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Scripture Lesson: Matthew 3:1-10

 

Into The Wilderness

R.E.P.E.N.T.

Week #1

 

  1. John’s message is clear.

 

He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. – Luke 3:3

 

  1. John’s message was prophesied long ago.

 

As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low.
The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all people will see God’s salvation.’” – Luke 3:4-6

 

  1. John’s goal was not to make friends.

 

John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father. ’For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” “What should we do then?” the crowd asked. - Luke 3:7-10

 

  1. John’s message is direct.

 

John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?”  “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them. Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.” – Luke 3:11-14

 

 

Points To Ponder

 

  1. What does Lent mean to you? Have you previously participated in fasting during Lent to intentionally focus your attention on Jesus? If so, share an experience of what happened during that time.

 

  1. Share a time when you found yourself frantically cleaning your house. How did you feel when your guests arrived?

 

  1. Do you believe someone can be too sinful for God to forgive them? Why or why not?

 

  1. Repentance involves a complete turnaround in our words and actions in order to honor God. Share a story of someone you have seen radically turn their life around after receiving the gospel.

 

  1. Are there ways you can leverage your platform and influence to point people to Jesus this week?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Homework: Matthew 3