John the Baptist Prepares the Way
Matthew 3:10 “And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.”
And
now also... The
3rd New Testament prophecy in Matthew (Mat. 3:10-12). Next, Mat. 5:3.
Threefold: judgment (Mat. 3:10; 7:15-23); Spirit baptism (Mat. 3:11;
Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-39; 11:14-18); and second coming (Mat. 3:12; 13:30,
13:39-43, 13:49-50; 25:31-46).
every tree which... Keep away from false prophets or teachers (see, 1Jhn. 4:1).
Seven ways false prophets are known:
1. By outward general conduct (Mat. 7:15; 5:20; 6:1-24; 23:1-33; 2Tim. 3:5)
2. By inward state (Mat. 7:15; 5:22, 5:28; 23:25-28; Mark 7:21-23)
3. By the kind of fruit in works produced (Mat. 7:16-20; 23:1-24; 2Cor. 11:13-15; Phlp. 1:15-17; 3:3, 3:17-19)
4. By the kind of fruit in doctrine taught (Mat. 7:16-20; 12:33-37; 15:1-9; 16:12; 23:1-33; 1Tim. 4:1-6; 6:3-5; 2Tim. 3:1-8; 4:1-4; 2Pet. 2:1-22)
5. By professing to do, not doing the will of God (Mat. 7:21; 5:20; 23:1-33)
6. By satanic backing (Mat. 7:22; 24:24; Acts 8:9-13; 13:6-13; 16:16-24; 2Cor. 11:13-15; 2Thes. 2:8-12; Rev. 13:1-18; Rev_16:13-16; 19:20)
7. By their destiny (Mat. 7:23; 25:41, 25:46; 2Cor. 11:13-15; Rev. 19:20; 20:10-15)
Just as this is true in the natural realm, so it is in the spiritual. A man cannot be a saint and a sinner at the same time (Mat. 7:24; Rom. 6:16-23; 8:13).
What a sentence upon professed preachers and Christians who do not bring forth good fruit! See John 15:1-8.
In this, John was telling this people, you have had your chance. Preparation had been made. If you are not productive to the kingdom, you will be cut down. Just as we will see in a later lesson where Jesus cursed the fig tree and it withered and died.
Irreversible judgment was imminent.
0 comments:
Post a Comment