Dying to Live

BAPTISM Term generally meaning “to dip” or “immerse,” but representing a group of words employed to signify a religious rite for ritual cleansing. In the NT it became the rite of initiation into the Christian community, and it was interpreted theologically as a dying and rising with Christ.

Tyndale Bible dictionary (p. 144).

Root word in Greek…

The basic form is the Greek verb baptō, occurring three times (Lk 16:24; Jn 13:26; Rev 19:13) with the literal meaning “to dip” or “to dye.”

It is an act of initiation into a spiritual family

John 3:5–7 NLT

Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’

Matthew 28:19 NLT

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

WARNING: Without the Holy Spirit’s presence in baptism, it’s just another religious activity and work of the flesh

Have you been initiated into God’s family through baptism?

Have you ever been tempted to view baptism as just a religious ritual? What are the implications later on?

What happens if the Spirit is absent in baptism? How does that impact your identity in Christ?

It is not necessary for salvation

Luke 23:43 NLT

And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Have you ever avoided baptism because it wasn’t necessary for salvation? Explain.

Baptism Symbolizes a Spiritual Reality

Covenant with God

Colossians 2:11–12 NLT

When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature. For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.

“I am counting on Christ; Christ is counting on me!”

How serious are you about the covenant of baptism?

Made Holy by Purification

Acts 2:38 NLT

Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 6:11 NLT

Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

If you feel comfortable sharing, what has God purified you from?

New Spiritual Garments

Galatians 3:26–28 NLT

For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Joined with Jesus in his death, burial & resurrection

Romans 6:3–6 NLT

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.

Does it ever feel like your “old self” is a zombie trying to take you back over? How can Romans 6:3-6 help?

Transferred into new family

1 Corinthians 12:13 NLT

Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.

What makes a strong family? How is God’s family made strong?

Baptism Anchors Your Identity

Like a birthday or wedding anniversary

Something to remind you when you forget (like birthday)

Declares to others who you are (like wedding ring)

Helps keep you from drifting when storms hit your life

Satan will try and knock you off course

Storms will come into your life simply because of sin and the curse of Adam

2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

Has baptism ever been an anchor for you? Explain.

Next Steps

Memorize Colossians 2:12

Get baptized in obedience to anchor your identity in Christ

Rejoice in who I am as a child of God

Reconsider how I view baptism

VIDEO: Water-The Beauty of Baptism (Journey Box Media)

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