Introduction
The Spirit-filled preaching of Martyn Lloyd-Jones:
Catherwood The one thing he prayed for, the one thing he relied on, the one thing he waited for and the one thing above all else beyond most other preachers of his generation which thousands felt under his preaching was the unction, or anointing, of the Holy Spirit.
That would’ve been the testimony of many who heard John’s preaching.
Read Luke 3:15-20
What kind of preacher was John? Greatest prophet > Example for all.
Those who proclaim Christ must be humble and bold.
- A Humble Ambassador (15-18)
- A Bold Ambassador (19-20)
A Humble Ambassador (15-18)
15 The people were thinking John might be the Christ, but his response is verbal (spiritual insight). John was “preparing the way” for this Jesus who “is coming”, just as promised in Malachi 3:1.
16 Jesus’ person is superior:
Sproul There was a rabbinic saying: ‘Every service which a slave performs for his master shall a disciple do for his teacher, except the loosing of his sandal thongs.’
John’s humility elaborated John 3:28-30.
Jesus’ baptism is superior:
- Holy Spirit Ordo Salutis (Regeneration >>).
- Fire Purity/Judgment. Pentecost. The same Christ who bore judgment, will bring judgment.
17 The winnowing fork gathers some for the barn and others for the “unquenchable fire”.
Hendriksen It is Christ who both purifies the righteous and purges the earth of its dross, the wicked.
18 This is the whole gospel!
Hughes The bad news is part of the good news.
- We need to ensure that we are heading for the barn, not the fire!
- We should be characterized by humility. His baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire continues to purge and purify us in order to make us fit for ministry and eternity.
Do you come expecting to be convicted of your sin as well as to receive comfort from the gospel? A good sermon will accomplish both.
In addition to being humble, John was also…
A Bold Ambassador (19-20)
SLIDE Herod Antipas divorced his wife in order to marry his brother’s wife and niece, Herodias, with whom he had an affair.
“All the evil things” are not delineated, but his father, Herod the Great, committed the atrocity of Matthew 2:16-18. The apple didn’t fall far from the tree. His crowning injustice was imprisoning John.
Herod admired certain qualities of John, but Herodias clearly abhorred him (Mark 6:14-29).
The world generally doesn’t like to hear rebuke and judgment. That’s especially true for those in authority over us.
But John was a faithful prophet of God who called out the sin of the king—repeatedly!-regardless of the consequences.
Bock Sometimes doing God’s will is not popular; it may involve personal risk.
Just as the preaching of John prepares us for Jesus’s ministry, John’s persecution prepares us for Jesus’s death.
The Gospel brings hope and death.
1 John 3:13 Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you.
For many, political convictions have replaced religious convictions. We’ve lost our mission when we make excuses for immorality.
As the Western world continues its descent into secularism, will we be capable of speaking the truth regardless of who it offends?
When your job is threatened because of your religious beliefs, will you remain faithful to King Jesus?
Boldness is best exhibited under fire…
Conclusion
All Christians are ambassadors.
Do you humbly and boldly proclaim Christ?
Rippon “How Firm a Foundation”: When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply: The flame shall not hurt thee, I only design thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.