We are continuing our series titled "Jesus Habits." We all develop habits. Some are good and some are not so good. Some habits are down right bad. As Christ followers, we should try to follow the example of Jesus as closely as possible. Today's habit topic is baptism. Jesus was baptized.
The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon. You are invited to watch, listen, and worship with us here.
Jesus Was Baptized
Then Jesus arrived from Galilee at the Jordan, coming to John to be baptized by him. 14 But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I have the need to be baptized by You, and yet You are coming to me?” 15 But Jesus, answering, said to him, “Allow it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him. 16 After He was baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and settling on Him, 17 and behold, a voice from the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” - Matthew 3:13-17
Baptism is not a sacrament. Baptism is a Biblical command.
So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. - Acts 2:41
But when they believed Philip as he was preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were being baptized. - Acts 8:12
Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, believed in the Lord together with his entire household; and many of the Corinthians, as they listened to Paul, were believing and being baptized. - Acts 18:8
Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins by calling on His name. - Acts 22:16
The Biblical order is this: Faith first, then baptism.
Baptism doesn't save you. Faith saves you. You can go to Heaven without baptism, but you can't go to Heaven without faith.
The Beautiful Word Coloring Bible is available here.
Reasons for Baptism
1. Jesus was baptized. We should follow His example.
Jesus was not a sinner. He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He was an example for us.
Now why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? - Luke 6:46
Surrendered obedience is the mark of true belief.
2. Baptism gives you an opportunity to identify publicly with Jesus.
Baptism is an expression of faith to the world.
3. Baptism allows you to experience cleansing of sin.
Only faith can cleanse, but baptism is the public symbol of what has already happened. Only the shed blood of Jesus can cleanse you.
4. Baptism marks a new beginning in your life.
What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? 2 Far from it! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life. - Romans 6:1-45. Baptism bands believers together as Christ followers.
Baptism is an act of obedience in response to faith in Christ Jesus.
The one who has believed and has been baptized will be saved; but the one who has not believed will be condemned. - Mark 16:16
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| Jesus was baptized. 5 Reasons for Baptism |
