1. Fruit Evidencing Repentance

2. Introduction Preparing the way for the Savior, John the Baptist said, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” He revealed the nature of conversion, saying that men should “Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.” In the first and second gospel sermons recorded in the book of Acts, Peter emphasized the need for repentance (Acts 2:37-40; 3:19-21). Paul similarly affirmed that men “should repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance” (Acts 26:19-20).

3. The Nature of Repentance Every obstacle that stands between us and the Lord must be removed. In order for repentance to be real, a genuine change of heart and life is necessary. While the sorrow of the world wallows in remorse and regret, godly sorrow moves us to repentance (2 Cor. 7:8-11).

4. Statement to the Pharisees & Sadducees Jesus sternly denounced the Pharisees and Sadducees, saying, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance…” (Matt. 3:7-12; Luke 3:7-9). On other occasions, Jesus denounced religious leaders with similar language (Matt. 12:33-37; 23:29-33). This emphasizes the importance of serving God with sincerity and truth (Josh. 24:14-15; 1 Cor. 5:8).

5. Statement to the Crowds The crowds questioned Jesus, saying, “Then what shall we do?” He answered, “The man who has two tunics is to share with him who has none; and he who has food is to do likewise” (Luke 3:10-11). This emphasizes the need for charitable compassion (Luke 6:38; 12:29-34; Acts 9:36-39).

6. Statement to the Tax Collectors Some tax collectors questioned Jesus, saying, “Teacher, what shall we do?” He replied, “Collect no more than what you have been ordered to” (Luke 3:12-13). This emphasizes the need for honesty and uprightness (Luke 19:1-10; 2 Cor. 8:16-24; 1 Pet. 2:12).

7. Statement to the Soldiers Some soldiers questioned Jesus, saying, “And what about us, what shall we do?” He said, “Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages” (Luke 3:14). This emphasizes the need for fairness and equity, personal integrity and a spirit of contentment (Matt. 7:12; Phil. 2:14-18; 1 Tim. 6:6-11).

8. Conclusion “What shall we do?” emphasizes individual accountability. The same question was asked by believers on Pentecost (Acts 2:37-38) and the Philippian Jailer (Acts 16:25-30). After seeing Jesus on the Damascus road, Saul of Tarsus was instructed to “get up and enter the city, and it will be told you what you must do” (Acts 9:1-6). Afterwards, Ananias commanded Paul, “Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name” (Acts 22:16).

9. Challenge Will you respond to the Lord’s invitation in a similar manner? Will you be saved from this perverse generation (Acts 2:40-42; Phil. 2:12-13)?