Introduction:

1. John's birth was miraculous, like many others (Luke 1:7, 18, 57-66).

2. This signaled that God was about to renew His divine communications (Luke 1:10, 18-22; Hebrews 2:1-4).

3. Many prophecies were fulfilled in John (Isaiah 40:1-5; Malachi 4:5-6; Matthew 3:1-3; 11:11-14).

Discussion:

I. John’s Mission, Means, and Methods

A. He was sent as a herald before the King to clear the obstacles (Mark 1:2-3; John 1:23; Isaiah 40:3-5).

B. The obstacles he cleared were in human hearts (Luke 1:17, 76-79).

C. Preaching repentance was John's method (Matthew 3:1-2).

D. He prepared the people to believe in the Light (John 1:6-9).

E. Preaching is still the means to prepare hearts (Mark 16:15-16; Romans 10:13-17; Ephesians 1:13, 17; Colossians 1:9-10).

F. John was very successful (Matthew 3:5-6).

II. Keys To His Success and Ours

A. Self-denial (Luke 1:15, 80; Matthew 3:4; cf. Luke 9:23).

B. Courage (Matthew 3:7-12; 14:1-12; cf. Matthew 10:26-33).

C. Love of truth (Matthew 3:2, 7-12; 14:3-4; cf. Ephesians 4:15, 25).

D. Obedience and therefore love (Matthew 3:15; John 1:23; cf. 1 John 5:2-3).

E. Righteousness and holiness (Matthew 11:11; Mark 6:20; cf. 1 Peter 1:15-16).

F. Zeal for the Lord (John 5:35; cf. Titus 2:11-14).

1. John was another man from humble beginnings who was chosen by God to play a key role in the scheme of redemption.

2. Though the scale and means of our mission differ from his, we too must point others to the true Light (John 1:6-8; Matthew 5:14-16).

3. May we embrace his mindset and fulfill our mission as he did.