Relevance of Repentance

Study Guide

The following may help you reflect further on the message
(the points could also be used as a discussion guide at fellowship groups)

  1. While some struggle for a position in this world, the word of God comes to humble people. Read Luke 3:1-6 and discover why this is true.
  2. Why is a call to repentance good news rather than bad news? How can you have your valleys filled-in and your paths made straight in the gospel? See Luke 3:1-6 and Isaiah 40:1-5.
  3. Isaiah 40:6-11 prophesies about the coming of John the Baptist. Notice the emphasis in this passage about the abiding word of God (vs.6-8). How does this fit in with the work of John and what role would Jesus have in this? Verses 9-11 may help.
  4. Humanly speaking, the odds were against John but his was a prophetic word in the Spirit. How is this message relevant for us today? How can we speak about repentance in our context today?
  5. John the Baptist would chase some away with his preaching, but he was a herald of the king, and no herald would dare change the king’s message to suit the audience. In this context, note Paul’s concern in 1 Corinthians 2:1-5. How can we apply these principles to our life today?
  6. Read Matthew 5:13-16. John the Baptist was a salt cellar and John Stott said, “Salt bites and the unadulterated message of the gospel has always been a biting thing.” Have you had this effect upon people recently? How can we prepare to do this today?
  7. In Luke 3:15-18, 21-23, we turn to the pre-eminent person in John’s ministry—Jesus. How do we know that Jesus is the Christ? How does his ministry differ to that of John? How is it possible for the Father to be well pleased with us as he was with Jesus? (See v22).
  8. Isaiah 42:1-9 could help us understand why Luke 3:22 is important. The ministry of Jesus could now begin as he made steps towards his ultismate purpose.