Sermon Tone Analysis

Dwell on scripture

It is good for us to dwell on scripture.

We should also be prepared to share scripture with others.

We don’t have to argue the scripture, it can and will speak for itself.

As we continue our series on things to dwell on, today we are looking at baptism.

But first let us look at some scripture authority for us to dwell on, reflect on, ponder, consider and meditate on (Php4:8-9)

Today using the RSV for you, I think application on this is pretty point blank.

We have during this series looked at: Bible, God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Gospel, Sin, Repentance and now today we are looking at baptism.

Baptism, one of the commands given in the scripture, but not the only command regarding salvation

Baptism works hand in hand with

Hearing (Rom10:17)

Believe (Jn3:16)

Repentance (Act2:38)

Confess (Rom10:9-10)

Living obediently (2Jn1:6)

Let me emphasis, Baptism is necessary according to scripture, but it is not more important or less important then the other things (hear, believe, confess, repent, live obediently) it is a command and should not be neglected in the preaching, teaching, sharing, but putting too much emphasis on it can have a negative impact.

The command of Baptism

To obey a command you must believe in the one, the authority of the command.

Do we have an understanding of the authority of the scripture?

Do we believe that it is the inspired word of God? Without that, the command has no authority.

So, as we look at this we are coming from a place that we believe in the authenticity and the authority of the scripture.

Definition of command according to Vines Bible dictionary, in short, for there are many variations of the verb used in the scripture.

To set in order, appoint, command; To enjoin upon, to charge with, to appoint over, to urge,incite, order, to prescribe, give order, command.

To set in order, appoint, command; To enjoin upon, to charge with, to appoint over, to urge,incite, order, to prescribe, give order, command.

Jesus commanded baptism (Mt28:19-20; Mk16:15-16)

Jesus commanded baptism (Mt28:19-20; Mk16:15-16)

To His apostles to go into all the world (nations).

and then in Mark’s account, it not only says into all the world but to all the people (creation)

The Apostles commanded baptism (Act2:38; Act10:44-48; Act22:16)

Preaching to the Jews

and then preaching to the Gentiles

Act10:46-47

ACt10:48

Preached with urgency

Act

So, if commanded by Jesus, if commanded by the Apostles, it must be important.

Baptism so now we need to look at what is baptism?

Baptism, what is it?

Outside of religion, baptism means nothing.

There is no application outside of religion.

Even within religion it can be confusing, some say sprinkling, some say pouring, while others say immersion.

So what is it?

What does the scripture say?

Baptism involves water as implied by Jesus and exampled by Jesus (Jn3:5; Mt3:14-16)

so one must be born again of water, so that does not define baptism yet.

Look at

So now we know it involves water by Jesus example.

Baptism involves water as implied by Paul (Tit3:5)

washing and regeneration, sounds like water is involved there too, doesn’t it?

Baptism involving water as demonstrated (Mt3:14-16; Act8:36-38; Act10:47-48)

I mentioned the Matthew passage and the baptism of Jesus, but look at this

Pricked hearts in Act2:38 lead to the command, a pricked heart here lead to the Eunuch asking to be baptised.

So, it involves water, it involves a pricked heart, it is voluntarily done not under compulsion but under command.

Meaning you are not forced to do it.

Baptism involves immersion in water

baptizó: to dip, sink

Original Word: βαπτίζω

Part of Speech: Verb

Transliteration: baptizó

Phonetic Spelling: (bap-tid'-zo)

Definition: to dip, sink

Usage: lit: I dip, submerge, but specifically of ceremonial dipping; I baptize

In scripture, it is likened to burial (Rom6:4; Col2:12)

And then again, look at this:

Alert, alert, we need to be careful not to change the word or the definition of the Word of God

Mk

That is what the Jews were doing, negating the word of God to something God did not intend in the first place.

You cannot find in the scripture baptism as defined as sprinkling or pouring, it is by immersion.

So we know the command, we know the mode, now let’s look at the subjects of baptism.

Baptism: The Subjects of

There are things we can know about the people (subjects) of baptism, in other words who is baptized?

They must be people of faith (Mk16:16; Rom1:16; Act8:36-37)

As mentioned before Mk16:16 I should give it again for the emphasis is different.

So belief is a prerequisite to baptism

It is for the hearing of the gospel, for the gospel is the power of God for salvation.

It is for the repentant believer (Lk24:47; Mk1:15; Act2:38)

Repentance for forgiveness of sins.

Look at words of Christ here.

Repent and believe, and we already looked at Act2:38, repent and be baptized.

So they need to believe, they need to believe repent of their sins prior to baptism.

Maybe better put in context the Luke passage just so you get the picture

Lk24:

Lk24:45-46

Lk24:45

See the apostles had their eyes opened, just as we have our eyes opened to the spiritual things, the commanded things.

Repentance is of no value if you do not know you need to repent, and repent of what?

You need to understand you are a sinner and separated from God due to our sins (ref only: Isa59:2; Ehp2:1) - (expand on this some)

Baptism: It’s purpose

God given purpose is clearly shown in the Word.

So may we let the Word speak for itself.

Purpose: for the remission of sins (Act2:38; Act22:16)

We know Act2:38 but I want to add another

For the washing away of your sins

Purpose: for redemption, for forgiveness of sins (Eph1:7)

Redemption, the purchase price paid for a slave, we were slaves to sin, but Jesus paid the price for us

Purpose: to enter into union with Christ (Rom6:3-4)

Purpose: to be clothed in Christ (Gal3:27)

It is at baptism that we are clothed with Christ, no longer do we have the garments of sin, but and given new garments; clothed in the righteous of God in Christ Jesus.

Purpose: to walk in newness of life (Rom6:5-6)

Walk in the newness of life, in the likeness of His resurrection, where the body of sin is done away with, and are no longer slaves to sin.