THRIVE THOUGHT
Why Vipers Are Not Cool
John the Baptist is one of the more curious figures in the Gospels because of his odd behaviors, edgy sermons, and passionate pursuit of God! Yet, in one of his sermons found in Luke 3:2-18, John lays out the path of pursuing God plainly for everyone to understand and it’s not what we would think!
First, he calls out everyone in attendance, as if he is testing their heart and their motives, by labeling them a “brood of vipers.” I will never forget my Greek professor telling us that this was as bad as a curse word today and everyone would have taken offense to it.
John continues that God’s judgment is coming for anyone whose heart is not fully devoted to God, and we cannot hide behind the family we were born into (if we are Jewish) rather our fruit, or the life we live, will confirm how devoted we are to God.
To the bulk of the crowd, John says, "Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” (verse 11)
To the tax collectors, John says, "Don’t collect any more than you are required to." (verse 13)
To the Roman soldiers, John says, "Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.” (verse 14)
Each part of the crowd was challenged by John the Baptist to leverage their clothing, their food, their money, or their contentment in the fruit of their life.
As you listen to John today, which of the points of his sermon is the hardest for you live out right now?
What needs to change in your heart to live the fruitful life that John is calling us to live?
Brian Beall is one of the pastors at Pathway. He and his wife, Sheri, are leading their children to wisely manage their income, so that they can thrive as adults.
Learn more about Pathway's Thrive Financial Ministry.
Why Vipers Are Not Cool
John the Baptist is one of the more curious figures in the Gospels because of his odd behaviors, edgy sermons, and passionate pursuit of God! Yet, in one of his sermons found in Luke 3:2-18, John lays out the path of pursuing God plainly for everyone to understand and it’s not what we would think!
First, he calls out everyone in attendance, as if he is testing their heart and their motives, by labeling them a “brood of vipers.” I will never forget my Greek professor telling us that this was as bad as a curse word today and everyone would have taken offense to it.
John continues that God’s judgment is coming for anyone whose heart is not fully devoted to God, and we cannot hide behind the family we were born into (if we are Jewish) rather our fruit, or the life we live, will confirm how devoted we are to God.
To the bulk of the crowd, John says, "Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” (verse 11)
To the tax collectors, John says, "Don’t collect any more than you are required to." (verse 13)
To the Roman soldiers, John says, "Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.” (verse 14)
Each part of the crowd was challenged by John the Baptist to leverage their clothing, their food, their money, or their contentment in the fruit of their life.
As you listen to John today, which of the points of his sermon is the hardest for you live out right now?
What needs to change in your heart to live the fruitful life that John is calling us to live?
Brian Beall is one of the pastors at Pathway. He and his wife, Sheri, are leading their children to wisely manage their income, so that they can thrive as adults.
Learn more about Pathway's Thrive Financial Ministry.
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