THE IMPENDING WRATH Saturday June 20, 2015
Text: Matthew 3:7 – 12 Memory verse: v 7
John was gladly baptizing many repentant people who came to him, confessing their sins and desiring to live for God. However, when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees, he burst out in anger at the hypocrisy of these religious leaders. The Pharisees separated themselves from anything non-Jewish and carefully followed both the Old Testament laws and the oral traditions handed down through the centuries. The Sadducees on the other hand believed the Pentateuch alone (Genesis—Deuteronomy) to be God’s word.
John denounced and criticized the Pharisees for being legalistic and hypocritical, for following the letter of the law while ignoring its true intent. He had criticized the Sadducees for using religion to advance their political position. He obviously doubted the genuineness of their desire to be baptized, that was why he made the statement in 3:7. Brood of vipers (Jesus also used this term – 12:34; 23:33), conveys how dangerous and cunning they were.
Do you know that there is an impending wrath on sinners? How prepared are you to avoid it? Now is the time because tomorrow may be too late. Repent of your sins now and accept Jesus as your Saviour.
Food for Thought: Romans 5:9
Prayer: Almighty God, grant that I will not be caught up in the web of your wrath that will be revealed against the ungodly in Jesus name.
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