RAP SHEET Luke 3:7-14

SERIES: The Chosen King

SERMON: Fruit of Repentance

SCRIPTURE: Luke 3:7–14

REVIEW

John the Baptizer prepared the way for Jesus’ first coming, and his message is just as urgent for us as we prepare for Jesus’ return. Crowds came to him for baptism, but John exposed their hearts—many weren’t seeking true repentance; they were chasing rituals or relying on their religious heritage. He warned them: “The ax is already at the root of the trees.” Judgment was imminent.

John made it clear: repentance is not about covering guilt with empty rituals, and salvation is not inherited through heritage. Repentance is a change of mind that results in a transformed life. True repentance bears fruit—tangible evidence in how we live.

When the people asked, “What should we do?” John gave radical but straightforward instructions:

• Share what you have with those who have nothing.

• Tax collectors must stop exploiting.

• Soldiers must stop abusing power and live content.

The core sign of true repentance is generosity. Why? Because the kingdoms of this world are built on greed, but the Kingdom of God is built on self-giving love.

And all of this is driven by urgency. Just as John prepared the way for Jesus’ first coming, we now prepare the way for His return. Repentance and generosity matter because eternity is at stake. We live with a Pilgrim’s Perspective: this world is not our home, and our King is coming soon.

APPLY

• Where are you tempted to “run to ritual” instead of truly repenting?

• What heritage, background, or identity do you hide behind that keeps you from facing your need to repent?

• How tightly are you holding onto money, possessions, or influence? Does your life reflect greed—or generosity?

• Do you live with urgency, like Jesus could return at any moment? How would your repentance, generosity, and faithfulness change if you fully believed that the King’s return was near?

The big question: What is ONE WAY you will live with a Pilgrim’s Perspective this week—practicing generosity and repentance as if Jesus could return tomorrow?

PRAY

• Thank God for sending John to prepare the way, and for reminding us through his words to prepare for the return of Jesus.

• Ask the Spirit to reveal where you are relying on ritual or heritage instead of repentance.

• Pray for courage to live generously—sharing what you have, using your power responsibly, and submitting every part of your life to Christ.

• Ask God to help you live with urgency, not wasting time on lesser things, but keeping your eyes on eternity.

• Pray that our church would be marked by repentance, generosity, and hopeful anticipation of Jesus’ return.