Notes
No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
Philippians 3:13-14
The most important thing in our lives is knowing Christ. Looking forward to where He is calling us, we should finish the race well in anticipation of what the future holds.
One of the first steps of obedience as a follower of Christ is taking part in baptism. Being baptized means to publicly declare that you have placed your faith in Jesus and are aligning yourself with His message and purpose.
Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 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."
Matthew 28:18-20
John the Baptist modeled this through baptism for repentance, even baptizing Jesus, not because He needed it, but to affirm the message and set an example for us.
Repentance—turning from sin—and faith in Christ's finished work lead to baptism. While the act itself doesn't save, it is a powerful declaration that we belong to Christ, and a step of obedience in what Christ calls us to do.
1) Baptism Makes a Memory for You
Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? 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.
Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin.
Romans 6:1-6
Baptism is a picture that the old is gone and the new has come—it unites with Christ in His death and resurrection. It's a reminder that our old life is no more, that we are no longer slaves to our sin.
2) Baptism Communicates a Commitment to the Church
For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all, in all, and living through all.
Ephesians 4:4-6
Like a player on a team, we each have a responsibility to contribute our spiritual gifts to God's work. Baptism declares that we are a part of the body of Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill our roles.
3) Baptism Is a Snapshot for the World
Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? 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.
Romans 6:3-4
Baptism is a public declaration that you have placed your faith in the finished work of Jesus. It testifies to His power and identifies us with Him as our Lord and Savior. Baptism is a snapshot of the gospel's work in our lives, demonstrating who we belong to and the commitment we're making to His Kingdom.
Group Questions
- What are some of the purposes of baptism? Why is it an important step of obedience?
- How can baptism serve as a testimony to all of those around us, both in and out of the Church?
- Can you share how your own baptism, or someone else's you've witnessed, impacted your faith or the faith of others?
Prayer
Thank you for calling us into a relationship with you and giving us the opportunity to publicly declare our faith through baptism. Help us to leave behind our old ways and live in the new life you give us.