Bible ReadingMatthew 3:1-17 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.” Now John wore a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
[01:25:15] [01:28:13]Romans 6:1-8 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin.
[01:32:47]Acts 10:44-48 While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.
[01:47:28]Acts 8:36-38 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.
[01:41:31]Observation questions- In Matthew 3, what does John call people to do before the Messiah comes, and what does he say should show that repentance is real? [01:25:15]
- What differences does John point out between his baptism with water and the baptism Jesus will bring with the Holy Spirit and fire? [01:27:32]
- What does Jesus say is the reason He should be baptized, even though John recognizes that Jesus does not need a baptism of repentance? What happens immediately after Jesus comes up from the water? [01:28:13]
- In Romans 6, which words connect baptism with Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection, and a new way of life? [01:32:47]
Interpretation questions- John warns people not to rely on having Abraham as their father. What does that warning mean for people who may rely on family background, church history, or religious habits rather than personally turning to God?
- Jesus chose baptism “to fulfill all righteousness.” How does Jesus’ example shape the way a believer should view baptism—not as a casual add-on, but as an act of surrendered obedience? [01:29:01]
- Romans 6 says believers are united with Christ in both His death and resurrection. How does that truth give baptism more meaning than simply getting wet or marking a public milestone? [01:33:47]
- In Acts 10, the Holy Spirit comes upon Cornelius’s household before their baptism, yet Peter still commands them to be baptized. How does this passage guard against both treating baptism as unnecessary and treating God’s grace as a formula people can control? [01:47:28]
Application questions- God draws people through many kinds of stories—questions, evidence, brokenness, generosity, deep need, or a growing awareness that life without Christ is empty. What parts of your own story show God seeking you, and how could sharing that story encourage someone else? [01:20:56]
- Is there an area where you have been waiting to obey Jesus until you feel more prepared, more informed, or more comfortable? What might faithful surrender look like in that area this week?
- Baptism pictures the old self being buried with Christ and a new life being raised with Him. What old pattern, sin, attitude, or identity needs to stay in the grave rather than being carried into your daily life? [01:32:47]
- For those who have been baptized, how can the reality of belonging to Christ change the way you respond when temptation or shame tells you that sin still owns you?
- If you have trusted in Christ but have not been baptized as your own response of faith, what is keeping you from taking that step? Is the obstacle practical, relational, fear-based, or connected to unanswered questions? [01:41:58]
- Religious traditions can be helpful, but Scripture must have the final word. Where might you be tempted to protect a familiar tradition, preference, or formula instead of letting God’s Word correct you? [01:44:15]
- The Holy Spirit is not controlled by human sequencing or expectations. How can this group pursue biblical conviction about baptism and salvation while also showing humility and unity toward believers whose backgrounds differ? [01:49:49]
