Baptism

Introduction

Taking a break from our sermon series in John to focus on two vitally important topics...

Turn to Matthew 3:13-17

These two sermons will be different than my normal sermons...

Body

Why do we celebrate baptism?

Inward

To follow Jesus example.

Matthew 3:13-17

What was John’s baptism all about?

Matthew 3:11

Baptism was common within the Jewish faith. They were known as ceremonial washings.

The focus of John’s baptism was so people would repent from their sins.

John was reluctant to baptize Jesus because he knew Jesus didn’t need to repent of sins.

But Jesus being baptized “fulfilled all righteousness” or served as Jesus identifying with his people as the bearer of their sins.

Jesus sacrifice is what truly fulfilled all righteousness because he became one of us and died in our place.

We are baptized to follow the example that Jesus set for us.

To follow Jesus command.

Matthew 28:16-20

Jesus wasn’t making a suggestion here, he was giving a command.

Why would he command it?

Look at what he said at the end of v. 19...

Because we are baptized into the name of the Triune God.

Jesus commands it because it’s best for us!

Outward

To demonstrate an inward change in your life.

Romans 6:1-7

Baptism is a burial of our old self (v. 6).

As we stand in the water, it is a picture of our old, sinful selves.

When we go under the water, it’s a picture of dying to our old self.

Baptism is an inauguration of our new self (v. 4).

As we come up out of the water, we are a new person in Christ!

To demonstrate that you truly believe.

Some examples are found in Acts 2:41, Acts 8:12, Acts 8:36-38, Acts 16:33, and many more!

Throughout Scripture, when people believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, they were baptized.

This baptism was, and still is, visible proclamation that you believe and plan on following him the rest of your life.

How do we celebrate baptism?

Immersion vs. Sprinkling

Word Study: βαπτίζω

βαπτίζω means “to dip or to plunge under water”

It was the mode of baptism for the early church.

But, more importantly, immersion baptism more fully is picture of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection as well as our death to our old self, and our rising to new life in him.

Who should be baptized?

What prevents me?

Acts 8:36-38

The only thing preventing anyone from baptism is belief on the Lord Jesus Christ.

All believers should be baptized.

What about children?

Talk about dedication...

Throughout Scripture, we see believers following Jesus in to the baptismal waters. They did this because Jesus commanded it, because they wanted to demonstrate what had gone on inside them and to proclaim to others that they were followers of Christ.

Conclusion

What prevents you?