Matthew 3:1-12

Matthew 3:1-12

1. John the Baptist spoke plainly about sin.
2. John the Baptist spoke plainly about our Lord Jesus Christ.
3. John the Baptist spoke plainly about the Holy Spirit.
4. John the Baptist spoke plainly about the dreadful danger of the unrepentant and unbelieving.
5. John the Baptist spoke plainly about the safety of true believers.

"We ought to be told the absolute necessity of union with Christ Himself by faith. He is the appointed fountain of mercy, grace, life, and peace. We must each have personal dealings with Him about our souls."

"There must not only be the work of Christ FOR us, but the work of the Holy Spirit IN us. There must not only be a title to heaven by the blood of Christ, but a preparedness for heaven wrought in us by the Spirit of Christ."

"We talk of the love and mercy of God, and we do not remember sufficiently His justness and holiness. Let us be very careful on this point. It is no real kindness to keep back the terrors of the Lord. It is good for us all to be taught that it is possible to be lost forever, and that all unconverted people are hanging over the brink of the pit."

"He taught, that there was "a barn" for all who are Christ's wheat, and that they would be gathered together there in the day of his appearing. This again is a teaching which human nature greatly requires. The best of believers need much encouragement."

Questions:

Ryle highlights the marks of John that Baptist's ministry, who spoke clearly about sin, the Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the coming judgement and the safety of true believers. A few questions will be helpful for us to consider.

1. Amongst other things, Ryle says "It is no real kindness to keep back the terrors of the Lord. It is good for us all to be taught that it is possible to be lost forever, and that all unconverted people are hanging over the brink of the pit." In the church you call home, when was the last time sin, repentance or hell was talked about or mentioned? I don't mean every sermon has this as its primary focus, but does the preacher avoid such topics? In light of these verses, would you agree or disagree? Why?
2. In speaking clearly about the Lord Jesus, Ryle warns that many in his day are happy to talk about being united to the church, being baptized, taking the supper, and going to church events, but fall short of being united to Christ by faith alone. Jesus is the appointed fountain of mercy, grace, life, and peace, and we must have personal dealings with him about our souls. Could this falling short of union with Christ but being part of the visible church be said of us?
3. Ryle says something that may have caused you pause: "We need to be told that forgiveness of sin is not the only thing necessary to salvation. There is another thing yet; and that is the baptizing of our hearts by the Holy Spirit." He is not advocating a second blessing, but the necessity of the Holy Spirit in conversion. In truth, the Christian life is not a 'get out of hell free' card, but a call to walk in holiness. If in Christ, are we growing in godliness? Do we know something of the Spirit working in us? (see Philippians 2:12-13 and Hebrews 12:14).