Luke 3:7-18 (Sermon) - Living a Life Worthy of the Coming King

Rev. Jarkeer N. Lasseter, Sr.

Preparing the Way • Sermon • Submitted 5 months ago • Presented 5 months ago

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This sermon explores John the Baptist's call to repentance in Luke 3:7-18, challenging believers to prepare their hearts for the coming of Christ. It emphasizes the importance of genuine transformation, bearing fruits worthy of repentance, and living in anticipation of the Kingdom of God.

Notes

Transcript

Thanksgiving

Giving honor to God!,

Pastor,

Leaders of the Church,

Congregation,

Brothers and Sisters in Clergy,

Family and Friends and Wife (Queen)

Scripture

Luke 3:7–18 NRSV

The New Revised Standard Version The Proclamation of John the Baptist

John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

8 Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham.

9 Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”

10 And the crowds asked him, “What then should we do?”

11 In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.”

12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what should we do?”

13 He said to them, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.”

14 Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what should we do?” He said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.”

Title - Living a Life Worthy of the Coming King

Living a Life Worthy of the Coming King

Prayer

Let us pray! Heavenly Father thank You for using me in Your ministry! Thank You for guiding me thus far and granting me Your grace! Even now, Lord, You know the purpose for which I have come to You. Decrease me, and increase you. Holy Spirit fill me with grace, anointing, and power so that I can preach Your word boldly and with authority. I'm unworthy Lord! But make me worthy by cleansing me and filling me with Your Holy Spirit. Amen!

Sermon

Opening Illustration

Imagine you receive a call that a VIP – someone you deeply admire – is coming to visit your home. This isn't just a casual drop-by; they're coming to stay for a while. How would you react? You'd likely scramble to clean the house, prepare a special meal, and generally make sure everything is in order. You'd want to present the best version of yourself and your home to this honored guest.

Today, God is asking us to prepare the way, just like in this illustration, for someone else to meet Him. Today, we who call ourselves children of the most high God are challenged to see the world as an opportunity for change. See the world as filled with lost souls seeking a seat at the table. In this holiday season, we are called to express and exemplify what it means to repent and to make way for the Lord in our hearts, our minds, and souls.

Introduction of the Text

Our sermon on this 3rd Sunday of Advent is meant to force an inward look at our outward activities. John the Baptist's call to repentance challenges us to examine our lives, turn away from sin, and bear fruits worthy of the coming Kingdom of God. I love this sermon and its thesis because it provides a warm reminder that my soul purpose in ministry is not just to be saved and sanctified, although I am, but to win souls for Christ and to do my part in ensuring that hell is not full of people I know and love.

That thought leads us to our text this morning. That topic led me in prayer to the discussion of repentance. Let me clarify, that thought led me to the topic of true repentance. What does it mean? What does it look like? How does one express true repentance? The answers begin with John the Baptist. The question is then answered in Jesus.

Where are we?

We find ourselves in a very familiar part of the text this morning. The Gospel we just heard was written by Luke, a physician and a close companion of the Apostle Paul. He wasn't one of the original twelve disciples, but he carefully investigated the life and ministry of Jesus, interviewing eyewitnesses and recording their accounts. Luke's Gospel is known for its detailed narratives, its emphasis on prayer and the Holy Spirit, and its compassion for the marginalized and outcast.

Development of the Theme

Today we narrow our focus on John the Baptist's ministry. Johns ministry emerged during a time of political oppression and spiritual apathy in Judea. People were longing for a Messiah, a deliverer who would free them from Roman rule and restore their nation. John's message was a wake-up call, urging people to turn back to God and prepare their hearts for the coming Kingdom.

I wonder if, in today's climate, God is not asking the same of us. Is God pulling at our coat strings and asking us to wake up and turn back to God and prepare our hearts for the coming Kingdom?

I ask you all, when was the last time you steadied your heart to sharing the good news with someone you know?

When was the last time we felt compelled to speak about Jesus?

Just as John prepared the way for Jesus' first coming, Advent is a time for us to prepare our hearts for Christ's return. It's a season of reflection, repentance, and anticipation. John's message challenges us to examine our lives and make sure we are living in a way that is pleasing to God.

Development of the Theme \ Biblical Text Comparisons

This message of repentance wasn't just a general call to "be good." He got specific, offering practical advice and challenging societal norms. Let's walk through the text and see how his words can speak to us today, prompting three theological points. John’s word teaches us reflection, repentance, and anticipation.

Theological Point 1: Reflection - Confronting Our Need for Change (Luke 3:7-9)

John the Baptist emerged from the wilderness with a blunt message: "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance." (Luke 3:7-8)

Johns first theological point forces us to Reflect and confront our need for change. John wanted genuine change, a transformation of the heart reflected in actions. He warned that baptism without a true willingness to turn from sin was meaningless. This thought makes us ask the question:

Is the work your doing bringing about change?

This call to reflection is vital for us today. Advent is a time to examine our lives and consider if we are truly living in a way that honors God. Are we bearing fruits worthy of repentance? Or are we clinging to old habits and patterns of complacency or sin that hinder our experience of God's Kingdom?

Reflection requires honesty and courage. It means acknowledging our shortcomings and confessing our need for God's forgiveness. For those new to faith, this may involve recognizing your need for a Savior. For those who have been walking with Christ, this may involve identifying areas where you've strayed. Advent is a time to re-center your heart on Christ.

Theological Point 2: Repentance - Transforming Our Lives from Within (Luke 3:10-14)

John the Baptist didn't just call people to reflect; he provided practical guidance on how to live a repentant life. From verses 10-14 he gives a few examples of what this means. He challenged tax collectors to honesty, soldiers to integrity, and the crowds to generosity. John's message was clear: true repentance leads to a changed life. It's not enough to feel sorry; we must actively seek to live differently.

I have truly repented in many ways but there is still some work to be done.

Many of you have the same testimony that while we have turned from somethings, God is still working you.

John is clear in the text that in order for this transformation to happen we need the power to do so. This transformation is not about rules, but about allowing the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts, shaping our desires and motivations. It's about becoming more like Christ. The new believer, this may involve a complete overhaul of your lifestyle. For those walking with Christ, this may involve a deeper surrender to His will.

Theological Point 3: Anticipation - Living in Expectation of Christ's Arrival (Luke 3:15-17; cf. John 1:19-34)

As John's ministry grew, people wondered if he was the Messiah. But John clarified his role: he was a forerunner, preparing the way. He said, "I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come... He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."

John's message was one of anticipation, looking ahead to the Messiah's coming. This Advent season, we too are called to live in anticipation, not just of Christ's birth, but of His return.

This anticipation is not about fear, but joyful expectation. It's about living with purpose and urgency, knowing we have a limited time to share the Good News. For those new to faith, this may involve learning more about Jesus. For those walking with Christ, this may involve deepening your relationship with Him.

Applicable Points

John's message wasn't just theoretical; it was a call to action. He challenged people to live differently, to make concrete changes in their lives that reflected their repentance and their anticipation of the Messiah. So, what does this mean for us today? How can we apply John's message to our own lives during this Advent season?

Applicable Point 1

Before we can truly repent and prepare for Christ's coming, we need to take an honest look at ourselves. We need to ask ourselves some tough questions and be willing to confront the areas where we fall short.

Take time this Advent season to reflect on your life. Are there areas where you need to confess sin, seek forgiveness, and make amends? Are you living in a way that reflects your commitment to Christ?

Applicable Point 2

Repentance is not just an internal process; it should be evident in our actions. John challenged people to "bear fruits worthy of repentance." What does that look like in our lives today?

How can you demonstrate your repentance through your actions? Look for opportunities to serve others, share your resources, and extend God's love to those in need.

Conclusion\Scriptural Summary

(Close strong, summarizing the sermon and leading the congregation to the cross of Christ with increasing tone and excitement)

This Advent season, let us not simply go through the motions. Let us not get caught up in the busyness and distractions of the holidays. Instead, let us take John the Baptist's message to heart. Let us reflect on our lives, repent of our sins, and prepare the way for the Lord.

(Transition to the cross)

Just as John prepared the way for Jesus' first coming, we are called to prepare the way for His return. And how do we do that? By living lives that reflect His love, His grace, and His transforming power.

(Increase tone and excitement)

Brothers and sisters, Jesus came to seek and to save the lost! He came to offer forgiveness, healing, and hope to a broken world! And He's coming again! Are you ready?

(Call to action)

Let us live lives worthy of the coming King!

Let us be a people of repentance, a people of generosity, a people of love!

Let us shine His light in the darkness and proclaim His good news to all the world!

Amen!

Invitation to Christian Discipleship

Brothers and sisters, we've heard today that preparing the way for the Lord involves more than just outward actions. It requires a transformation of the heart, a willingness to turn away from sin and embrace a life that reflects God's Kingdom.

This transformation begins with a decision, a choice to follow Jesus Christ.

(1) The Call to New Life:

If you've never experienced the forgiveness and freedom that comes from knowing Jesus, if you're longing for a fresh start and a life filled with purpose, today is your day! Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) He sees your heart, He knows your struggles, and He offers you a new beginning. Will you answer His call today and be baptized into His family?

(2) The Call to Restoration:

Perhaps you once walked closely with God, but somewhere along the way, you stumbled or lost your focus. Maybe you've been hurt by the church or discouraged by life's challenges. Today, you can choose to return to your first love. God is waiting with open arms, ready to restore your relationship and renew your spirit. Will you come home today and rededicate your life to Him?

(3) The Call to Join Our Family:

For those who are already walking with Christ, perhaps you're seeking a church home where you can grow in your faith and serve alongside others. We invite you to join our family here at [Church Name]. We are a community of believers committed to loving God, loving one another, and sharing the Good News with the world. Will you join us on this journey of faith and become a part of what God is doing in this place?Word is fresh and the people are doing kingdom work. Will there be one!

Amen!

Benediction

"Now unto Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen (Jude 1:24,25)

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