Why Baptism?
Matthew 3:13-17 - Victory Fellowship
August 14, 2022 – Rev. Roderick D. Grabski
At our baptism we repent of our sins, but more importantly we
submit to God’s authority over our lives - and His purpose for us,
and we receive the Holy Spirit.
Introduction
• Each of the Gospels record Jesus coming to John the Baptist.
• John was baptizing for repentance of sin and in anticipation of the Messiah.
• All four Gospel writers record John’s words that though he baptized with water, Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit.
• John’s Gospel records John the Baptist as saying, “behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.”
• When he was baptized by John, the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus.
• Jesus was not baptized for repentance of sin but for 6 things:
1) Jesus was confessing sin on behalf of the Nation
• Moses, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Daniel had done so.
• Jesus established Himself - not only as a prophet - but as the fulfillment of Messianic prophesy.
2) Jesus was giving authority and support to John’s ministry
• Matthew 11:11-14 I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John.14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.
• John’s ministry was to reveal the Messiah.
3) Jesus was initiating His public ministry
4) Jesus was identifying with the penitent people of God rather than the Pharisees.
5) Jesus was submitting to God’s authority and purpose for His life.
6) Affirmation by the Trinity
Conclusion:
• The blood of Jesus, not water, washes away our sins.
• Baptism is “an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.”
• Baptism gives witness to our repentance, symbolizes our sins being washed away by Jesus’ blood on the Cross, and gives witness to our decision to submit to God’s authority and purpose in our lives.
• At baptism we receive the Holy Spirit.
• At baptism, we die to sin and self and are made alive in Christ.
• Anyone preparing for baptism? 5 steps – Hear, Believe, Repent, Confess, Baptism = Confirmation of our Salvation.
• Shelley Earnsberger and Zach Earnsberger come for baptism
o Are you now trusting in Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of your sins and the fulfillment of all God's promises to you, even eternal life?
o Do you forsake Satan and all his works and all his ways?
o Do you intend with God's help to obey Jesus's teaching and follow him as your Lord?
(After Worship, 1:30pm Church picnic and baptisms at 557 Pine Point Dr. Akron)
PRAYER
SONG: The River (Jordan Feliz)
Matthew 3:13-17 (NLT) 13 Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?” 15 But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” So John agreed to baptize him.16 After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”