THE NATURE OF THE KINGDOM:

TWO GROUPS (Part V)

Matthew 3:5-9 (11-4-07)

Intro: There is a clear break or contrast between what is happening in v.6 and v.7.  There are two distinct groups.  The word BUT is displaying a contrast, there is one picture and another.  The second picture really, sets off John the Baptist.  I don’t want to be in that second group.  I  doubt anyone here is in that group.  I want the Holy Spirit to go after any thing, anything, that would even make me appear to be like that group.  Generation (or brood) of vipers!  A deadly snake.  Offspring and producers of poison waiting to strike!

What a Viper’s Attributes  Apparently Are NOT: 1).  Viper stuff is NOT someone in deep sin.  In John 8:1-11 there is this story of the adulteress woman, caught in the very act.  Their Scriptures you know say stone her, but Jesus is redemptive and can’t wait to restore her.  Jesus knows the heart. Jesus does not ignore her sin, but Jesus does NOT label her a viper.  2). Viper stuff is NOT someone who is ignorant in understanding.  In John 9 is a whole chapter devoted to the story of one miracle, the man blind from birth.  The Pharisees are urging him to declare Jesus a sinner and give God glory.  This man ends up saying “all I know is that I was blind and now I see.”  Later Jesus invites him to believe on the Son of God, and the man said just tell him who He was and he would.  Jesus does NOT label him a viper. 3).  Viper stuff is NOT disagreeing on non essential issues:   In Galatians 2, Paul talks of sharp disagreement with Peter on matters of rules for Gentiles.  Yet their love for one another was confirmed.  4).  Viper stuff is not failure, even repeated failure.  In Matthew 26:69-75  Peter denies even knowing Christ three different times, yet even this was not viper stuff, he weeps bitterly .  I would sure think repeated failure should get him labeled, but Jesus does NOT label him a viper.  5). Viper stuff is not being an unaware (Pharisee).  In John 3:1-21 We see Nicodemus, a pharisee come to Christ by night.  He is ignorant, maybe even afraid of peers, but Jesus does NOT label him a viper.

What are The Tendencies  of a Viper:  John 8:5-7 shows us the boys carrying the rocks see the woman’s sin but not theirs.  They loved “their knowledge” but They did not see their own need, they are finger pointers, they strike out.  John 9:28-29, 34 shows us the boys carrying the bibles can see the blind man’s sin.  They loved “their knowledge” but they did not see their own need they are finger pointers,they strike out.  When I always know better, when I always see what’s wrong, that is one thing, but when it is focused on other’s wrong, other’s weakness, I need the Holy Spirit to show me, that I am looking like a viper.  We have all been there.  That’s why relationship with the body is not presented as an option.  It is presented as an absolute outflow of a real relationship with God.  It is imperative!  (John 13:34).

What the Nature of a Viper is: Literally, the deadliest of snakes of their day.  Amongst the rocks there were broods of them.  Waiting to strike, but if a fire was lit they would head for their holes.  Spiritually, they are always the religious experts. The finger pointers, they strike out. Matthew 3:6 The seeking group is confessing their sins.  V. 8 John has seen no evidence that they have any change, any need, any repentance. They are not bearing (poieo) fruit. V.9 John cuts right into their specialty.  They always rely on their knowledge.  They have “a special in with God.”  John says that God can awake from sleeping, the stones for children better than them.  They have shut down.  They are guarding and protecting their position, their rights, and their “old way of thinking.”  Jesus in Matthew 12:34 describes vipers.  It is a heart issue.  In Matthew 23 the whole chapter is devoted to what vipers are, and Jesus gets stronger then ever in his statement in Matthew 23:33 saying “Serpents, and generation of vipers.”  Do you know what you will see in this chapter?  Lot’s of works but no relationship.  Lot’s of rules, but no relationship.  And in verse 4, you get maybe the crux of the matter.  They will not lift a finger to help a burdened brother or sister!

Summary:  Oh, that I would remember that the Kingdom is here!  The Kingdom is here!  God, give me a  new way of thinking will keep me from guarding, protecting the old, and preventing others from entering the New.  Use my life to “prepare the way of the Lord and make His paths straight.”  Use  my fingers not to point AT but to point TO....to point to HIM.