose, knew Jesus and his life reflected it.
Text: John 1:6-8, Title: The Witness, Date/Place: NRBC, 10.9.11, AM
A. Opening illustration: Steve Jobs passing this week
B. Background to passage:
C. Main thought:
A. Man Who Knew His Purpose
1. A Witness to Christ – John 1:6-8
2. A voice of one crying in the wilderness, make straight the paths of the Lord – Isa 40:3, John 1:23
3. Elijah, the one to set things right – Matt 17:10-13
4. Proclaimer of repentance – Luke 3:3
5. Friend of the Groom – John 3:29
6. Turn the hearts of fathers to their children – Mal 4:5-6
7. Give knowledge of salvation – Luke 1:77
8. Shining lamp – John 5:35
B. Man Who Knew Jesus
1. One he was unworthy to unstrap the sandals of – Mark 1:7
2. One who would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire – Luke 3:16
3. Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world – John 1:29
4. Bridegroom – John 3:29
5. Son of God – John 1:34
C. Man Whose Life Reflected It
1. Commitment to personal holiness – dessert, diet, Nazarite, filled with Spirit
2. Fearlessness – before religious and civil authorities, ax at root, wrath to come, vipers, winnowing, fire
3. Commitment to practical application, living out faith – tax collectors, soldiers, people
4. Always witnessing – every recorded dialogue of John contains a testimony
D. Lessons From The Witness
1. Bold, radical lives are attractive. You don’t have to look like the world to impact it.
2. Be content with your role, pursue it with all your heart
3. Compromising truth is not biblical, but convictions may cost you dearly.
4. Connection between holiness and anointing. Pursue it and Him passionately.
5. Success is others following Christ
A. Closing illustration: John Bradford, “Holy Bradford” out of respect. Converted at 37, ordained at 40, and martyred by being burnt at the stake. Last words to his young apprentice while the two were being burned were, “Be of good comfort, brother, we can have a merry supper with the Lord tonight.” Thomas Fuller wrote, “he endured the flame "as a fresh gale of wind in a hot summer's day, confirming by his death the truth of that doctrine he had so diligently and powerfully preached during his life."
B. Recap
C. Invitation to commitment
Additional Notes
• Is Christ Exalted, Magnified, Honored, and Glorified?
