Making reproducing disciples of Jesus Christ

Group Bible Study Practice Session – John’s Ministry (Matthew 3:1-6)

Session 3: August 14, 2016 @ 1:00pm

Purpose

To learn how to harvest the four treasures listed in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 through your own personal Bible study.

Method

Working together as a group, we will study a Bible passage.   We will learn how to ask questions of a passage to open up the truths the Holy Spirit gave in that passage and learn how to make personal application of those truths to our lives.

Discussion Passage:

Topic: The Ministry of John the Baptist

Now in those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, 2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 3 For this is the one referred to by Isaiah the prophet when he said, “THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, ‘MAKE READY THE WAY OF THE LORD, MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT!’” 4 Now John himself had a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem was going out to him, and all Judea and all the district around the Jordan; 6 and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins.  Matthew 3:1-6

Preparation

Please read over these six verses at least 3 times before our session.

Pray and ask God to reveal the intended purpose of this passage for your life.

Bible Study

Consider why the Holy Spirit included each of these sections in this passage:

Timing (3:1, 3)

  1. Why does Matthew give us a specific time stamp? (3:1; cf. Isaiah 40:3)
  2. How does John’s life and ministry relate to Jesus’ life and ministry?

Message (3:2)

  1. What message does John preach and why?

Divine Life Purpose (3:3)

  1. What was John’s God appointed purpose?
  2. Why did God give John this purpose?
  3. Did John accomplish God’s purpose for his life?
  4. Who is the LORD? (cf. Isaiah 42:8; Matthew 3:13)

Lifestyle Description (3:4)

  1. Why does Matthew include a description of John’s personal appearance and diet?

Impact for Christ (3:5-6)

  1. What impact for Christ did John’s life and ministry make?

Personal Application

Consider how your life and purpose is similar or dissimilar to John’s life.

How might the Holy Spirit use the details of John’s life in this passage in your own life?

Keep in mind the four treasures of Scripture:

  • Doctrine: What does God say is right?
  • Reproof: What is wrong with me?
  • Correction: How do I make it right?
  • Instruction: How do I keep it right?

 

 

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