Verse 7 John the Baptist is now baptizing people. (Matthew 3:5-6 tells us this.) John gave a message to large crowds of people coming to be baptized. He sees the Pharisees (religious Jewish leaders who are strict to the religious laws and traditions) and Sadducees (religious Jewish leaders who only believe in the religious law that is written down. They don’t believe in spiritual things.) coming to the crowd and John calls them “snakes” (NLT) or “vipers” (ESV) because they are poisonous to each other and to God in the way they act and speak. These people come to church and listen to the message but they don’t want to change. They want their lives left alone. They want the information but not the transformation. John says whoever warned you that you could flee from God’s judgment was wrong. There are no amount of laws they can abide by and still escape God’s judgment- because they still have sin. There is no way to run from God’s wrath that is coming except by repentance. 

Verse 8 When we say we have repented of our sin and changed our minds about that sinful thing we used to say or do, then that change in our minds should show itself in our actions by what we do. Our actions are known as fruit. So the Bible says our repentance will bear fruit if we were truly sincere in our repentance. And that is John’s message to these religious leaders. “The proof is in the pudding.” So the saying goes. Repentance is not just reading and studying the Bible. It should be showing up in our hands and feet and lips.

Verse 9 Anyone who is not repenting of their sin and producing the fruit of repentance will be brought low and thrown into the fire for judgment. Judgment is just around the corner for us all. There are no excuses to not repent. No one is exempt from repenting and no one is safe from God’s wrath.

Verse 10 ‘The crowds asked, “What should we do?”’ How can they meet these spiritual conditions that John is talking about?

Verse 11 ‘John replied, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.”’ Practice generosity.

Verse 13 ‘He replied, “Collect no more taxes than the government requires.”’ Practice honesty

Verse 14 ‘“What should we do?” asked some soldiers. John replied, “Don’t extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay.”’ Practice being content in their daily life

Repentance is proven by the way we treat others. Galatians 5:14 tells us that “the whole law (God’s law) is fulfilled in one statement: love your neighbor as yourself.”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I’m so grateful that I can trust You to have my very best in mind. There’s nothing better than Your way for my life. I throw off all my need for control of areas in my life that are keeping me from Your best for me. I repent of my way, my will, and I surrender to Your will, God. I pray that my life will be transformed by the renewal of my mind and my thoughts. I pray my hands and feet will bear fruit that I am sincere in following Your way, Jesus. I throw off all the excuses holding me hostage to my own will. I don’t want to serve myself. I want to serve You. Cleanse my heart of the poisonous thoughts that keep me from Your best. Help me practice a life of generosity, honesty, and contentment in my daily life that You may be glorified for any good that comes from me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.