Q1 Discover how the practice of baptism begun. Matthew 3 :1-6 what was the real problems John’s hearers had?
A: They confessed their sins to him instead of Jesus.
Q2 Look at John’s message Matthew 3 :7-12, what was the problem these people also had? Matthew 3 :7,8
A: The problem they had was that; they were coming to John to get baptized not because they wanted to be saved but because they wanted to flee the wrath to come.
Q3 Where does God begins to help with our problem? Matthew 3 :10
A: At the root of our problem.
Q4 What two kinds of baptism are mentioned? Matthew 3:11
A: One is the baptism of water, and the other is the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Q5 Why do you think that Jesus submitted to baptism? Doesn’t baptism represent confession of sin? Matthew 3:13-15; 1 Peter 2:21-23; Isaiah 53 :6
A: Jesus submitted to baptism to show us as an example, as to what we are to do and to carry the cross that we were to carry. Baptism clearly dose not represent confession of sin as Jesus was never sinned. Baptism is an public display that we are a new person. This change however occurs before we get baptized not when we get baptized.
Q6 What happiness came to Jesus after he was baptized? Matthew 3: 16,17
A: He saw the dove come out of heaven, and he felt the Spirit of his God descending upon him and he heard a voice say, “This is my Son whom in I am well pleased.” Jesus was very happy to hear these words.
Q7 What three steps prepares us for baptism? Mark 16 :15,16 Acts 2:37 38 Matt 28: 19, 20
A: We must first hate sin, then we must truly repent of our sins. The third step is obedience to the Word of God which will be written in our heart.
See also Romans 10:10; Galatians 5:6
Q8 If one refuses to humble his heart in belief, what lies before him? Mark 16:16; John 3:16 -20
A: Eternal damnation.
Q9 What is the correct method of baptism? Matthew 3:6; John 3 :23 Acts 8: 36-38
A: We must confess our sins and believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
Q10 What is the deeper meaning of baptism? Romans 6:3,4
A:The deeper meaning of baptism is dying to self and becoming a new person.
Q11 What does death means here? Romans 6:5-7; Matthew 26:39; John 6:24
A: Dying to self.
Q12 What is the very newly baptized person in God’s sight? 1 Peter 2:1,2
A: We are seen as newborn babes.
Q13 Is a second baptism sometimes the right thing to do? Acts 19 :1-5 Jn. 3:3-5
A: Yes, being baptized again is the right thing to do, because if a man is not born again of both water and Spirit he cannot enter the kingdom of God. All that can should be baptized.
Reflection:
Baptism is letting self die to Christ, and therefore becoming a new person. Baptism itself does not change us from being unrighteous to being righteous. As much as baptism is a physical testimony, there is no power in the water. This work needs to happen before we are baptized and it is not a hard thing to do, as a matter of fact we are not the ones that do it but it is Christ. Truly repenting and submitting our will to God, dying to self, not living an improved life of old but a completely different one because the old man is dead and we are as the Bible said “a newborn babe” before God. No man of his own power can save himself that is why Christ came to earth to die for us, so that we can inherit eternal life. Who are we to ignore this free and important gift?
God Bless you on this day,
Ruthline
