Matthew Chapter 3 Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand I.Introduction A.A new year! 1.An opportunity!

2.An opportunity to serve Him. 3.God will guard our hearts! a)Wish you all a wonderful New Year! B.Matthew chapter 3. 1.John the Baptist!

2.John baptizing Jesus. II.Matthew 3:1-2 A.John, Jesus cousin! 1.Malachi 3:1 2.John - just the “messenger”.

a)John’s in the wilderness of Judea. (1)In Judea people were scattered. (2)His message = “REPENT.” (3)“Repent” = “to change your mind.” (a)Think differently.

(i)Turning “from” something! (a) “from” = sin and self. 3.Repentance not just for the unsaved! a)Acts 16:31 b)The Lord’s people are called to repentance.

(1)1John 1:9 (a)Not a one- time event! c)John was sent ahead! III.Matthew 3:3-6 A.John’s ministry validated!

1.John’s message was sincere. a)Many discovered they needed to change! b)Religious leaders needed to see what this was all about! IV.Matthew 3:7-10

A.The “fit” & “counterfeit”. 1.The Pharisees like whitewashed tombs. a) They appear holy. 2.The Sadducees didn’t believe in the eternal. a) “A brood of vipers.”

(1)Repentance “bears fruit.” (a)You can judge a tree by its fruit! (i)Our fruit will prove it. (ii)Others see it before we do. 3.The kingdom of heaven was at hand!

a)= “the rule of heaven is over the earth.” b)“at hand” = Jesus was ushering it in! (1)Without Jesus - is another eternity. (a)He is trying to communicate this.

(b)Would a preacher have success with John’s approach? (i)How would people react. (ii)Would they find it meat or milk? V.Matthew 3:11-12

A.Jesus would call for more that repentance! 1.A baptism with the Holy Spirit. a)Everything purified through Him. (1)Object of his devotion came!

VI.Matthew 3:13-17 A.John feels unworthy to baptize Jesus. 1.Isaiah 53:12 a)Needed to be identified with man. (1)He identified with us!

VII.Conclusion A.His Father identified Jesus public ministry! 1.Matthew 4:1 2.That didn’t discourage Jesus!