the Baptist came, preaching

"Words from the Wilderness" {Matt3:1-12}
* Intro: What defines greatness?
- World defines it differently than God
- JtheB called the greatest -- greater than Moses, Abe, et al
* Man
- Matt gives no background -- written for Jews already familiar with him (Billy of his day)
- Job not actually baptizing but preaching repentance; Luke1:15-16: bring people back to God
* Message
- Repent: More than regret; actually change of direction
* Motive
- King was coming
- 400 yrs of silence twixt OT/NT over
* Mission
- Prepare hearts for Christ
- Help people see need for God
* Manner
- Unlike other religious leaders of day (rough around edges)
- Like Elij
- Renunciation of pleasures that distract from God
* Ministry
- Confession
- Baptism
* Application:
- Honesty b4 King (confession)
- Submission to King (baptism)
- Fruitfulness for King (works)