Radical Faith: Embracing Risk Through Baptism
Summary
Taking a step of faith is often synonymous with taking a risk. Baptism is a profound act of faith, symbolizing a believer's commitment to follow Christ and become His disciple. It is not a prerequisite for salvation but a public declaration of the transformation that has already occurred within. Baptism requires humility, a willingness to die to the old self, and a commitment to live in the newness of life that Christ offers. It is a dramatization of the burial of the past and the resurrection into righteousness, where God sees not our imperfections but the righteousness of Christ in us.
The act of baptism is a radical step of faith, a decision that signifies a believer's adherence to the teachings of Jesus. It is a commitment to live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God, regardless of societal or political pressures. In a world where the lines between good and evil are increasingly blurred, baptism is a declaration of allegiance to Christ and His kingdom. It is a reminder that we are not remodeled versions of our old selves but new creations in Christ, something that has never existed before.
Faith is inherently risky, requiring us to step out of our comfort zones and trust God with the unknown. Biblical figures like Abraham, David, and Peter exemplified this radical faith, taking significant risks that led to profound transformations. Their stories remind us that where there is no risk, there is no faith, and without faith, there is no power, joy, or intimacy with God. Risk takers are those who hear God's voice and obey, trusting that He knows best.
In our journey of faith, God often brings us to the edge of a decision, challenging us to take a radical step of faith. This decision is not just about following Christ but fulfilling the purpose He has for our lives. It involves a willingness to risk everything for the sake of gaining everything in Christ. As believers, we are called to be risk takers, stepping out in faith and trusting God to do the impossible. This radical faith is what transforms us from good to great, enabling us to experience the fullness of God's promises.
Key Takeaways:
- Baptism is a public declaration of faith, symbolizing the burial of the old self and the resurrection into a new life in Christ. It requires humility and a commitment to live in righteousness, where God sees the righteousness of Christ in us. [03:58]
- Faith involves taking risks, stepping out of our comfort zones, and trusting God with the unknown. Biblical figures like Abraham and David exemplified this radical faith, leading to profound transformations. [34:09]
- Baptism signifies adherence to the teachings of Jesus, a commitment to live by every word from God, regardless of societal pressures. It is a declaration of allegiance to Christ and His kingdom. [08:53]
- Radical faith is about making decisions that align with God's purpose for our lives, even when it involves significant risks. It transforms us from good to great, enabling us to experience the fullness of God's promises. [22:29]
- Risk takers are those who hear God's voice and obey, trusting that He knows best. This obedience is a sign of trust and respect, leading to a deeper intimacy with God. [29:23]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:01] - The Significance of Baptism
[03:58] - Humility and Righteousness
[07:04] - New Creation in Christ
[08:53] - Adherence to Jesus' Teachings
[11:48] - Faith and Risk Taking
[12:22] - God's Exposures and Guidance
[13:41] - Choosing the Right Path
[17:23] - Sincerity in Baptism
[18:23] - Dying to the World
[20:39] - Radical Steps of Faith
[22:04] - The Cost of Faith
[22:29] - Decisions and Faith
[25:00] - The Greatest Decision
[26:40] - Faith and Transformation
[27:51] - Risk and Faith
[29:23] - Obedience and Trust
[30:40] - Abraham's Radical Faith
[34:09] - David and Peter's Faith
[36:57] - Jairus and the Woman's Faith
[39:48] - Blind Bartimaeus' Faith
[43:00] - Radical Faith and Transformation
[45:53] - Prayer and Commitment
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 28:19 - "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
2. 2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
3. Hebrews 11:6 - "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Matthew 28:19, what is the significance of baptism in the life of a believer? How does it relate to being a disciple of Christ? [01:01]
2. In the sermon, how is baptism described as a dramatization of a believer's transformation? What does it symbolize about the old and new self? [03:58]
3. What examples of biblical figures were given in the sermon to illustrate radical faith and risk-taking? How did their actions demonstrate trust in God? [34:09]
4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between faith and risk? What is said about the necessity of risk in experiencing the fullness of God's promises? [27:51]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the act of baptism serve as a public declaration of faith, and why is humility an essential component of this act? [03:58]
2. What does it mean to be a "new creation" in Christ according to 2 Corinthians 5:17, and how does this concept challenge the idea of simply being a remodeled version of our old selves? [07:04]
3. In what ways does Hebrews 11:6 emphasize the importance of faith in pleasing God, and how does this relate to the idea of taking risks in our spiritual journey? [26:40]
4. How does the sermon suggest that radical faith can transform a believer from being "good" to "great"? What role does obedience play in this transformation? [22:29]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own baptism experience or your understanding of baptism. How does it serve as a reminder of your commitment to live by the teachings of Jesus, regardless of societal pressures? [08:53]
2. Identify a situation in your life where you feel God is calling you to take a step of faith. What risks are involved, and how can you trust God with the unknown? [27:51]
3. Consider the concept of being a "new creation" in Christ. What old habits or mindsets do you need to let go of to fully embrace your new identity in Christ? [07:04]
4. How can you cultivate a lifestyle of radical faith that aligns with God's purpose for your life? What practical steps can you take to move from being a "good" Christian to a "great" one? [22:29]
5. Think about a time when you heard God's voice and obeyed. How did that decision impact your relationship with God and your understanding of His will for your life? [29:23]
6. In what ways can you demonstrate humility in your daily walk with Christ, and how does this humility reflect your faith and trust in God's plan for you? [03:58]
7. How can you encourage others in your small group or community to take radical steps of faith? What role can you play in supporting them as they navigate their spiritual journey? [34:09]
Devotional
Day 1: Baptism as a New Beginning
Baptism is a profound act of faith that symbolizes the burial of the old self and the resurrection into a new life in Christ. It is not a prerequisite for salvation but a public declaration of the transformation that has already occurred within. This act requires humility and a willingness to die to the old self, embracing the newness of life that Christ offers. Through baptism, believers dramatize the burial of their past and the resurrection into righteousness, where God sees not their imperfections but the righteousness of Christ in them. This commitment to live in righteousness is a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith. [03:58]
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: What old habits or mindsets do you need to let go of to fully embrace your new life in Christ?
Day 2: Embracing Risk in Faith
Faith inherently involves taking risks, stepping out of our comfort zones, and trusting God with the unknown. Biblical figures like Abraham and David exemplified this radical faith, taking significant risks that led to profound transformations. Their stories remind us that where there is no risk, there is no faith, and without faith, there is no power, joy, or intimacy with God. Risk takers are those who hear God's voice and obey, trusting that He knows best. This radical faith is what transforms us from good to great, enabling us to experience the fullness of God's promises. [34:09]
Hebrews 11:8 (ESV): "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to take a risk? How can you step out in faith today?
Day 3: Allegiance to Christ's Teachings
Baptism signifies a believer's adherence to the teachings of Jesus, a commitment to live by every word from God, regardless of societal or political pressures. In a world where the lines between good and evil are increasingly blurred, baptism is a declaration of allegiance to Christ and His kingdom. It is a reminder that believers are not remodeled versions of their old selves but new creations in Christ, something that has never existed before. This commitment to Christ's teachings is a powerful statement of faith and dedication to living a life that reflects His love and righteousness. [08:53]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: How can you demonstrate your allegiance to Christ in your daily interactions and decisions today?
Day 4: Aligning Decisions with God's Purpose
Radical faith involves making decisions that align with God's purpose for our lives, even when it involves significant risks. This decision is not just about following Christ but fulfilling the purpose He has for our lives. It involves a willingness to risk everything for the sake of gaining everything in Christ. As believers, we are called to be risk takers, stepping out in faith and trusting God to do the impossible. This radical faith is what transforms us from good to great, enabling us to experience the fullness of God's promises. [22:29]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: What decision are you currently facing that requires you to trust in God's purpose? How can you align this decision with His will?
Day 5: Obedience and Trust in God's Voice
Risk takers are those who hear God's voice and obey, trusting that He knows best. This obedience is a sign of trust and respect, leading to a deeper intimacy with God. In our journey of faith, God often brings us to the edge of a decision, challenging us to take a radical step of faith. This obedience to God's voice is crucial in experiencing the power, joy, and intimacy that comes from a deep relationship with Him. It is through this trust and obedience that believers can fully experience the transformative power of faith. [29:23]
1 Samuel 15:22 (ESV): "And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'"
Reflection: In what ways can you practice obedience to God's voice today, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone?
Quotes
1) "Risk taking is attached to faith and just taking God at His word and taking God literally the faith that we have in Him and what He can do. A Christian baptism is a dedication to follow the Lord and become. Become His disciple. And so, obviously I'm talking to two different types of people, or same people, but two different times because I got some people that had already made a decision and going to make a decision about being baptized next week and I'm going to tell you the reason why you made a decision. Then a lot of us in here, the rest of us, have already been baptized." [01:01] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "We don't be baptized to be saved. We're baptized because we are saved. And it's just a dramatization of what's already happened to us. And it's a, it is an honor that God, that God just honors with his grace and his mercy whenever we obey him. And that's why it's always a very, a very important time for us and most churches who participate in baptism. To be baptized, you must do something practical. You got to humble yourself. It means you got to humble yourself before the Lord. Well, that's how you got saved anyway. You humbled yourself before the Lord. You realize, you know, I'm not as haughty as I thought I was." [02:00] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "What does that mean? We rise up. What is righteousness? Right standing with God. Does that mean you're perfect? Does that mean you've got everything figured out? No. But now when God looks at you, he doesn't see you. He sees the blood of Jesus Christ that's on you. He sees the faith that you have in you. And even though you cannot fulfill one law, Jesus fulfilled every single law. And when he sees you, he sees Jesus. And he don't have a problem with you because he don't have a problem with Jesus. And he puts you in right standing with him. All because you have faith in what Jesus has done." [04:30] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "Baptism in the day of Jesus, which we read the scripture in Matthew 28, understood as a rite of invitation into something new. When people was being baptized, when John was being baptized, and all through the Bible, people was baptized. It's an invitation. It is a realization or initiation, actually. It's an initiation into something new. Whenever people get next week, we're going to celebrate the newness of, it doesn't matter what things has been, what matters now is there's a newness in life. And we know that God is, God is, God is not a, he's not a remodeler. There's nothing wrong with remodeling anything, but, but I mean, he don't take us and remodel us. He takes us and make us brand new." [06:00] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "I want to suggest that every Christian's life is marked by windows of opportunity that demand a radical step of faith. Have you ever experienced anything like that? I'm not talking about before you got saved. I say since you've been saved. I think whenever, as soon as you get saved, the first radical opportunity you have of a step of faith is baptism. And God will allow a winner of opportunity that demands a radical step of faith in order to follow Jesus Christ. But the main thing is fulfill his purpose for their life. I don't want you today just following Christ. I want you to fulfill the purpose for your life that he has for you." [19:00] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "The difference between being good, and great is not a matter of knowledge or pedigree, but a willingness to take radical steps of faith. Amen. I don't know about you. I don't just want to be a good Christian. I want to be a great Christian. Amen. I tell my staff all the time, we don't want to be a good church. We want to be a great church. Come on. We don't want to just be good servants of God. We want to be great. I'll be honest. Let me go ahead and tell you. I'm going to let you in on a secret. I want to be, I'm after being God's favorite." [20:39] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "What makes a step of faith radical is that it always involves a significant risk. Might cost you something. Take these off so I can see you real good. Might cost you some stuff. Might cost you some so -called friends. Might cost you some social status. Might cost you your reputation. I was hanging on by a thread anyway. I'm here to tell you today I have placed a reputation. A reputation of my name, the name of my wife, the name of my children, my children's children. Upon this church, upon everybody that attends this church, that we are willing to take a radical step of faith." [22:04] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8) "The fact that you got saved and born again is attached to a decision. The fact that you sit under a teaching or a preaching or read a word that led you to Christ was a decision. God doesn't force feed you. You're not saved. You're not saved because you were spiritually waterboarded. You are saved in a new life and on your way to heaven today because you made a decision. Hallelujah. You've gone from death to life, from heaven to hell, to heaven to heaven. From being eternally separated from God to be in eternal life with God. And every bit of that is attached to a decision." [23:00] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9) "Without faith it's impossible to please him. That means with faith we can please him. And honey, if you please God, he's a giver. Without faith it's impossible. We've got to come to him and believe that he is and believe that he is a rewarder to those who diligently seek after him. He's a what? He's a rewarder. That's not something he does. That's who he is. He's a rewarder. And when our radical faith begins to show and move into faith, because where there is no risk, let me help y 'all, there's no faith. There's no faith. Everything in faith is based on a risk." [27:00] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10) "Risk takers follow God's voice. You know why? Because they obey God's voice. The whole thing about obedience is connected to trust and respect. Obedience comes from the Latin word literally means to hear. If you didn't hear it and you didn't do it, that's not disobedient. But if you hear it, you know, sometimes my wife thinks I got selective hearing. Well, maybe I don't think I heard that. Sometimes I do the same thing with God. We select to hear. But obedience means literally comes from the word to hear. When we obey God, it's a sign that we trust him and we are listening to what he is saying." [29:23] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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