1. “Doing What Is Right – 1” Luke 3:1-17 06/21/2009 Dr. Dane Boyles

2. “Doing What Is Right – 1” Introduction
Today I’ll be starting a new series I’m calling “Doing What Is Right.”
We’ll be looking at justice through the Gospel of Luke, starting with chapter 3.

3. Luke 1:1
1 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene—

4. Luke 1:2-3
2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert.
3 He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

5. Luke 1:4
4 As is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.

6. Luke 1:5-6
5 Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth.
6 And all mankind will see God’s salvation.’ ”

7. “Doing What Is Right – 1”
The thief had a sense of morality, but it was flawed.

8. Luke 3:7
7 John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?

9. Luke 3:8
8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.

10. Luke 3:9
9 The axe is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

11. “Doing What Is Right – 1”
John provokes us to ask the question: What is Justice?
Justice is doing what is morally right according to God’s Word; not the culture, not our own moral code, but God’s Word.

12. Micah 6:8
8 He has shown you what is good. And what does the LORD requires of you? To act justly (do what is right according to God), and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)

13. “Doing What Is Right – 1”
John presents the works and teaching of Jesus that are especially important for understanding the way of salvation.

14. “Doing What Is Right – 1”
It is only through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus that we can become righteous before God.
6 …the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isa. 53:6)

15. “Doing What Is Right – 1”
Our journey to justice begins with John the Baptist preparing the people for the coming of Jesus, the Savior of the world.
Using the acronym MAP, let’s look at how John mapped out for the people “How to Do What Is Right.”

16. “Doing What Is Right – 1” M - Make changes in the way we think.
2 …the word of God came to John…in the desert. He went…
3 preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” (Luke 3:2-3)

17. “Doing What Is Right – 1”
John’s baptism points to a change of heart towards God.
We can’t just say we believe and then live any way we choose.
We need to immerse ourselves in the Word of God.

18. 2 Timothy 3:16
16 All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that all God’s people may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

19. “Doing What Is Right – 1”
The Bible is the alternative to the world’s self-destructive ways.
John the Baptist came telling the people that they must change the way they think.
If we are saved by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8), then faith is a way of knowing.

20. “Doing What Is Right – 1”
3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command… (Heb. 11:3).
1 Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (Heb. 11:1).

21. “Doing What Is Right – 1” A - Apply the Word of God in our lives.
10 What should we do then? (Luke 3:10)
John’s response demonstrates that the people’s activity was to be love-inspired.

22. Luke 3:11-12
11 John answered, “The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same.”
12 Tax collectors also came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?”

23. Luke 1:13-14
13 “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them.
14 Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.” (Luke 3:13-14)

24. “Doing What Is Right – 1”
If we are to produce fruit in keeping with repentance, we have to live righteously.

25. “Doing What Is Right – 1” P – The Power to Change.
15 The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Christ. (Luke 3:15)

26. Luke 3:16
16 John answered them all, I baptize you with water…But One more powerful than I will come…He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire”

27. “Doing What Is Right – 1”
John’s baptism with water was of repentance for the forgiveness of sin.

28. “Doing What Is Right – 1”
38 Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38)

29. “Doing What Is Right – 1”
How do you live life with the power of the Holy Spirit?
18 be filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18).
How does that happen:
1. Sincerely desire to be directed and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

30. “Doing What Is Right – 1” How does that happen:
1. Sincerely desire to be directed and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

31. “Doing What Is Right – 1” 2. Confess your sin.
3. Present every area of your life to God.
4. By faith claim the fullness of the Spirit.
It’s a step of faith.

32. “Doing What Is Right – 1” Conclusion
The MAP to a righteous life involves making changes in the way we live by applying the Word of God in our lives and living a power-filled life of change

33. “Doing What Is Right – 1” Luke 3:1-17 06/21/2009 Dr. Dane Boyles