Week 2 – Jeff Maness – February 16, 2020
Baptism is not just an event we do in the church, it is a profoundly meaningful and incredibly powerful spiritual practice. But we shouldn’t be baptized just because the church offers it or because it’s important. We truly need to understand why we should be baptized.
Baptism: Why?
Big Question: Why should we be baptized?
Main Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17
Matthew 3:13-17 13 Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?” 15 But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” So John agreed to baptize him. 16 After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”
1. It was modeled by Jesus
2. It was the message, ministry, and mission of Jesus
John 4:1-2 1 Jesus knew the Pharisees had heard that he was baptizing and making more disciples than John 2 (though Jesus himself didn’t baptize them—his disciples did). Matthew 28:18-20 18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
If you were to ask me, “Is baptism necessary for the Christian?” I would say, “Absolutely.” It is not necessary for salvation, but it is necessary for obedience, because Christ, with no ambiguity, commanded that all of those who belong to Him, who are part of the new covenant family, and who receive the benefits of His salvation are to be baptized. — R.C. Sproul
3. It is the mark of Jesus
Baptism is a public renouncement of one’s former enslavement to satan and the other spiritual rulers of this present darkness, and a vow of loyalty and allegiance to the enthroned King, Jesus. — Dominic Tennant
Romans 6:1-4 1 Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? 2 Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? 3 Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? 4 For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.
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