Preparation Weeks for the 40 Days of Purpose

Preparation Week 1: "Getting ready for a life-changing event"


Bible Person: John the Baptist

Bible References: Luke 1:5-25; Luke 3:1–19; John 3:22-30

Background: Luke 1:57-80; Matthew 3:1-12

This lesson concerns John the Baptist. Many Christians have not spent much time to study John’s life and his relationship with Jesus. When we hear of a man dressed in rags, eating grasshoppers and honey, and yelling things out in public, we would probably want to avoid being involved with that man. However, from the beginning of time, God intended to have someone prepare people for the Savior, God’s only Son, Jesus to come into the world. That someone was John the Baptist. As we study John’s ministry to prepare for Christ, let’s consider the preparation needed for us to be ready for a spiritual journey called the 40 Days of Purpose.

Read Luke 1:5-25

According to Gabriel, what was the purpose of John’s life? Did John fulfill that purpose?

What does it mean to "commit" your life to someone or something? Have you committed your life to God?

Read Luke 3:1-19 and John 3:22-30

Do you think that John knew he was THE "messenger"? If so, describe John’s commitment to God.

What was John’s evaluation of his life before it was tragically ended?

Are you willing to risk your current "creature comforts" to make a change in your life that will impact your eternity?

Application:

Obviously, dressing in rags, eating grasshoppers and yelling would distract others from seeing you as a Christian. What can a Christian do today to honor God?

How can you determine the level of your commitment to God and living a Christian life?

What can you do to remove some "creature comforts" that could hinder your growing in Christ?

With the 40 Days of Purpose only a few weeks away, how can you prepare yourself to be ready for a spiritual event?


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