Embracing Community and Identity Through Baptism
Summary
### Summary
Today, we celebrated the vibrant life of our church community, reflecting on the numerous activities and milestones achieved over the summer. From sports camps and mission trips to record-breaking participation in our new member and baptism courses, it has been a season of growth and connection. We also shared a touching moment during our river baptisms, where a family battling cancer could join us in spirit from across the river, reminding us of the profound sense of community that baptism fosters.
The heart of our gathering was the baptism ceremony, where we welcomed new members into the family of God. Baptism is a divine promise that God will always be with us, pursuing us with His grace. It is also a communal promise, where parents, sponsors, and the church community commit to raising these children and adults in the faith, ensuring they grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.
We then transitioned into a discussion on the second temptation of Jesus, focusing on the temptation to be spectacular. Drawing from Matthew 4, we explored how Jesus resisted the devil's challenge to prove His identity through a dramatic display at the temple. Instead, Jesus affirmed His identity through scripture, teaching us the importance of grounding ourselves in God's Word and community to resist the allure of popularity and spectacle.
We are reminded that our identity is secure in Christ, and we are called to put others first, embodying humility and service. This is not about devaluing ourselves but seeing ourselves rightly in light of God’s love and grace. By doing so, we can navigate political and social conversations with grace, seeking unity and understanding rather than division.
### Key Takeaways
1. Baptism as a Divine and Communal Promise: Baptism signifies God's unwavering promise to pursue us with His grace and love. It also involves a communal commitment where parents, sponsors, and the church community pledge to nurture the baptized in their faith journey, ensuring they grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. [13:29]
2. Resisting the Temptation to Be Spectacular: Jesus' refusal to perform a dramatic act to prove His identity teaches us the importance of grounding ourselves in God's Word. Our identity is secure in Christ, and we do not need to seek validation through spectacular displays or popularity. [40:09]
3. The Importance of Community in Interpreting Scripture: Scripture can be easily twisted for manipulation, especially in political contexts. Being part of a community helps us interpret God's Word correctly and keeps us aligned with His truth. This collective discernment is crucial in resisting the misuse of scripture. [42:13]
4. Humility and Service as Remedies for Popularity: True humility involves seeing ourselves rightly in light of God's love and grace. By valuing others above ourselves and serving them, we resist the temptation to seek popularity and instead focus on building a community grounded in love and mutual respect. [46:59]
5. Daily Renewal and Kingdom Focus: To resist conforming to the world's patterns, we need daily renewal of our minds through the Holy Spirit. By seeking God's kingdom first and supporting each other gently, we can navigate political and social conversations with grace, aiming for unity and deeper understanding. [52:11]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[09:29] - Summer Highlights and Community Engagement
[10:53] - Celebrating Baptisms
[11:56] - Baptism Ceremony Begins
[12:54] - Explanation of Baptism
[13:29] - Promises of Baptism
[14:33] - Community Commitment
[15:27] - Reciting the Apostles' Creed
[16:27] - Baptizing the Haley Family
[20:01] - Lighting the Baptismal Candle
[21:38] - Prayer for the Baptized
[32:10] - Introduction to the Sermon Series on Politics
[33:02] - Would You Rather: Junior High or Debate Interview?
[35:02] - Prayer for Unity
[36:32] - The Temptation to Be Spectacular
[40:09] - Jesus' Response to Temptation
[42:13] - The Importance of Scripture and Community
[44:46] - Humility and Service
[51:27] - Daily Renewal and Kingdom Focus
[55:24] - Confession and Reflection
[57:39] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 4:5-7 (NIV)
> "Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 'If you are the Son of God,' he said, 'throw yourself down. For it is written: "He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone."' Jesus answered him, 'It is also written: "Do not put the Lord your God to the test."'"
2. Philippians 2:1-8 (NIV)
> "Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!"
3. Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)
> "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
#### Observation Questions
1. What promise does God make to those who are baptized, according to the sermon? ([13:29])
2. How did Jesus respond to the devil's temptation to be spectacular in Matthew 4:5-7?
3. What does Philippians 2:3-4 say about how we should treat others?
4. According to Romans 12:2, what are we encouraged to do instead of conforming to the world?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Jesus used scripture to respond to the devil's temptation? ([42:13])
2. How does the communal aspect of baptism reflect the church's role in a believer's life? ([14:33])
3. What does it mean to have the same mindset as Christ, as described in Philippians 2:5-8? How can this mindset help us resist the temptation to seek popularity? ([44:46])
4. How can the daily renewal of our minds, as mentioned in Romans 12:2, help us navigate political and social conversations with grace? ([52:11])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the need to prove yourself or seek validation. How can grounding yourself in God's Word help you resist this temptation in the future? ([40:09])
2. Baptism is both a divine and communal promise. How can you actively support someone in your church community who has recently been baptized? ([14:33])
3. Jesus resisted the temptation to be spectacular by affirming His identity through scripture. What specific steps can you take to affirm your identity in Christ daily? ([42:13])
4. Philippians 2:3-4 encourages us to value others above ourselves. Identify a specific way you can practice this humility in your interactions this week.
5. Romans 12:2 talks about the transformation of our minds. What is one practical way you can seek daily renewal through the Holy Spirit? ([52:11])
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of community in interpreting scripture. How can you engage more deeply with your small group or church community to ensure you are aligned with God's truth? ([42:13])
7. Reflect on a recent political or social conversation you had. How can you apply the principles of humility and service to foster unity and understanding in future discussions? ([46:59])
Devotional
Day 1: Baptism as a Divine and Communal Promise
Baptism is a profound act that signifies God's unwavering promise to pursue us with His grace and love. It is not just an individual commitment but a communal one, where parents, sponsors, and the church community pledge to nurture the baptized in their faith journey. This collective responsibility ensures that the baptized grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ, supported by a loving and faithful community. The act of baptism is a reminder that we are never alone; we are part of a larger family that is committed to walking with us in our spiritual journey. [13:29]
Ephesians 4:4-6 (ESV): "There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
Reflection: Think about your own baptism or the baptism of someone close to you. How can you actively support and nurture their faith journey today?
Day 2: Resisting the Temptation to Be Spectacular
Jesus' refusal to perform a dramatic act to prove His identity teaches us the importance of grounding ourselves in God's Word. In Matthew 4, Jesus resists the devil's challenge to prove His identity through a spectacular display at the temple. Instead, He affirms His identity through scripture, showing us that our worth and identity are secure in Christ. We do not need to seek validation through spectacular displays or popularity. This teaches us to resist the allure of seeking approval from others and to find our true identity in God's Word and His promises. [40:09]
Matthew 4:5-7 (ESV): "Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, 'If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, "He will command his angels concerning you," and "On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone."' Jesus said to him, 'Again it is written, "You shall not put the Lord your God to the test."'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find yourself seeking validation from others? How can you ground your identity more firmly in God's Word today?
Day 3: The Importance of Community in Interpreting Scripture
Scripture can be easily twisted for manipulation, especially in political contexts. Being part of a community helps us interpret God's Word correctly and keeps us aligned with His truth. This collective discernment is crucial in resisting the misuse of scripture. When we engage with scripture within a community, we benefit from diverse perspectives and insights, which help us understand God's Word more deeply and accurately. This communal approach to scripture ensures that we remain faithful to its true meaning and application in our lives. [42:13]
2 Peter 1:20-21 (ESV): "Knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."
Reflection: How can you engage more deeply with your church community to study and interpret scripture together? What steps can you take to ensure you are not interpreting scripture in isolation?
Day 4: Humility and Service as Remedies for Popularity
True humility involves seeing ourselves rightly in light of God's love and grace. By valuing others above ourselves and serving them, we resist the temptation to seek popularity and instead focus on building a community grounded in love and mutual respect. Humility is not about devaluing ourselves but about recognizing our worth in God's eyes and using our gifts to serve others. This approach fosters a spirit of unity and cooperation, helping us to navigate social and political conversations with grace and understanding. [46:59]
Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others."
Reflection: Think of a specific way you can serve someone in your community today. How can this act of service help you cultivate humility and resist the temptation to seek popularity?
Day 5: Daily Renewal and Kingdom Focus
To resist conforming to the world's patterns, we need daily renewal of our minds through the Holy Spirit. By seeking God's kingdom first and supporting each other gently, we can navigate political and social conversations with grace, aiming for unity and deeper understanding. This daily renewal helps us stay focused on God's purposes and priorities, rather than being swayed by the changing tides of the world. It also empowers us to support and encourage one another in our faith journeys, fostering a spirit of unity and mutual edification. [52:11]
Romans 12:2 (ESV): "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to renew your mind through the Holy Spirit? How can you support someone else in their faith journey as you both seek God's kingdom first?
Quotes
1. "What baptism is, is God's promise to each one being baptized. That there will always be a room in God's house with your name on it. That he will pursue you all the days of your life. That his grace will always be with you. And so that's a promise that God makes to you. But we also make promises as well." [13:29] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We as parents, if we're having our children baptized, we promise to help our children take the faith that they have in us to meet their needs and transfer that, teach them to transfer that faith to the invisible God that they can't see with their eyes, but they can know in their hearts. We also promise to raise these children in community." [13:29] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We are the family of God that we've all been invited into. And so do you promise to support these families as they raise their children or themselves receive this promise of baptism today? Do you promise to support the programs that will help them grow? Do you promise to participate and be evangelized? Do you promise to be available here at the church to be examples of following Jesus in part of this community?" [14:33] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus faced this same temptation. In Matthew chapter four, this is right before his greatest teaching, the Sermon on the Mount. He's driven into the wilderness. He's baptized, and then he goes into the wilderness to find his way to heaven. And this is the second temptation he faces. It says, Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple." [40:09] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "There are times where you may not feel it. There are times where you may not feel like you belong. There are times where you may not feel popular, or loved, but the truth of the matter is what God says about you is the most important thing. And he says you belong. He says that you are his. And so the Holy Spirit can give us this secured sense of identity." [44:00] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "So what is the remedy for the pull of popularity? How do we get outside of ourselves? Well, as I search the scripture, one of the remedies, and the one I wanna talk about today, is this ability to put others first, to look outward and say, ah, I'm gonna do this. Now from my secure place of identity, now I can take the posture of service. Remember, listen, learn, serve." [44:46] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "To be like-minded means that we put our kingdom lenses on first, we eliminate the blinders that try to keep us focused on whatever posture we take, and we are able to listen, learn, and love. That is what it is, biblically, in this season, to be like-minded and having the same love. We are all guided by the same Holy Spirit." [46:12] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "We rightly see ourselves in perspective of God, like we are really small, God is really big. But we also rightly see the world through God's lenses. And this is our invitation, that we might look at the world that way. That's called humility. Ascribing unsurpassable worth to ourselves, as God does, and to the people who disagree with us." [47:45] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "We cannot bring good news on our own. We are called to proclaim the gospel together, in community. I need my brothers or sisters to pray with me, to speak with me about the spiritual task at hand, and to challenge me to stay pure of mind, heart, and body. But far more importantly, it is Jesus who heals, not I. Jesus who speaks words of truth, not I. Jesus who is Lord, not I." [49:59] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "If we can say no to being conformed and be transformed, if we can seek the kingdom first and if we can restore each other gently when we get off kilter, any political conversation that we might have among us or even with the outside world, we can posture ourselves in grace. We can learn to disagree well again maybe we can find and learn a deeper truth in the conversation." [55:24] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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