Character Study: John the Baptist: Discover the amazing truth of the Gospel

I.

Lesson One: John: The Man (Matthew 11:1-6) A. Does your faith hold up when you are tested? 1. A Man of Faith when Tested (Mathew 11:2-6) a) A man of faith whose faith was being tried (imprisoned; the Messiah he preached had not yet been established) b) Was Jesus the Coming One, or was he (like John) preparing the way for another? (Mathew 11:3) c) Accept Christ & His truth on His terms (Romans 9:32-33) d) Confident John accepted the answer & evidence, & kept faith. (Mathew 42:7; 61:1-3) e) Accept truth & keep faith when tested (1 Peter 1:5-9) B. Are you swayed by other peoples thoughts of you? 1. A Man of Conviction not Convenience (Mathew 11:3) a) He was not an indecisive man; not swayed by public opinion. b) John boldly preached repentance; did not deny his criticism of Herod (Mathew 3:7-8; 11:2; 14:3-4 C. A Man of Sacrifice not Ease 1. Devoted to God (Phil. 3:8) D. A Man of Truth 1. Truth must build our faith, character & conduct (John. 8:31-32) 2. Enthusiasm to preach truth (2 Timothy. 4:2-5; 1 Peter 3:15) E. John Taught People to Press into the Kingdom 1. John taught men to make an effort to enter the kingdom (Luke. 16:16; Luke. 7:29-30; Luke. 3:7-8).

Conclusion: The passage is about John the Baptist, his apprehensions, his justification and his assessment. In analyzing John in these passages the reader can affirm that Jesus is the Messiah, that the Kingdom of God had come and was beginning to take hold, and that the Day of the Lord was just starting.

II.

Lesson Two: Reactions to John (Matthew 11:7-19)

A.

Some Saw John as a Curiosity (Mathew 11:7-8) 1. How many today view Christians as an oddity & out of place?

B. C.

Some Considered John to a Prophet (Mathew 11:9-11)-He was more than that: 1. Announced Messiah to the world (Mathew 11:10) 2. The prophesied Elijah (Mathew 11:14; 17:9-13). Most Rejected John (Mathew 11:16-18; Luke 7:30) 1. Because of the demanding nature of his message (John 5:35) 2. Also happened to Jesus (Mathew 11:19; John 6:60, 66; Matthew 23:37). 3. Same true of those who will stand for truth (2 Timothy. 4:3-5) 4. Our approach must be love & service (2 Corinthians. 12:15) 5. Even when others see us as enemies (Galatians. 4:16)

Conclusion: John's entire career had been devoted to proclaiming the magnificence of the Messiah. Now, John found himself in prison. He was discouraged, and confused. In his discouragement, he sent his own disciples to ask of the Lord Jesus Are you the one that we are looking for or should we look for another? Because of his doubt and because it was conveyed publicly to Jesus by his disciples, many in the crowds were now condemning John. John, who had once been a hero in the land of Israel and a favorite among the crowds, was now being criticized.

III. Lesson Three: John The Baptist Ministry (Matthew 3.5-10)

A. B. C.
D. E. Conclusion: In our ministry we need to be like John and Jesus in our character - not caring for the opinions of the examiners and who are not afraid to proclaim truth to a generation that does not believe in the truth of the Bible. Bibliography Alexander, J.A. (1956), Commentary on Acts (Grand Rapids: Zondervan). Beasley-Murray, G.R. (1975), Baptism, Dictionary of New Testament Theology, Colin Brown, Ed. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan), Vol. I. Burke, Alexander, John the Baptist: Prophet and Disciple by Alexander J., Jr. Burke. 2008 Edwards, Everett Aaron, John the Baptist In-Depth, a Closer Look. 2009 D.C. Allison, "Elijah Must Come First," JBL 103 (1984) 256-58 L.F. Badia, The Qumran Baptism and John the Baptist's Baptism, 1980 Murphy, Catherine M, John the Baptist: Prophet of Purity for a New Age. 2010 Significance of Baptism and its reference to Old Testament (1 Peter 3:20-22; Ezekiel 36:24-28; Matthew 3:5-6) Summary of John the Baptists ministry (Mathew 3:2, 5-11) How can we prepare the way for the Lord, today? (Mathew 3:7-10) Do we see Jesus working in us? How can we minister to others like John did?

Morris, Leon (1971), The Gospel According to John (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans). New International Version Bible (NIV). Nashville TN. Broadman & Holman Publishers. 2011 W.H. Brownlee, "John the Baptist in the New Light of Ancient Scrolls," Interpretation 9 (1955) 71-90 Webb, Barry (1996), The Message of Isaiah (Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press).

I. Lesson One: Matt. 16.13-23; Peter, He was right and wrong at the same time A. Introduction: Have you ever had a tremendous success immediately followed by a great failure. B. The 1. 2. 3. C. The 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. D. The 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Introductory Question: What do people say about the Messiah? vs 13-15 Who do men say that I am? What do their answers mean? Important Question: What do you believe about me?: vs 16-20: Peter got it right! Peter's bold confession Why Peter was right Jesus' affirmation and plans for Peter What does this mean for us today Incorrect Application: Peter's misunderstanding vs 21-23: Peter got it wrong. Jesus' plans Peter's confrontation Why Peter got it wrong What does it mean for us today

E. Conclusion: Summary and application from this passage: What is your confession concerning Jesus Christ, and does your behavior match your confession?