ADVICE FOR LIFE (series) JESUS –THE ADVICE GIVER Matthew 3:1-17

“Now in those days, John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea saying, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” For this is the one referred to by Isaiah the prophet, saying, ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord.’

“Now John himself had a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt about his wait; and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem was going out to him, and all Judea and all the district around the Jordan; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins.” Matthew 3:1-6

I. JESUS CHRIST IS THE DIVINE LIFE GIVER WHO CAN DO THE IMPOSSIBLE “But when he (John the Baptist) saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” Therefore bring forth fruit in keeping with repentance; and do not suppose that you can say to yourselves, “We have Abraham for our father;” for I say to you, that God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham.” Matthew 3:7-9

MISTAKES PEOPLE MAKE: We think our heritage or background or family connection will make us acceptable to God!

II. JESUS CHRIST IS THE DIVINE INSPECTOR “Therefore, bring forth fruit in keeping with repentance (vs. 8). And the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” (vs. 10)

MISTAKES PEOPLE MAKE: WE CAN THINK OUR OUTWARD APPEARANCE MAKES US ACCEPTABLE BEFORE GOD!

III. JESUS CHRIST IS THE DIVINE LIFE CHANGER! “As for me (John the Baptist), I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me (Jesus) is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” Matthew 3:11

JOHN’S BAPTISM JESUS’ BAPTISM 1.With water 1. With the H.S. and fire 2.Physical 2. Spiritual 3.Outward 3. Inward

MISTAKES PEOPLE MAKE: We can think that baptism or other religious or spiritual rituals make us acceptable to God

IV. JESUS CHRIST IS THE DIVINE FARMER WHO IS CONCERNED ABOUT HIS HARVEST “And His (Jesus) winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear His threshing floor; and He will gather His wheat into barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” (Matthew 3:8)

MISTAKES PEOPLE MAKE: We can treat our eternal destiny too lightly and not view it as an important matter!

V. JESUS CHRIST IS THE DIVINE SON WHO PLEASES GOD THE FATHER – ALL THE TIME “Then Jesus arrived from Galilee at the Jordan, coming to John to be baptized by him. But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me? But Jesus answering said to him, “Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he permitted Him. And after being baptized…the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon Him, and a voice out of the heavens, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:13-17

MISTAKES PEOPLE MAKE: WE THINK WE CAN PLEASE GOD THE FATHER WITH OUR OWN EFFORTS, APART FROM JESUS CHRIST.

TRUTH TO LIVE BY: HOW CAN JESUS CHRIST MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN MY LIFE IN 2013? HE CAN DO THE IMPOSSIBLE – SO I CAN TRUST HIM FOR EVERY DIFFICULTY I FACE!

TRUTH TO LIVE BY: HOW CAN JESUS CHRIST MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN MY LIFE IN 2013? I CAN TRUST HIM TO BRING FORTH GOOD FRUIT (BEHAVIOR) IN MY LIFE REPLACING THE BAD FRUIT AND IN SOME CASES, NO FRUIT

TRUTH TO LIVE BY: HOW CAN JESUS CHRIST MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN MY LIFE IN 2013 HE CAN EMPOWER MY LIFE WITH THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT SO I AM NOT HELPLESS WHEN I FACE TEMPTATION AND SIN.

TRUTH TO LIVE BY: HOW CAN JESUS CHRIST MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN MY LIFE IN 2013? As God’s perfect Son who pleases God the Father all the time, I can find my acceptance with God through Jesus and rest in what Jesus has done for me, rather than worry if I am good enough!