April 20 , 2008

I. John's life was distinct from others. Most people have passion for projects that do not affect lives or their eternity.

He baptized folks when they repented .

He was in conflict with legalistic religion.

He was a profound witness for Christ.

He would prepare people for coming of the Lord.

What difference would it make in our lives to be wild-at-heart for God?

There's a time when we make a choice to go from passive to passionate for God.

II. He obeyed God's will for His life.

A. John knew who he was in God.

From the fullness of his (God's) grace we have all received one blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses; grace and trust came through Jesus Christ (1:16-17).

B. John knew who he was for Jesus Christ.

Look the Lamb of God! who takes away the sin of the world! (29).

C. John knew the value of repentance. Producing "fruit" in keeping with repentance means:

1. Altering your attitude toward God.

2. Altering your relationships with others because of your relationship with God.

3. Altering your ethics and so your behavior.

4. Altering your speech to reflect the impact of God's Word on your life.

III. John gave purpose to his passion for God.

A. His passion for God was realistic . I must decrease and he (Jesus) must increase (3:30, KJV ).

B. His passion was found in this message: Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him (36) .

Though John never performed a miraculous sign, all that John said about this man (Jesus) was true. And in that place many believed in Jesus (41-42).

IV. John at one point doubted his passion for Jesus.

It's not unmanly or unspiritual to deal with doubts, but it's always the right thing to look to Jesus about those doubts. John looked to Jesus, and faced the future assured in his heart. -- John remembered the privilege of baptizing Jesus, not because Jesus was a sinner who needed to repent like all others he baptized, but so that the Trinity of God would be revealed: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and then Jesus started his ministry.

What will increase your passion for God?

There's a time when we make a choice to go from passive to passionate for God.

home † about us † resources † contact us † ministries

©South Hills Assembly