True Discipleship: The Meaning of Baptism
Summary
Baptism is not a ritual to secure a place in heaven, to wash away guilt, or to impress others. It is not a mystical act that automatically infuses us with spiritual power or forgiveness. Instead, baptism is a public declaration of a personal decision: to become a disciple of Jesus, an apprentice who is committed to learning from Him, following Him, and being transformed by Him. In the first-century context, the word “disciple” (Talmudim) meant someone who so admired a rabbi that they would submit their entire life to learning from and becoming like that teacher. This is the same call Jesus extends to us—not just to believe certain facts about Him, but to immerse ourselves in His teachings and way of life.
To be baptized is to say, “I want to become like Jesus.” It is a commitment to live immersed in the reality and character of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This immersion is not just symbolic; it is meant to be a permanent change, like a piece of cloth dyed a new color. The life of a disciple is not about checking off a list of beliefs, but about a lifelong journey of transformation—learning to live and love as Jesus does. This requires ongoing engagement with His Word, allowing it to shape our values, decisions, and actions.
Baptism tells a story: “I have died to sin. I am finished with living for myself. I am now living a new life, following Jesus freely, fully, and forever.” It is a visible sign of an inward reality—a heart that has turned from sin and is now set on becoming like Christ. This is not a decision to be made lightly or under pressure from others. It is a personal, conscious choice to trust Jesus more than oneself, to obey Him, and to let His love and truth define every aspect of life.
Ultimately, the world needs people who are truly transformed by the love and life of God—people who are committed to living as Jesus lived and loving as He loved. This is the hope for our lives and for the world: that we would become true disciples, apprentices of Jesus, who reflect His character and bring His life to those around us.
Key Takeaways
- Baptism is not about securing heaven or washing away guilt, but about declaring a commitment to become a disciple of Jesus. The act itself is meaningless if not rooted in a genuine desire to follow Christ and be transformed by Him. Without this intent, baptism is just getting wet, not entering into the life Jesus offers. [01:06]
- A disciple is an apprentice, not just a believer. To be a disciple (Talmudim) means to submit one’s whole life to learning from Jesus, with the goal of becoming like Him. This is a lifelong process of transformation, not a one-time decision or mere intellectual agreement. [03:30]
- Following Jesus is about a new way of life, not just a set of beliefs. The call is to immerse ourselves in His teachings, allowing them to shape our values, decisions, and actions. True discipleship requires ongoing engagement with God’s Word and a willingness to let it change us from the inside out. [07:10]
- Baptism symbolizes dying to sin and rising to a new life. It is a public declaration that we have turned away from sin and are now living for Christ, seeking to become like Him in every area of life. This is not about perfection, but about a new direction and a new allegiance. [16:30]
- True Christianity is inseparable from discipleship. To call oneself “saved” without being a disciple is self-deception; Jesus saves us not just from the penalty of sin, but from sin itself. The world needs people who are truly transformed by Christ, living and loving as He does, and this is the story baptism is meant to tell. [15:22]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:18] - Common Misconceptions About Baptism
[01:06] - Wrong Reasons for Baptism
[02:11] - The Great Commission and Discipleship
[03:30] - What Is a Disciple? (Talmudim)
[06:11] - Authentic vs. Inauthentic Baptism
[07:10] - Belief vs. Becoming: The Call to a New Life
[08:49] - Immersed in the Reality of God
[11:44] - Assurance of Eternal Life
[13:35] - The Lifestyle of the Early Church
[15:22] - Rituals, Symbols, and Their Meaning
[16:30] - The Story Baptism Tells
[19:30] - The Clarity of Commitment
[22:14] - The Importance of Personal Decision
[23:50] - Closing Prayer and Dedication
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Baptism & Discipleship
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### Bible Reading
- 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.”
- Romans 6:1-4
What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
- John 8:31
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.”
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Matthew 28:18-20, what are the two main things Jesus commands his followers to do with new disciples?
2. In Romans 6:1-4, what does Paul say baptism symbolizes about our relationship to sin and new life?
3. What does Jesus say is the mark of a true disciple in John 8:31?
4. In the sermon, what are some of the “wrong reasons” people might get baptized? ([01:06])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus connects baptism so closely with making disciples, rather than just with believing certain facts about him? ([02:11])
2. The sermon says that being a disciple is like being an apprentice, not just a student. What does it mean to “immerse” your life in Jesus’ teachings? How is this different from just agreeing with Christian beliefs? ([03:30])
3. According to Romans 6, what does it mean to “die to sin”? How might this look in someone’s everyday life? ([16:30])
4. The pastor said, “If you’re calling yourself saved and you’re not a disciple, you’re just deceived.” What do you think he meant by that? Do you agree or disagree? Why? ([15:22])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenged us to examine our reasons for being baptized. If you have been baptized, what was your motivation at the time? Looking back, do you think it was for the right reasons? If not, how do you process that now? ([01:06])
2. The idea of being a disciple means submitting your whole life to learning from Jesus and becoming like him. What is one area of your life where you find it hard to let Jesus lead or teach you? What would it look like to “apprentice” under him in that area? ([03:30])
3. The pastor said, “If you don’t go any further than just showing up at church, you’re limited in your experience.” What is one practical step you could take this week to immerse yourself more deeply in God’s Word? ([07:10])
4. Baptism is described as a public declaration that “I have died to sin.” Is there a specific sin or old habit that you feel called to leave behind as part of following Jesus? What support or accountability would help you in this? ([16:30])
5. The sermon said, “True Christianity is inseparable from discipleship.” How does this challenge or encourage your understanding of what it means to be a Christian? ([15:22])
6. The pastor warned against being pressured into baptism by others, especially parents pressuring children. If you have children or influence over others, how can you encourage genuine faith decisions rather than just outward actions? ([22:14])
7. The message ended with the hope that we would become people “who reflect Jesus’ character and bring his life to those around us.” Who is one person in your life who needs to see the love and life of Jesus through you this week? What is one thing you can do to show them? ([19:30])
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Devotional
Day 1: Baptism Is for Disciples—A Lifelong Apprenticeship to Jesus
Baptism is not a ritual for those seeking assurance, forgiveness, or to please others, but is reserved for those who have made a conscious decision to become disciples—apprentices—of Jesus. A disciple is someone who is so captivated by Jesus that they submit their entire life to learning from Him, following His teachings, and striving to become like Him in character and action. This is not about a one-time event or a set of beliefs, but a lifelong journey of transformation, where the goal is to be molded by Jesus’ words and example. If you are considering baptism, reflect deeply: are you ready to immerse yourself in this way of life, not just in water, but in the reality of following Jesus every day? [06:11]
Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Reflection: What would it look like for you to intentionally apprentice yourself to Jesus this week—what specific step can you take to learn from Him and become more like Him in your daily life?
Day 2: Immersed in the Reality of the Father, Son, and Spirit
To be baptized is to be immersed—not just in water, but in the very reality and character of God as revealed in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Just as a piece of cloth is changed forever when dyed, so a disciple is to be permanently changed by living in the presence and truth of God. This immersion shapes your values, decisions, and morals, not according to society, but according to God’s Word. The call is to let your life be governed by the reality of who God is, allowing His presence to saturate every part of your being, so that you reflect His character in all you do. [08:49]
Romans 6:3-4 (ESV)
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.
Reflection: In what area of your life do you most need to let the reality of God’s presence and character shape your actions and decisions today?
Day 3: Following Jesus Means a New Way of Life, Not Just Belief
Being a disciple is not about merely believing certain facts about Jesus, but about embracing a new way of life—one that is marked by obedience to His teachings and a desire to become like Him. Jesus calls His followers to live as He lived and love as He loved, which requires immersing yourself in His Word and letting it transform you from the inside out. This is a daily, ongoing process, not a one-time decision, and it is the only way to truly experience the fullness of life that God intends. [11:44]
John 8:31 (ESV)
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples.”
Reflection: What is one teaching of Jesus you need to intentionally put into practice this week to more fully live out your discipleship?
Day 4: Baptism Tells the Story—Dying to Sin, Rising to New Life
Baptism is a powerful symbol that tells the story of dying to sin and rising to a new life in Christ. It is a public declaration that you are finished with sin, that you see it as destructive, and that you are choosing to live differently because of your trust in Jesus. This new life is not just about avoiding wrong, but about actively following Jesus, seeking to become more like Him, and letting your life be a visible testimony of His transforming power. [15:22]
Romans 6:6-7 (ESV)
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.
Reflection: What is one specific sin or old pattern you need to leave behind as you embrace your new life in Christ?
Day 5: The Goal—To Become Like Jesus, Fully, Freely, and Forever
The ultimate purpose of following Jesus is not just to be “saved” or to secure a place in heaven, but to become like Him—living and loving as He does. This is a lifelong commitment to follow Jesus fully, freely, and forever, allowing Him to shape your character, your choices, and your relationships. The world’s hope is found in people who are transformed to love as God loves and live as God lives, and this is the story every true disciple is called to tell with their life. [22:14]
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV)
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
Reflection: In what practical way can you pursue becoming more like Jesus today—how will you let Him shape your heart, your words, or your actions?
Quotes
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