Click here for the sermon discussion questions or see them listed below. We highly encourage you to listen, think, and talk about the sermon. These are questions you can reflect on by yourself, with your family, or with your small group.

Discussion Questions 

1. John preached to the crowds that true repentance unto God should result in a changed life that will be evidenced in the way we treat other people. Read Luke 3:10-14. What should true repentance look like in a Christian?  Give examples from your own experience and discuss whether a selfish, self-centered, self-indulgent Christian can be truly repentant unto God.

2. In our sermon, we heard that the reason people are greedy and want more for themselves is because they are discontent.  Why should Christians be the most content, and therefore generous people in the world? What warning does Hebrews 13:5-6 give to Christians who are always seeking more and more money?  For the Christian who is always seeking more, what does this say about his/her trust and security in God?

3. The large crowds were wondering about John’s ministry - could he be the Messiah? John was quick to put them in their place, for he knew that he was not even fit to untie Jesus’ sandals.  Think about John the Baptist, of whom Jesus said, “among those born of women none is greater than John” What do we learn about humility from John?  Now think about Jesus, who would later, not only untie the sandals from His disciples feet, but also wash them as well. How does Jesus’ example speak to you about how you should treat other people?  How does His example help you in your contentment?

4. Knowing a Savior who would give everything He had, even His life, for the ones He loves, should help us to be more like John the Baptist in making more of Jesus and less of ourselves.  How can you make more of Jesus and less of yourselves in every area of your life - in your marriage, in your family, in your use of your resources, in your thought life, in your free time, in every area of your life?  What does this look like practically?  Give some examples.

5. John’s commitment to preach the good news compelled him to speak truth even to those who had the power to put him to death. Is the gospel message - calling people to repentance so that they might gain forgiveness - important enough, valuable enough, for us to give up our very lives? What are you holding onto in this life that is more important than the salvation of an eternal soul?  What can help us to see our life the way John saw his?