Sermon – November 8, 2015: Baptism, Part 1

Introduction Info

Bapto – common everyday word meaning to dip.
Baptizo – religious use meaning to immerse, submerge and emerge and not unique to Judaism.
- Seen as symbolic washing, purification or regenerative act.
- Was used as an initiation act or a preparatory act for rituals.

John the Baptist’s baptism

Purpose – repentance and forgiveness of sins in preparation for “the kingdom of heaven…at hand” (Matthew 3:1-11).
It also served to reveal Jesus as the Messiah (John 1:31).

Why was Jesus baptized?

Revealed Jesus as the Messiah (John 1:31).
“…to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15).
To be identified with sinners (Isaiah 53:12)
Jesus set the example as he would command submission to baptism (Matthew 28:19; John 14:12; Ephesians 5:1-2; 1 Peter 2:20-22; 1 John 2:6)

Baptism with the Holy Spirit

John foretells this is one of the baptisms of Jesus (Luke 3:16).
Happens to the disciples on Pentecost accompanied by signs (Acts 2:1-4).
Happens on two other occasions with the sign of tongues (Acts 10 and 19:1-7).
What is suggested in Acts is confirmed by Paul is that this baptism unites believers (1 Corinthians 12:13).
Baptism seems to precipitate filling as promised by Jesus (John 14:15-17).
Signs seem to be no longer needed to accompany baptism/filling with the Holy Spirit.
In majority of cases it seems baptism with the Holy Spirit followed water baptism (Acts 8:14-17; 19:1-7).

Baptism with fire

John revealed that Jesus would baptize with (Matthew 3:11 and Luke 3:16)
Three interpretations:
- John refers to Pentecost.
- John refers to the purifying work of the Holy Spirit.
- John is referring to judgment.

So What?

All who recognize Jesus as Lord have the Holy Spirit inside of them (John 14:15-17).
Jesus said the Holy Spirit will (John 14:26, 15:26, 16:7-15) …
Be a Helper and Comforter
Teach “all things”
Remind of Jesus’ teachings
Bear witness about Jesus
Convict the world of sin and righteousness and judgment
Guide in truth
Glorify Jesus
The Holy Spirit is a promise we can be sure of.
It is by the Holy Spirit that we are transformed into the image of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:1-30; Romans 12:2; Galatians 5:16-26).
Are you taking advantage of the Spirit who lives inside of you or do you offend the Spirit with your lifestyle?