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Voice in the Wilderness
Jesus
said, "Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater
than John the Baptist." Matthew 11:11. What do we know about this
solitary man whom Jesus called the greatest of the prophets?
When John began preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, people came from
miles around to hear this powerful, fearless, and humble messenger. In
glaring contrast to the religious leaders of the day, his life was
marked with holiness and simplicity. While the priests wore luxurious
clothing, John wore a modest garment of camel hair with a leather belt.
While they were feasting, John was fasting or eating locusts (carob
pods) and wild honey. He refused to drink any wine or strong drink, that
he might be filled with the Spirit of God (Luke 1:15). Rather than
ornate synagogues, John chose the rivers and rocky valleys as his
cathedral for preaching. Soon people were asking, "Could this man be
Elijah?"
John did dress like the Old Testament prophet, but he was not Elijah
reincarnated. The angel Gabriel had explained to John's parents before
his birth that he would go "in the spirit and power of Elias [the Greek
word for "Elijah"] ... to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."
Luke 1:17.
The key to John's ministry was that he would have the same power of the
Holy Spirit as did Elijah to cause a revival among God's people. His
special work was to preach repentance for sin and prepare people for
Jesus' first coming.
The Bible says there will be an entire army of Elijahs and John the
Baptists in the last days to do a similar work in preparing the world
for Jesus' second coming. "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet
before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord." Malachi
4:5. (See also Joel 2:28-31.) |
 1. What
was one secret of John's Spirit-filled life?
Luke 3:16
. John answered, ... I indeed baptize you with water; but one
mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not
______ to unloose.
John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
Answer:
___________________________
Note: The
Spirit-filled life of John the Baptist was marked by unusual humility.
There was a direct connection between John's powerful ministry and the
complete surrender he had made to the Lord. It was John's highest joy
to point others to Jesus rather than to himself. All he did was
designed to bring glory to God's name.
 2. Did
John the Baptist read the Scriptures?
John 1:23
. He said, I am the _______ of one crying in the wilderness, Make
straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias [the
Greek word for "Isaiah"].
Answer:
___________________________
Note: Yes!
John quoted from the Old Testament as evidence that he had a solid
grasp of the Scriptures. The Bible also tells us that John taught his
disciples to fast and to pray often (Matthew 9:14). This is another
testimony of his deep love for the Lord. In the same way, through our
personal devotions and Bible study, we can come to know and love God
and to receive of His Spirit.
 3. Was
John the Baptist willing to witness for Jesus?
John 1:29
. The next day ______ seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith,
Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
Answer:
___________________________
Note: :
By nature, John was a solitary soul (Luke 1:80). Yet he was willing to
risk ridicule and even to lay his life on the line in order to point
people to Jesus as Saviour of the world. In the same way, those who
truly love the Lord today will be willing to set aside fear and
convenience to witness for Jesus.
 4. Was
the straight preaching of John popular among the political and
religious leaders?
Luke 7:30
. The Pharisees and lawyers _________ the counsel of God against
themselves, being not baptized of him.
Luke 3:19, 20 But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by
him ... for all the evils which Herod had done, ... shut up John in
prison.
Answer:
___________________________
Note: John
boldly spoke out against the popular sins of the day that were
indulged even by the religious leaders. God's last-day message of
repentance and holiness will also be unpopular among most of the
respected political and church leaders, but it will be biblical.
 5. Does
the Bible discourage the wearing of jewelry and fancy clothing?
1 Timothy
2:9 . In like manner also, that women [and, of course, men] adorn
themselves in ______ apparel, ... not with broided hair, or gold,
or pearls or costly array.
1 Peter 3:3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward
adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of
putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, ...
even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of
God of great price.
Isaiah 3:18-21 In that day the Lord will take away the bravery
of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, ... The chains,
and the bracelets, and the mufflers [veils], The bonnets, and
the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets [perfume
boxes], and the earrings, The rings, and nose jewels.
Answer:
___________________________
Note: Yes!
John the Baptist wore simple, modest clothing--a good pattern for
Christians to follow. The popular, sexually suggestive fads and
fashions of today encourage a great deal of temptation and debt. God
does not intend for us to dress in burlap; however, unduly expensive,
flamboyant, or ostentatious clothing should not be part of a
Christian's wardrobe. Although the wearing of jewelry is widely
accepted in the world, it has a negative image in the Scriptures. You
may not recognize all of the items mentioned in Isaiah 3:18-23, but
people in other parts of the world do. Many of these pagan ornaments
are now appearing in Western culture, as well.
 6. Was
there a connection between John's Spirit-filled life and his simple
diet?
Luke 1:15
. For he ... shall drink neither _____ nor strong drink; and he
shall be filled with the Holy Ghost.
Answer:
___________________________
Note: Christians
should completely abstain from all fermented beverages in order to
keep their minds clear and to hear God's Spirit (Proverbs 23:31, 32;
Habakkuk 2:15; 1 Peter 5:8).
 7. Why
is God concerned about what we eat and drink?
Judges 13:7
. Behold, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and now drink no wine
nor strong drink, neither eat any ______ thing: for the child
shall be a Nazarite to God from the womb to the day of his death.
1 Corinthians 6:19 Know ye not that your body is the
temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God?
Answer:
___________________________
Note: There
is a direct connection between what we eat or drink and our mental
clarity, ability to resist temptation, and capacity to distinguish
between right and wrong. Everything a Christian does--including what
he eats and drinks--should be done to God's glory (1 Corinthians
10:31).
 8. What
does the Bible say about worldly behavior?
James 4:4
. Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the
______ of God.
2 Corinthians 6:17 Come out from among them, and be ye
seperate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I
will receive you.
1 John 2:15 If any man love the world, the love of the
Father is not in him.
Romans 12:2 Be not conformed to this world: but be ye
transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove
what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Answer:
___________________________
Note: The
Lord has called His people today to live exemplary lives as they help
others prepare for Jesus' second coming.
 9. What
should a Christian choose to think about?
Philippians
4:8 . Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are
honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are _____,
whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if
there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these
things.
Psalm 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before mine
eyes.
Answer:
___________________________
Note: John
the Baptist commanded the people to abstain from all violence (Luke
3:14). For us, this would include watching violence as a form of
entertainment. Jesus taught that sins of sex and violence originate in
the thoughts and attitudes (Matthew 5:22, 28). Therefore, a Christian
should avoid any TV programs, videos, or reading material that would
encourage impure thoughts.
 10. What
type of music will a true Christian enjoy?
Psalms 40:3
. He hath put a new _____ in my mouth, even praise unto our
God.
1 Samuel 16:23 And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from
God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his
hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit
departed from him.
Answer:
___________________________
Note: It
is obvious that a great majority of the popular music in the world
does not help us spiritually. Instead, it destroys our desire for
heavenly things and often strengthens the lower nature. However, music
can be a tremendous power for good. When King Saul was tormented by an
evil spirit, the soothing music from David's harp refreshed him and
drove away the evil influence.
 11. Is
dancing good recreation for a Christian?
1 John 2:6
. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to _____,
even as he walked.
Titus 2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly
lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this
present world.
Answer:
___________________________
Note: Most
of the popular contemporary dancing is associated with worldly music
and has a very strong sexual emphasis. In almost any situation we
should ask, "What would Jesus do?" I think we all agree that our
Saviour would not abandon His reason to swing body and limb to the
beat of some syncopated rhythm.
 12. Will
a Christian play the lottery or gamble?
1 Timothy
6:10 . For the love of money is the root of all evil:
which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and
pierced themselves through with many _________.
2 Thessalonians 3:10 This we commanded you, that if any would
not work, neither should he eat.
Proverbs 28:20 He that maketh haste to be rich
shall not be innocent.
Answer:
___________________________
Note: Gambling
can be just as addictive as many drugs. Some have squandered entire
family savings at casinos or on state lottery tickets. Most "get rich
quick" schemes are associated with undue risk, unfair prices, and
questionable ethics.
 13. What
should be the aim of God's people today?
1 John 3:22
. We _____ his commandments, and do those things that are
pleasing in his sight.
Ecclesiastes 12:13 Fear God, and keep his commandments: for
this is the whole duty of man.
Answer:
___________________________
Note: A
person cannot live any way he wishes and finally be saved in God's
kingdom. This is one reason Jesus came to earth--to give us an example
of holy living (1 Peter 2:21).
 14. What
makes it easy to obey God in the matters of lifestyle discussed in
this lesson?
John 14:15
. If ye ________ me, keep my commandments.
1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his
commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
Psalm 40:8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law
is within my heart.
Answer:
___________________________
 15. Why
is the Christian life such a high calling?
1 Peter 2:9
. But ye are a ______ generation, a royal priesthood, an holy
nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the
praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous
light.
Answer:
___________________________
Note: As
ambassadors for Jesus, Christians do indeed have a high calling! John
the Baptist helped prepare people for Jesus' first coming, and God has
called His people today to live holy lives as they help others prepare
for Jesus' second coming.
 16. Are
you willing to be a unique "voice in the wilderness" and witness
through a godly lifestyle to prepare others for Jesus' second coming?
.
Answer:
___________________________
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