Hillside Missionary Church
Whether you’re a guest or a long-time attendee we’re glad you’re here with us. We’re a friendly and caring group of Christians who are here to help people be CONNECTED with Jesus, CHANGED by Jesus, and COMMITTED to the mission of Jesus. If you're new with us today, thank for joining us! We truly believe that you’re not here by accident and that God has some amazing plans for your life. If you’d like some information about who we are and how to get plugged in here at Hillside, please fill out the “I’m New” page on our website, hmcworship.com/im-new/
Luke 3:1-22 ESV
In this passage of God’s Word we see John the Baptist insulting the people who came to be baptized by him. He doesn’t do that out a mean-spirited attitude though; he does so to jolt his listeners out of a nominal faith and into having faith the way that God designed it to be. By taking a closer look at what John tells them, we too can see what our faith is actually supposed to look like. John reminds his listeners that:
1. Lineage is not enough to get you into Heaven
Luke 3:7-8, Matt. 7:13-14, 2 Pet. 3:9, John 3:16
2. The true evidence of a believer is fruit
Luke 3:9, Matt. 7:17-23, Mark 11:12-14, 20-25, Gal. 5:22-23
3. Faith always affects the way that we live
Luke 3:10-14, James 1:22-25, 2:14-26
Reflection Questions
1. After taking a look at John the Baptist’s story here in chapter 3 of the Gospel of Luke, what stands out to you the most? If you’re familiar with the story, did you notice anything that you haven’t noticed before?
2. John’s listeners undoubtably would have felt very pressed to look at their own life and faith after hearing what John had said to them. If you traveled to go be baptized by John, and then heard him insult you and say what he said, how do you think you would have responded. Why? Has anyone ever harshly called you out for something before? How did you respond? How did that encounter impact your relationship with that other person? How did you respond? How did that encounter impact your faith?
3. John makes it very evident to his listeners that real faith in the one, true God must affect the way that our lives look. In other words, having faith demands that we bear fruit. What is the fruit in your life during this season? Take some time to make a list. Are you happy with that list? What are some practical steps that you could take to improve that list? Write down some action oriented, trackable goals for yourself to take. Then come back to them every week and evaluate yourself. Who will keep you accountable to accomplishing this? If you don’t have anyone who can keep you accountable to accomplishing these things, who can you put in your life that will keep you accountable?