Lessons from john the Baptist

Key text John 3:27

AMP “John answered, A man can receive nothing [he can claim nothing, he can take unto himself nothing] except as it has been granted to him from heaven [a man must be content to receive the gift which is given him from heaven, there is no other source]”

NIV “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven”

What is it that you have and have you realized that has ONLY come from heaven and that it is a gift?

Family, spouse, Job/employment/occupation/business, house, health, skills etc

Have you been thankful and thanked God for it?

John the Baptist was the one who had a special message from God to prepare the people for Christ’s first coming, to preach and ask for repentance among the believers (Jews), he was the first one to baptize.

As individuals and as a church how do we react when we are the only ones who have exclusive information or knowledge about something? Are we humble or proud? Do we use this position to oppress others?

As for John he preached mightily the gospel he had and was very stern in the warning, bordering on being harsh (calling Pharisees as a brood of vipers). He was true to his calling are you?

John teaches us that the laborers can rest (die but the work continues). God’s work is never dependant on one person, it is meant for a lot of people to share the work, so you must not feel bad when your time to stop work is up.