BETHEL SUNDAY SCHOOL 27 FEB 2022
Text: Matthew 3:1 – 12

INTRODUCTION

1. The word of God

a. Prophetic

b. Proven (fulfilment)

2. Man’s part

c. To comprehend

d. To respond with faith

e. To fulfill the word of the Lord

INTRODUCING JOHN THE BAPTISER
(Matthew 3:1 – 2)

1. He came preaching

2. He preached in the wilderness of Judea

a. Normally people preached in the city where most people dwell

b. They would normally preach in Synagogues

3. His clear and stirring message

a. Repentance of sins

a. The Kingdom of heaven is at hand

THE PROPHETIC WORD CONCERNING JOHN THE BAPTIST

1. Prophecy uttered by Isaiah (Matthew 3:3)

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
Make His paths straight.’ ”

a. To claim God’s message in the wilderness

b. To prepare the way of the Lord

c. To be the forerunner of the Lord Jesus Christ!

2. John faithfully fulfilled this prophetic word (John 1:22 – 23)

Then they said to him, “Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?”
He said: “I am
‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
“Make straight the way of the Lord,”’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”

a. He comprehended God’s word for him

b. He consciously fulfilled the word of God!

THE FAITHFULNESS OF JOHN THE BAPTISER IN FULFILLING HIS MINISTRY

1. A brief description of his appearance
“Now John himself was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey.” Matthew 3:4

a. His clothing would protect him from the harsh elements of the wilderness

b. He knew how to survive in the wilderness

2. A summary of the impact of his ministry
“Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.” Matthew 3:5 – 6

a. All the people came out of their towns to the wilderness to hear John!

b. They were convicted by his message and confessed their sins!

c. They confirmed their faith in God through baptism

3. Confronting hypocrisy (Matthew 3:7 – 9)

a. Confronting the sin of hypocrisy

b. Calling for genuine repentance of sin

c. Correcting wrong ideas

d. Cautioning of God’s judgment if sin continues



4. Understanding the greatness of the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ

a. Commencement (Matthew 3:11)

i. I indeed baptized you with water unto repentance

ii. He who is coming after me is mightier than I

iii. Whose sandals I am not worthy to carry

iv. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire

b. Conclusion (Matthew 3:12)

i. He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor

ii. He will gather wheat into the barn
The salvation of true believers

iii. He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire
The judgment of those who will reject the salvation of the Lord Jesus Christ

GREAT CHALLENGES

1. To fulfill the word of God in our life

2. To share with people the gospel message of salvation

3. To appreciate the greatness of the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ!