Matthew 3:9-12 When God Will Cast the Christ Rejecters into the Fire

Introduction: In our text last Sunday the Pharisees and Sadducees came to John for baptism and were rejected. He rejected them because they had refused to repent and they had rejected the Christ. In our text today, John warned them of Judgment.

I. Not spared from judgment because of heritage. Verse 9

A. The Jewish leaders thought that because they were descendants of Abraham they would be spared.

1. The covenant was made with Abraham and confirmed with Isaac and Jacob.

2. As physical descendants, they felt secure.

3. The Pharisees particularly felt secure. (No judgment . . . . all the blessings of heaven).

4. The Sadducees did not believe in a hereafter.

B. John warned that this did not qualify them for heaven.

1. God could still reject all of them and raise up descendants to Abraham from stones.

2. Neither does being born of Christian parents qualify one for heaven.

II. Every unfruitful tree to be cut down. Verse 10

A. The owner of an orchard cuts down every unfruitful tree.

B. So God will cut down in judgment every tree that does not bring forth fruit meet for repentance.

C. The unfruitful trees will then be burned. Revelation 20:15

III. One greater and mightier than John. Verse 11

A. The Christ would soon begin His ministry.

B. John presented two reasons for receiving Him.

1. He is mightier than I.

2. He is more worthy than I.

C. Three words that need to be examined.

1. “Baptize” – to immerse.

2. “With” – literally in, within.

3. “Unto” – with reference to. (Because you repent).

D. John illustrated that Christ is mightier.

1. John baptized with water; the Christ would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

2. This was fulfilled on Pentecost. Acts 2

(The church was baptized. The Holy Spirit never baptizes individuals).

IV. A second warning: the burning of the chaff. Verse 12

A. The grain is harvested and the husk is cracked.

B. The grain is then winnowed (tossed in air).

C. The grain is then stored.

D. The chaff is burned.

1. So all Christ rejecters will be cast into the fire.

2. John calls it “unquenchable fire” to emphasize everlasting suffering.

Conclusion: I wish John were here to preach to you. But I am here and I am just as much God’s messenger as John was. I call upon you to repent and trust Jesus.

Preached at Pleasant Hill 1-31-82 A.M.

Preached at Vanderbilt Baptist Church, Tyler, TX 5-2-03 P.M.

Preached at Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, Carthage, TX 8-10-03 P.M.