In this passage, John is speaking to a large group of people comprised mostly of Jews. He is speaking to them of the end times and the final judgment when he offers "earth shattering" news to his Jewish listeners. In that day, God will show no preference to the Jewish people. There will only be lost people and saved people who are easily Identified by their holy separated lives.
Lk 3:6-8 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God. Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. LESSON - These people realized that in order for Salvation to occur, they had to be willing to repent. He even offered to the people examples of what repentance looked like:
1. To the crowd, repent from selfishness.
V11 "He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise."
2. To tax collectors, repent from stealing.
V13 "Exact no more than that which is appointed you."
3. To the soldiers, repent from hatred, lying, & materialism.
V14 "Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages."
What did you have to turn from in order to trust Christ? For most people, pride was the 1st step.
~Mike
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