Baptist Preaching

Luke 3:1-9

Theme: The Introduction of Christ to the World

Key verse: vs.3-4

38 verses; 1,017 words

Grade: 19.2

Outline:

I. The Ministry of His Forerunner. Vs. 1-22

II. The Members of His Family. Vs. 23-38

At least three ELEMENTS are in John’s preaching in this chapter.

I. The Element of Repentance. V.3

Luke 3:3

And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;

The declaration of it. (Luke 3:3; 13:3; 24:46-48)

The definition of it.

Genesis 6:6 (1st occurrence)

6 And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.

Repentance is a God work.

The demonstration of it.

2 Timothy 2:25–26 (KJV)

25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

People oppose themselves.

God moves.

People acknowledge the truth of the Gospel.

They are rescued out of the snare of the devil.

II. The Element of Readiness. Vs.4-6

Luke 3:4–6

The voice of readiness. V.4

4 As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

Are you ready to do God’s will?

The vision of readiness. V.5

5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth;

Have you seen the vision of God concerning you? (Proverbs 29:18)

The victory of readiness. V.6

6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

The saved see it. (2 Corinthians 5:8)

The lost will see it. (Philippians 2:10)

III. The Element of Rebuke. Vs.7-9

Luke 3:7–9 (KJV)

The reference to those in need. V.7

7 Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

Vipers are snakes.

The type is plain: they are of their father the Devil.

The refusal of those in need. V.8

8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

Your family line is not able to save you.

Your family faith is not able to save you.

The rejection by those in need. V.9

9 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

This reveals people fake it to the end of their lives.

Will it be worth it?

“And in hell he lift his eyes”

“I am tormented in this flame”

“Where their worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched”

Conclusion:

Are these elements in your life?