Sermon Tone Analysis
Overall tone of the sermon
This automated analysis scores the text on the likely presence of emotional, language, and social tones. There are no right or wrong scores; this is just an indication of tones readers or listeners may pick up from the text.
A score of 0.5 or higher indicates the tone is likely present.
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Openness
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Conscientiousness
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Extraversion
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I. Intro point
I. John was a preacher, sent by God, to proclaim the arrival of the King (vs.
1-3)
All of the Gospels tell the story of the forerunner of Jesus
"In those days" about 30 years later.
"John the Baptist" literally, Baptizer
"Preaching" also, proclaiming, heralding
"In the 'Wilderness' (lit.
desert)" prophetic implications
He was known for two things, his preaching, and obviously, his Baptism
What is John's Baptism?
Is it the same as Christian Baptism?
It is not Christian Baptism.
Instead, John's Baptism matched his message
Remember, John was known for two things, first was his Baptism, second was his preaching
John's preaching had two elements, first was repentance
Repent, literally "to turn around to new actions."
The second element of John's preaching was the nearness of God's kingdom
This is the reason given for repenting
Messianic expectation
David's heir would rule
New heaven and earth
Regathering of Israel (or God's one elect people)
Inauguration of the new covenant
What is "the kingdom of heaven" and what does the phrase "at hand" mean?
There was not universal agreement but it was a common understanding that it meant a defeat of Rome and a time of prosperity for Israel, however, this seems opposed to what John was teaching.
Kingdom of God vs. Kingdom of Heaven
"At hand" means that it was near in time.
Matthew 3:3
Once again, Matthew references the OT, though in this case it is not the point of his text.
Instead, Matthew uses the OT to make a point about who John is.
John is the one who prepares the path for the Lord.
Even the Greek term used here for wilderness, which can also be translated "desert," points to the prophetic ministry.
I. Application point
The call of God to His people has always involved repentance and the person of Christ calls people to it.
(3:1-3)
II.
Intro point
II.
John was a prophet who reached the people (3:4-6)
Verse 3 already pointed to the prophetic ministry of John but in this verse, even his clothing claims shows that he is a prophet.
His clothes also indicatede his humble state of being
This greatly contrasts an earthly king's herald.
Notice the extent of John's ministry
"Jerusalem and all Judea and all the reagion aboiut the Jordan" the all words don't mean all the people but people from all the places close enough to hear about him.
They were confessing their sins
II.
Application point
Repentance includes the confessing of sin (3:4-6)
III.
Introduction point
III.
The coming kingdom demands either repentance or judgment (7-12)
Compare Pharisees/Sadducees
Coming to, not "coming for" or "coming to be"
"Brood of vipers"
Snakes were a symbol of deceit
Vipers in particular are known for their venom
"Who warned you" sounds harsh but Matthew, in quoting John the Baptist, seems to emphasizing the works of these people and how they are not consitant with repentance.
This comand is John and Matthew clarifying the need for repentance that bears fruit.
III.
Application point
Your repentance must be genuine and not merely a profession (7-12)
Just as the Jews relied on their Abrahamic heratage, we sometimes rely on a prayer or profession
Reflection questions
How does your lifestyle reflect your repentance?
Do you gain your confidence in your relationship with God from a prayer or your baptism?
Or do you gain it from your current and continued faith, having seen God work to grow you to be like Christ?
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