Leveling Up: The Importance of Baptism in Faith
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the concept of "leveling up" in our spiritual lives, focusing on the fundamental step of baptism. The idea of "leveling up" originates from video games, where players make intentional moves to progress. Similarly, in our spiritual journey, we must make intentional decisions to follow Christ. Baptism is the first and essential step in this journey. It symbolizes repentance, a change of mind and heart, and a public declaration of our faith in Jesus Christ.
We examined the significance of baptism through the lens of Jesus' own baptism by John the Baptist. Jesus walked 60 miles from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized, demonstrating His commitment. This act of obedience was not just a ritual but a profound declaration of His mission and identity. Baptism is not merely a tradition; it is a vital act of obedience that signifies our commitment to follow Jesus.
We also addressed common objections to baptism, such as fear of water, being a private person, or having been baptized as a baby. Each of these objections was met with biblical and practical insights, emphasizing that baptism is a personal decision to publicly declare one's faith. It is not about the ritual itself but about the heart's transformation and commitment to follow Jesus.
Finally, we discussed the urgency of baptism. Delayed obedience is disobedience. When Jesus calls us to take a step, we must do it promptly. Baptism is an outward expression of an inward change, and it opens the door to further opportunities and blessings in our spiritual journey. As we prepare for next Sunday's baptism service, let's remember that this act of obedience is a powerful declaration of our faith and commitment to Jesus Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. Baptism as the First Step of Obedience: Baptism is the initial act of obedience in following Jesus. It symbolizes repentance and a public declaration of faith. Jesus Himself demonstrated its importance by walking 60 miles to be baptized by John. This act shows our commitment to follow Christ and sets the foundation for our spiritual journey. [41:42]
2. Overcoming Objections to Baptism: Common objections to baptism, such as fear of water or being a private person, should not deter us. Baptism is a personal decision to publicly declare our faith. It is not about the ritual but about the heart's transformation and commitment to follow Jesus. Addressing these objections helps us understand the true significance of baptism. [53:48]
3. The Urgency of Baptism: Delayed obedience is disobedience. When Jesus calls us to take a step, we must do it promptly. Baptism is an outward expression of an inward change, and it opens the door to further opportunities and blessings in our spiritual journey. Procrastination in spiritual matters can lead to missed opportunities and blessings. [01:02:09]
4. Baptism as a Public Declaration: Baptism is a public event meant to declare our faith to others. Jesus' baptism was a public act that pleased the Father and demonstrated His commitment. Similarly, our baptism is a public declaration that we are committed to following Jesus, regardless of the circumstances. It is a powerful testimony to others about our faith. [01:00:18]
5. Living Out Our Baptism: Baptism is not just a one-time event but a lifelong commitment. It is like wearing a wedding ring, symbolizing our ongoing commitment to Jesus. We must live out our baptism by continually following Jesus and making Him the Lord of our lives. This ongoing commitment brings blessings and opportunities in our spiritual journey. [01:24:40]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[37:22] - Introduction to "Level Up"
[38:02] - Video Game Analogy: Dance Dance Revolution
[39:50] - Following Jesus: The First Step
[41:42] - The Importance of Baptism
[42:18] - Baptism Celebration Next Sunday
[43:22] - Jesus' Commitment to Baptism
[45:07] - Demonstrating Commitment
[47:38] - Overcoming Objections to Baptism
[50:00] - Personal Stories and Objections
[52:58] - The Meaning of Baptism
[53:48] - Addressing Common Objections
[57:36] - Safety and Practical Concerns
[59:05] - Public Declaration of Faith
[01:02:09] - The Urgency of Baptism
[01:04:45] - Obedience and Righteousness
[01:08:02] - Baptism by Immersion
[01:13:00] - Following Jesus' Example
[01:18:07] - The Significance of Baptism in the Church
[01:24:40] - Living Out Our Baptism
[01:27:07] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 2:38 - "Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"
2. Matthew 3:13-17 - "Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, 'I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?' Jesus replied, 'Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.' Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.'"
3. Matthew 28:18-20 - "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Peter say is the first step in following Jesus in Acts 2:38?
2. How far did Jesus travel to be baptized by John, and what does this signify about His commitment? [43:22]
3. What was John the Baptist's initial reaction to Jesus' request for baptism, and how did Jesus respond? [53:48]
4. According to Matthew 28:18-20, what are the two main actions Jesus commands His disciples to do?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is baptism considered the first step of obedience in the Christian faith? How does this align with the example set by Jesus? [41:42]
2. How do the objections to baptism mentioned in the sermon (fear of water, being a private person, previous infant baptism) reflect deeper spiritual or personal concerns? [53:48]
3. What does the urgency of baptism, as discussed in the sermon, reveal about the nature of obedience in the Christian life? [01:02:09]
4. How does the public nature of baptism serve as a testimony to others about one's faith in Jesus? [01:00:18]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own baptism experience or your thoughts about baptism. How did or would taking this step impact your spiritual journey? [41:42]
2. Have you ever faced objections or fears about taking a step of faith, such as baptism? How did you or how can you overcome these obstacles? [53:48]
3. Jesus walked 60 miles to be baptized. What are some ways you can demonstrate a similar level of commitment in your own spiritual practices? [43:22]
4. Baptism is a public declaration of faith. How can you live out your faith more publicly in your daily life? [01:00:18]
5. The sermon mentioned that delayed obedience is disobedience. Is there an area in your life where you feel God is calling you to act promptly? What steps can you take to respond immediately? [01:02:09]
6. How can you support and encourage others in your community who are considering baptism or other steps of faith? [42:18]
7. Baptism is likened to wearing a wedding ring, symbolizing a lifelong commitment. How can you continually renew and live out your commitment to Jesus in your everyday actions and decisions? [01:24:40]
Devotional
Day 1: Baptism as the Foundation of Obedience
Baptism is the initial act of obedience in following Jesus. It symbolizes repentance and a public declaration of faith. Jesus Himself demonstrated its importance by walking 60 miles to be baptized by John. This act shows our commitment to follow Christ and sets the foundation for our spiritual journey. Baptism is not merely a tradition; it is a vital act of obedience that signifies our commitment to follow Jesus. It is the first step in a lifelong journey of faith and discipleship. [41:42]
Matthew 3:13-15 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: What does taking the first step of obedience in your spiritual journey look like for you today? How can you make a public declaration of your faith in your current context?
Day 2: Overcoming Personal Objections to Baptism
Common objections to baptism, such as fear of water or being a private person, should not deter us. Baptism is a personal decision to publicly declare our faith. It is not about the ritual but about the heart's transformation and commitment to follow Jesus. Addressing these objections helps us understand the true significance of baptism. Overcoming these barriers allows us to fully embrace the transformative power of this act of obedience. [53:48]
Acts 22:16 (ESV): "And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name."
Reflection: What personal objections or fears do you have about baptism? How can you address these concerns with faith and trust in God's plan for your life?
Day 3: The Urgency of Baptism
Delayed obedience is disobedience. When Jesus calls us to take a step, we must do it promptly. Baptism is an outward expression of an inward change, and it opens the door to further opportunities and blessings in our spiritual journey. Procrastination in spiritual matters can lead to missed opportunities and blessings. Embracing the urgency of baptism allows us to experience the fullness of God's plan for our lives. [01:02:09]
Acts 8:36-38 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Is there a step of obedience that you have been delaying? What immediate action can you take today to follow through on God's call in your life?
Day 4: Baptism as a Public Declaration
Baptism is a public event meant to declare our faith to others. Jesus' baptism was a public act that pleased the Father and demonstrated His commitment. Similarly, our baptism is a public declaration that we are committed to following Jesus, regardless of the circumstances. It is a powerful testimony to others about our faith. This public declaration serves as a witness to the transformative power of Jesus in our lives. [01:00:18]
Matthew 10:32-33 (ESV): "So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: How can you publicly declare your faith in Jesus in your daily life? What steps can you take to be a witness to others about your commitment to follow Him?
Day 5: Living Out Our Baptism
Baptism is not just a one-time event but a lifelong commitment. It is like wearing a wedding ring, symbolizing our ongoing commitment to Jesus. We must live out our baptism by continually following Jesus and making Him the Lord of our lives. This ongoing commitment brings blessings and opportunities in our spiritual journey. Living out our baptism means daily choosing to follow Jesus and allowing His love and grace to transform us. [01:24:40]
Colossians 2:12 (ESV): "Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead."
Reflection: In what ways can you live out your baptismal commitment today? How can you continually choose to follow Jesus and make Him the Lord of your life in your daily actions and decisions?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "And how many of you believe that you can make some moves with God to see things go better in your life, amen? Absolutely, you absolutely can. You can definitely level up." [38:02] (9 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You can know how important something is to you by how far you're willing to go to obtain it. And I thought it was interesting that our society demonstrates commitment in many different ways. Jesus showed commitment here, because does anybody have any idea how far it is from Galilee to the Jordan where baptizing was going on? It was actually 60 miles, the Bible says. That Jesus walked 60 miles to get baptized." [45:07] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Obedience brings opportunities later. If you are a believer, if you are faithful in the small things, God will give you greater. I have watched this principle across the board. When people take small steps of obedience to God, I just watch. I'm like, God's gonna bring them more. And the Bible even says in heaven, he's watching how we're obeying now, what we're faithful in these small things now. He says, come, you're faithful in the small things. I'll make you ruler over many." [01:06:56] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When you shift from fire insurance to following, what you're shifting to is fire insurance. What you're shifting from is just, I have a certain belief about God, and this is lordship. And guys, listen. This is not about you feeling guilty because you keep sleeping with that boyfriend over and over again every time he calls. That's not what we're talking about. We're talking about because God has a better plan for you. And when you surrender to his lordship, it's not about religion. It's about relationship." [01:11:40] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "How many of you know the Father already loved the Son before the baptism? But when you take a step of obedience, it pleases the Father, and he starts showing his favor publicly. When I do a step of obedience in quiet, well, Lord, I'm just gonna, you wanted me to give this to that person, and I'm just gonna do it. I'm just gonna give it. Nobody's gonna know what my right hand, left hand is doing. I'm gonna do it because I'm being obedient to you, Lord. The Father who sees in secret talks about it openly." [01:13:58] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "And so what you'll hear me say a lot of times is that I'm a Christ follower. And that's what I want to talk about today is are you following Christ? In fact, the moves I'm talking about and following him is not complex. Today I'm talking about following him in the beginning basic moves. Everybody can do this move, and that is baptism." [40:26] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And so I don't want you coming next Sunday and watching a baptism and then slipping out quickly. Man, I want you to go to the cafe and flood it where they're going to be. And it takes them a second or two to get dried off. And we want to celebrate and welcome them into the family. Amen. Amen. It's something that we enjoy, we celebrate." [42:18] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And I would say, listen, obedience is not something that you should pray about. If God says it to you, you don't have to debate it or think about it. If you haven't been baptized, let me just say, next Sunday's your day. Next Sunday's your day. Obedience now leads to opportunities later. Don't miss that. You need to write that down. It ain't in your outline. People are missing opportunities because they're not obedient now." [01:05:22] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And when we actually choose to follow Christ, I'm not saying, I decide I'm just going to believe there is a Jesus. Well, the devil's believing. I'm not going to believe that and tremble. But they don't obey. They're in rebellion. I feel like I'm talking to some folks today that if you would just surrender your rebellion to Jesus, he's going to open opportunities to you. See, when we are surrendering to Jesus, what we're doing is we're surrendering to the Lordship." [01:09:21] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And when Peter got up and preached the first sermon in Acts chapter 2 to the church, this first gospel message, he said this in Acts 2.41 when he gave the invitation. It says, those who accepted his message were baptized. Hey, I've received this. What do I do about it? I get baptized. About 3,000 were added to their number that day." [01:17:31] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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