Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Matt 3:8 NLT
Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe... Luke 3:7 NLT
I like the NLT as it is a thought for thought translation rather than word for word. It's helpful for regular people to understand what is being said apart from the "christianese" words like "fruit" and "repentance"
I've understood for some time that faith and repentance are "two sides of the same coin" you can't have one without the other. They go together and can't be separated. It's like James 2:14-26,17,22 says, "So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless...(regarding Abraham) You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete."
And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” He was even called the friend of God. So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone. (James 2:23-24, Gen 15:6, Isa 41:8)
The discourse ends with Rahab the prostitute for example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road.
- Hebrews 11:31 affirms faith is in action not simply a mental belief. "By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient." - NIV
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Matthew 3:1-12 gives the context of John the Baptist preaching "Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near"
Application: "Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe,...Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire." - Matt 3:9-10
Luke 3:10-14 includes the Q & A of the repenting crowds - "What should we do?"
“If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.”
To tax collectors, Collect no more taxes than the government requires
To soldiers, Don't extort money or make false accusations. Be content with your pay.
Prayer: Thank you God for your corrective rebuke in your word. Help me to follow where you lead, to do what you ask, with the heart of a son - not a servant. (Serving as Sons, Not as Servants)
http://biblehub.com/matthew/3-8.htm
http://biblehub.com/hebrews/11-31.htm
The Fruits of Repentance
