GOD IS DOING A NEW THING

“PREPARE THE WAY”

Luke 3:1–6

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herodtetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all people will see God’s salvation.’

Nehemiah 4:1-6

When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became angry and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews, and in the presence of his associates and the army of Samaria, he said, “What are those feeble Jews doing? Will they restore their wall? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they finish in a day? Can they bring the stones back to life from those heaps of rubble—burned as they are?” Tobiah the Ammonite, who was at his side, said, “What they are building—even a fox climbing up on it would break down their wall of stones!” Hear us, our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads. Give them over as plunder in a land of captivity. Do not cover up their guilt or blot out their sins from your sight, for they have thrown insults in the face of the builders. So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart.

John 1:23

“I am ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the LORD.’”

Ephesians 2:6-10

And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Hebrews 6:10

“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”

I. PREPARE OUR HEARTS TO SERVE THIS HOUSE

Matthew 3:1–3

“In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!’ For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the LORD; Make His paths straight.’”

Matthew 3:10

“Every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

II. WE MUST ALL PREPARE OUR HANDS

John 1:6–7

“There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe.”

1 Peter 4:10

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.”

Romans 12:6-13

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your [a]  faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, [b]  do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Love in Action Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

1 Corinthians 12:18

But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.

1 Peter 4:10

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

III. PREPARE THE HOUSE

Luke 3:11

“Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”

1 Peter 4:10

“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another.”

2 Corinthians 9:7

“God loves a cheerful giver.”

Matthew 5:16

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Hebrews 10:24–25

“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together... but encouraging one another.”

VI. THE GOAL IS NOT ACTIVITY. THE GOAL IS AN ENCOUNTER.

Luke 3:16

“John answered them all, ‘I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come... He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.’”

John 1:29

“Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”