Study # 11
November 9, 2003
Lincolnton, N.C.
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<022> Thesis:  The specific content of the understanding of the righteous has three parts: the sinful incapacity of man; the independent efficacy of Grace; and righteousness by faith. Introduction:  [Read Luke 1:15-17.] In our prior studies we have seen that John's ministry was predicted to prepare many in Israel for the coming of the Lord. In our study last week we focused upon the need for a change of heart in order for a person to be prepared for the coming of the Lord. We noted that if the heart is not changed, the person is not prepared -- no matter what he says with his mouth in terms of his claims regarding his possession of a relationship with Yahweh. This morning we are going to look at the second ingredient involved in preparing people for the coming of the Lord. It is given to us in the prediction that John would turn the "disobedient to the attitude of the righteous." This ingredient focuses upon the mind in distinction from the first ingredient which focuses upon the heart. The issues are the heart as the root of the values one holds and the mind as the repository of the beliefs one exercises. There are two questions: who are the "disobedient" and "what is the attitude of the righteous"?