9: The Evidence of Forgiveness (Luke 3:1-14)

Jackie Watts

The Gospel of Luke: The Greatest Story Ever Told • Sermon • Submitted 2 years ago

0 ratings

· 5 views

Notes

Transcript

Forgiven; a word that offers hope and restoration of relationships. Are YOU forgiven? Many people would respond, “I sure hope so.” But is it possible to KNOW so? Today we examine The Evidence of Forgiveness.

An elderly man in Italy, who had been secretly carrying a guilty conscience for several years. Unable to bear it any longer, he went to the local priest and said, "Father, I need to find peace over a private matter in my life."

"What is it, my son," the priest responded.

"Well," the old man said, "during World War II, I hid a refugee in my attic."

"That's nothing to be guilt-ridden over," the priest said. "What you did actually saved another person's life. Why, only God knows how great was the good that you have done. The devil is just trying to torment you for a good deed done to another."

"Yes, Father, I'm sure you're right," the old man replied, "but I charged him rent."

"Oh, I see," said the priest. "That clearly wasn't the best thing to do, but I'm sure the Lord has forgiven you after all these years."

"Well," the old man concluded, "then do you think I should tell the guy in my attic that the War is over?"

Have you ever wondered if God has REALLY forgiven you for your past? Maybe the better question would be: ‘Is it in your PAST...or PRESENT?’ Some people live as if God’s forgiveness is just a free pass to forgiveness without any expectations on their end. This is simply not the case as a 1st century prophet is about to demonstrate. Today we meet Zechariah & Elizabeth’s boy. John - who of course was a Southern Baptist - well - he baptized.

PRAY

We begin in Luke 3 where he sets the stage for the focus of this writing - to tell of the ministry of Jesus - Yeshua. In order to do that, the writer gives a time indicator showing that he has hit fast forward and moved many years ahead.

left6350Luke 3:1–2a (NIV)1 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene—2 during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas...Luke 3:1–2a (NIV)1 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene—2 during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas...Luke 3:1–2a (NIV)1 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene—2 during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas...Luke 3:1–2a (NIV)1 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene—2 during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas...At the time of Jesus’ birth the Emperor was Caesar Augustus. Now Luke skips forward 15 years into the reign of Tiberius Caesar.

Luke 3:1–2a (NIV)

1 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene—2 during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas...

Luke 3:1–2a (NIV)

Pontius Pilate, who will later be a key player in the unfolding drama, is also mentioned - governor of Judea - the state where Jerusalem & the Temple are.

The ‘Herod brothers’ are introduced. These are sons of the wicked Herod ‘the Great’ who, according to Matthew 2:16, had baby boys in Bethlehem murdered in order to try to kill ‘the king of the Jews’ (Matt. 2:2). Herod tetrarch of Galilee will play a prominent role in next week’s teaching.

Little is known about Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene and never again mentioned by Luke.

Before the main character enters center-stage, Annas & Caiaphas are mentioned. Although not mentioned by name again, these men will also play an important role later in Luke’s story about Jesus. Annas had been the high priest for the Jews since A.D. 6. Normally the high priest served for life, but Annas was removed by the Romans in A.D. 15. In the 3 following years, 5 of his sons and one of his grandsons served as high priest. The position then passed to his son-in-law, Caiphas, was currently serving as high priest, but Luke & Acts makes it clear that the Jews still looked to Annas as high priest.

Of those mentioned - Pilate, Herod, Annas, and Caiaphas, would play important roles during the life, ministry, and death of Jesus. They symbolized the moral and spiritual darkness that the Light of the world (John 8:12) was coming to conquer.

During THAT time...

left6350Luke 3:2b (NIV)...the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.Luke 3:2b (NIV)...the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.Luke 3:2b (NIV)...the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.Luke 3:2b (NIV)...the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.The word of God came to John doesn’t mean that someone gave him a Bible. A book form of Scripture didn’t exist. Instead, this is a common OT phrase used for God giving a message to a prophet so he can speak God’s words to the people.

Luke 3:2b (NIV)

...the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.

Luke 3:2b (NIV)

...the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.

This is how John would prepare the way for tleft6350Luke 3:3-6 (NIV)3 He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4 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. 5 Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. 6 And all people will see God’s salvation.’ ” Luke 3:3-6 (NIV)3 He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4 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. 5 Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. 6 And all people will see God’s salvation.’ ” Luke 3:3-6 (NIV)3 He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4 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. 5 Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. 6 And all people will see God’s salvation.’ ” Luke 3:3-6 (NIV)3 He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4 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. 5 Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. 6 And all people will see God’s salvation.’ ” he Messiah. He moved up and down the Jordan River, offering to baptize anyone who would turn from their sins. John preached about repentance & forgiveness - warning of God’s wrath AND offering God’s peace. He warned of God’s wrath because God is JUST. He offered God’s peace because God is GRACIOUS.

Luke 3:3-6 (NIV)

3 He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4 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. 5 Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. 6 And all people will see God’s salvation.’ ”

Luke 3:3-6 (NIV)

He was preparing PEOPLE for the Lord’s coming. John wasn’t filling in holes, blowing up mountains, or doing road construction. This is metaphoric language for the role John would play: to remove obstacles and prepare the people to receive the Messiah & His message.

And so John baptized those who came [pic of hands coming up out of water].

Baptism did NOT YET represent the death, burial, & resurrection of Jesus as that was future. Instead baptism was for Gentiles who were becoming covenant Jews to follow the one true God. Jews weren’t baptized...until now. Matthew 3:5-6 says that they came to be baptized by John and confessed their sins, acknowledging that they were no better than Gentiles. They needed forgiveness and this baptism represented that washing away of sin.

Why would John’s baptism take place in the barren wilderness where NO ONE lived?

It was likely a place to draw people away from all the ordinary daily concerns, a place to retreat and fix their minds and hearts on their spiritual condition while hearing John’s message of forgiveness. Richard Lenski writes that, “This wild region called to mind the desert wanderings of Israel for forty years, when their unbelief had shut them out of the promised land for so long a time.”

➲ Have YOU taken the time to get away from the daily distractions and consider your spiritual condition? Have you considered how your disobedience has caused you to wander - looking for purpose & hope?

But baptism doesn’t force God to forgive. This washing on the outside means nothing without washing on the inside. Without repentance there is NO forgiveness. 600 years earlier the prophet Jeremiah warned the Jewish people with these words...

Jeremiah 2:22 (NIV)

22 Although you wash yourself with soap and use an abundance of cleansing powder, the stain of your guilt is still before me,” declares the Sovereign Lord.

Now the last OT prophet, the one preparing the way of the Lord, gives a similar warning.

left6350Luke 3:7–8a (NET)7 So John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You offspring of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Therefore produce fruit that proves your repentance...Luke 3:7–8a (NET)7 So John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You offspring of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Therefore produce fruit that proves your repentance...Luke 3:7–8a (NET)7 So John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You offspring of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Therefore produce fruit that proves your repentance...Luke 3:7–8a (NET)7 So John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You offspring of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Therefore produce fruit that proves your repentance...God’s forgiveness doesn’t lead us back to the sin He has forgiven. Proverbs pictures a person who goes back to sin as a dog that returns to lick up his own vomit (Proverbs 26:11). GROSS! John knows that there is no forgiveness without repentance. Repentance means ‘change of mind’. This change of mind leads to a change of action. We agree with God about what is good and what is evil, and this change of mind results in a change of action.

Luke 3:7–8a (NET)

7 So John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You offspring of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Therefore produce fruit that proves your repentance...

Luke 3:7–8a (NET)

7 So John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You offspring of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Therefore produce fruit that proves your repentance...

To put it concisely...

BIG TRUTH Repentance is revealed in ObedienceBIG TRUTH Repentance is revealed in ObedienceBIG TRUTH Repentance is revealed in ObedienceBIG TRUTH Repentance is revealed in Obedience

BIG TRUTH

Repentance is revealed in Obedience

BIG TRUTH

Repentance is revealed in Obedience

Have you repented of your sin? Do you keep going BACK to it...like the dog? Or, when the desires arise, do you obey out of your gratitude for forgiveness & trust in God’s commands? Or do you run back into the sin that only satisfies temporarily, but ultimately leaves you empty?

Some people quickly point back to the faith of their parents, their experience in church, or a prayer they prayed. But none of these are evidences of forgiveness. The Jewish people of John’s day could lean back and say, “We’re God’s chosen people! We have special favor simply because of our race. He MUST forgive us.” Look as John lances that prideful thinking...

left6350Luke 3:8b–9 (NET)...and don’t begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that God can raise up children for Abraham from these stones!9 Even now the ax is laid at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”Luke 3:8b–9 (NET)...and don’t begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that God can raise up children for Abraham from these stones!9 Even now the ax is laid at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”Luke 3:8b–9 (NET)...and don’t begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that God can raise up children for Abraham from these stones!9 Even now the ax is laid at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”Luke 3:8b–9 (NET)...and don’t begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that God can raise up children for Abraham from these stones!9 Even now the ax is laid at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”That doesn’t sound good. By the way. That’s the same kind of language Jesus uses to speak about hell to His Jewish audience. They didn’t DESERVE God’s forgiveness. They didn’t get a free pass because of their family tree....AND NEITHER DO YOU!

Luke 3:8b–9 (NET)

...and don’t begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that God can raise up children for Abraham from these stones!9 Even now the ax is laid at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

Luke 3:8b–9 (NET)

Whether in this life or the life to come - you will not slip God’s justice. This ought to cause you and me to FEAR God. Later in his writing Luke quotes Jesus saying these words.

Luke 12:4–5 (NIV)

4 “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. 5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.

So baptism - washing the outside - wasn’t enough. It only symbolized washing on the inside. There is no forgiveness without repentance...and

BIG TRUTH Repentance is revealed in ObedienceBIG TRUTH Repentance is revealed in ObedienceBIG TRUTH Repentance is revealed in ObedienceBIG TRUTH Repentance is revealed in Obedience

BIG TRUTH

Repentance is revealed in Obedience

BIG TRUTH

Repentance is revealed in Obedience

What does real repentance LOOK like? John’s audience wondered the same thing. To the rich (those having more than they need - most of us) He says this:

left6350Luke 3:10-11 (NIV)10 “What should we do then?” the crowd asked. 11 John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” Luke 3:10-11 (NIV)10 “What should we do then?” the crowd asked. 11 John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” Luke 3:10-11 (NIV)10 “What should we do then?” the crowd asked. 11 John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” Luke 3:10-11 (NIV)10 “What should we do then?” the crowd asked. 11 John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” Do you have more than you need? People who repent aren’t stingy. God didn’t give you all that to sit in your closet & never get worn. Know someone who is legitimately hungry? People who repent give from their excess instead of letting it spoil.

Luke 3:10-11 (NIV)

10 “What should we do then?” the crowd asked. 11 John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”

Luke 3:10-11 (NIV)

10 “What should we do then?” the crowd asked. 11 John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”

Then the outcasts, those who were typically viewed as dishonest, approached John with a question about how they could be forgiven after their dishonest living.

left6350Luke 3:12-14 (NIV)12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?” 13 “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them. 14 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 3:12-14 (NIV)12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?” 13 “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them. 14 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 3:12-14 (NIV)12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?” 13 “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them. 14 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 3:12-14 (NIV)12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?” 13 “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them. 14 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.”Notice what John DID NOT say. He didn’t say, tax collectors, soldiers - leave your jobs because they are inherently wicked occupations. NO. He simply tells them to be the most honest & trustworthy people on the payroll. He challenges them to be content instead of mistreating others for their own comfort. This is repentance - a change of mind that results in a change of action.

Luke 3:12-14 (NIV)

12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?”

13 “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them. 14 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 3:12-14 (NIV)

12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?”

BIG TRUTH Repentance is revealed in ObedienceBIG TRUTH Repentance is revealed in ObedienceBIG TRUTH Repentance is revealed in ObedienceBIG TRUTH Repentance is revealed in Obedience

BIG TRUTH

Repentance is revealed in Obedience

BIG TRUTH

Repentance is revealed in Obedience

So how can you trust you are fully forgiven? What is The Evidence of Forgiveness?

The evidence of forgiveness is one who is livin’ forgiven. He/she no longer lives for the things Jesus died to pay for.

Let’s conclude our study by looking at this powerful passage from King David.

When he kept silent, when he refused to conleft6350Psalm 32:1–4 (NIV)1 Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 2 Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. 3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Psalm 32:1–4 (NIV)1 Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 2 Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. 3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Psalm 32:1–4 (NIV)1 Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 2 Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. 3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Psalm 32:1–4 (NIV)1 Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 2 Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. 3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. fess his sin and turn from it, there was a heaviness in his life - a sense of wasting away - purposeless - Ever experienced THAT?

Psalm 32:1–4 (NIV)

1 Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 2 Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. 3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.

Psalm 32:1–4 (NIV)

But David finally humbled himself and brought his sin to God.

left6350Psalm 32:5 (NIV)5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.Psalm 32:5 (NIV)5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.Psalm 32:5 (NIV)5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.Psalm 32:5 (NIV)5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.God would graciously forgive David and the Jews at the time of John’s ministry, but many would NOT have the privilege of knowing to what great lengths God would go to make payment for our sins to be fully forgiven. They could not yet see the future as WE see the past - that ONE John prepared for - the Messiah - would go to the cross...for OUR SIN! Doesn’t THAT - the death of Jesus - prove God’s JUSTICE & God’s GRACE.

Psalm 32:5 (NIV)

5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.

Psalm 32:5 (NIV)

5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.

How can you trust that God has forgiven your PAST? Because your sin is IN THE PAST. You have repented - you don’t see sin the way you used to. You have offered Jesus your life & He has given you His. And your repentance is revealed in your obedience. You don’t obey TO be forgiven. You obey because you ARE forgiven.

Follower of Jesus

What is it in YOUR life that needs to be dealt with? Tell another believer - ask them to pray for you, check on you, & celebrate with you.

When you share Jesus with others, don’t give them a cheap, flimsy, false gospel. God’s will forgive them right where they are BUT...they must turn from their sin and trust Jesus. This is not about getting them to pray an insincere prayer. It’s calling them to wave the white flage & surrender their lives.

Those who don’t follow Jesus

Aren’t you tired of feeling like David did? Covering up your sin, acting like it’s not a big deal - yet having the heavy hand of God’s conviction on your life?