God_s_Son_Prepares_for_Ministry_lesson_34

GOD'S SON PREPARES FOR MINISTRY

Lesson Objectives

• Objective: To understand the significance of repentance and baptism, along with how Jesus' baptism demonstrates the complete work of salvation.

• Purpose: Explore the preparations for Jesus' ministry, emphasizing John the Baptist's role in calling for repentance and the start of Jesus' redemptive work.

BIBLE READINGS

• Key Scriptures:

  • Matthew 3:1-12; 28:19-20

  • Romans 6:3-4

  • Acts 2:38

  • John 3:5

JOHN THE BAPTIST’S ROLE

• Preparation for the Messiah: John the Baptist's primary mission is to prepare the people of Israel for the coming Messiah.

• God's Redemptive Plan: John's mission is the initial step in God's plan to restore humanity's relationship with Him.

• Significance: Understanding John’s message is crucial for recognizing the necessity of Jesus' ministry.

THE COMING REDEEMER

• Key Points:

  • John proclaims someone greater than himself, the Messiah, who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.

  • Christ's baptism leads to deeper transformation and renewal compared to John's baptism.

GROUP DISCUSSIONS

• Discussion Questions (4 Students, 10 min each, then present):

  1. What do you know about baptism and repentance? (1 John 1:8-10; Acts 3:19; Romans 6:1-12)

  2. What does baptism mean to you? (Galatians 3:27; John 3:5)

  3. Why did Jesus need to be baptized? (Matthew 3:15; John 1:29)

  4. How can we exemplify Jesus’ dependence on God in our lives?

  5. What practical steps can we take to demonstrate His trust and submission to God?

  6. How important is baptism for a Christian’s faith journey? (John 3:3; Romans 6)

  7. What does baptism symbolize in your life?

  8. Should baptism be by immersion or sprinkling? Why?

  9. What types of baptism do you know?

UNDERSTANDING BAPTISM

• Definition: Baptism is a Christian sacrament of initiation symbolizing purification from sin and the commencement of a new life in Christ.

• Jesus' Command: It is a command from Jesus and signifies the journey of faith and spiritual transformation.

WHY BAPTISM?

• Symbolism:

  • Represents Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection.

  • Cleansing of sins and a new life depicted in Romans 6:3-4.

TYPES OF BAPTISM

• Water Baptism: Symbolizes purification and identification with Jesus’ death and resurrection.

• Immersion: Practiced by Pentecostals, Baptists, Orthodox, and Evangelical churches (Matthew 3:16).

• Sprinkling: Used by Roman Catholics, Lutherans, and some Protestants, especially for infants (Hebrews 10:22).

• Pouring: Practiced by Reformed, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches (Acts 2:17).

ADDITIONAL TYPES OF BAPTISM

• Holy Spirit Baptism: Spiritual empowerment (Acts 1:5).

• Baptism of Fire: Represents purification and trials (Matthew 3:11).

• Baptism of Repentance: Symbolic preparation for the Messiah (Matthew 3:11).

• Baptism of Suffering: Represents sharing in Christ’s suffering (Mark 10:38).

• Baptism for the Dead: Performed for deceased individuals (1 Corinthians 15:29).

STAGES OF BAPTISM

• Entering the Water (Immersion): Represents the death of the old life.

• Staying in the Water (Submersion): Symbolizes cleansing and forgiveness of sins.

• Coming out of the Water (Emergence): Signifies rising to new life.

BAPTISM AS A NEW BEGINNING

• Romans 6:4: Baptism signifies a new life.

• 2 Corinthians 5:17: Anyone in Christ is a new creation.

• Mark: Baptism marks the commencement of a Christian journey.

BAPTISM AND FAITH

• Order of Events: Belief must precede baptism (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:41).

• Importance of Faith: Baptism represents belief and faith declaration in Jesus.

IMMERSION VS SPRINKLING

• Immersion:

  • Full submersion best represents Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection.

  • Supported by Bible evidence (Matthew 3:16, Acts 8:38-39).

• Sprinkling:

  • Common in certain denominations but may not entirely reflect biblical symbolism.

BAPTISM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, SON, AND HOLY SPIRIT

• Matthew 28:19: Baptism should occur in the name of the Holy Trinity.

• Significance: Reflects connection to the Godhead.

FREEDOM FROM SIN

• Romans 6:6-7: Baptism indicates freedom from sin.

• Transformation: More than ritual; it's a step into freedom from sin’s control and represents spiritual renewal.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Baptism is a command from Jesus, a declaration of faith, and a symbol of transformation.

• Connects believers to the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.

• Essential step for Christians, marking the initiation of a new life in Christ.

CONCLUSION

• John the Baptist's Ministry: Prepared Israel for Jesus’ mission.

• Jesus' Baptism: Exemplified perfect dependence on God, setting an example for believers.

• Baptism: Symbolizes spiritual transformation and a vital act of faith and commitment to a new life in Jesus.