Luke 3:7-14 – Plain Speaking

John is sometimes called the last of the Old Testament prophets, and his preaching has a tremendous effect upon the Jews. He is a very bold preacher. He doesn’t hesitate to speak plainly and call sin sin. He isn’t distracted by his popularity, and he isn’t worried about offending someone. The spiritual disease of those who are there is desperate – they are dead in their sins, and he knows that desperate diseases need strong remedies. He speaks clearly of judgement and hell. We are so hesitant to mention hell to our unbelieving friends, but by keeping silent we encourage them to think that they are in no danger. A man will never seek heaven until he is convinced there is a risk of his falling into hell.

John makes it clear that repentance without fruit is useless. It’s worthless to claim to have turned from our sins and sought the Lord when our actions prove otherwise. Godly talking is just hypocritical without godly doing. Obedience does not save us, but it is a sign of the sincerity of our repentance.

John also strikes a blow at the common idea that connection with godly people or things can save us. He tells these Jews that it isn’t enough that they are the biological descendants of Abraham. If they don’t have the faith of Abraham, they still face judgement. It doesn’t matter if you have Christian parents or Christian friends; it doesn’t matter if you attend church twice every Lord’s Day. If you don’t have a personal faith in Jesus Christ, you are on your way to Hell.

Questions
1. Why are we hesitant to talk about Hell?
2. What is a sign that our repentance is genuine?
3. What is hypocrisy?

Prayer Points
1. Pray for the preaching and hearing of God’s Word tomorrow.
2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
3. Pray for family matters.