Discussions Questions for January 29,2023

1.        Read Matthew 3:1-12.  What are several things that stand out to you from this text?

2.        Pastor Jim indicated that prior to God raising up John the Baptist, there were 400 years of silence but that his silence did not mean he was inactive.  Why was God silent for so long?  Describe a time in your life when you felt God had been silent.  Looking back now can you see that he was acting in your life?

3.        John’s baptism was one of repentance.  His message was, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near.”  What was the purpose of this baptism?  Pastor Jim indicated that preparing your heart to receive from God is a huge thing.  How often do you prepare your heart prior to coming to church or reading your Bible or serving in ministry?

4.        Respond to the following quote.  “Sharing the truth in love is the most loving thing we can do.”

Why do you think this is true?  Why do we tend to struggle with having the boldness of John in sharing the truth?

5.       Repentance means to have a change of mind that leads to a change of heart, that leads to a change in your actions.  Read 2 Corinthians 7:8-11.  Regarding repentance, what is the difference between worldly sorrow and godly sorrow?  Why is repentance more than behavior modification?

6.       John exhorted his hearers to “produce fruit consistent with repentance.”   How can a person know if they have truly repented?

7.       Read Matthew 3:13-17.   Pastor Jim indicated that the reason Jesus was baptized was to identify with sinners.  What is the significance of this in your life?  Why is this meaningful?

8.       Action Step.  Is there something specific God is asking you to do.

·         In becoming a friend of sinners?

·         In repenting of your sin?