Water Baptism
Text: Romans 6:3-4 and various

Introduction

In this study, we will look at the significance of being baptized in water and how it fits into the life of the obedient Christian. There are 3 types of baptism referred to in the New Testament. Each is said to be "into" something different and has a unique significance:

1 Corinthians 12:13 - being baptized BY the Holy Spirit, INTO Christ [spiritual occurance when you became a Christian you became identified with Christ and His forever family]

Mark 1:7-8 - being baptized BY Jesus, INTO the Holy Spirit [spiritual occurance when you recieve spiritual empowerment for witness and ministry]

Acts 8:35-38 - being baptized BY another person (often a Pastor), INTO water.

Let's look at the command for water baptism and then it's significance and relation to salvation.

The Command - How does water baptism fit with other Christian principles / actions in these verses?
1. Matthew 28:18
2. Acts 2:38
How is Water Baptism related to teh Faith that brings Salvation (c.f. study 3)? Note those involved, were they saved, and if / when they were baptized:
1. Luke 23:39-43
2. Acts 10:43-48
3. Acts 2:38
What is the significance of being baptized?
1. A mini Greek lesson:
  1. "Baptizo", the Greek word for our English "baptize" = "submerge an object into a specific medium so that the object undergoes a change, now taking on / reflecting characteristics of that which it was submerged into."
  2. Two 1st century examples:
    1. Cloth - when "baptized"into a dye became _____________
    2. Cucumbers - when "baptized" into vinegar, became _________________
2. The spiritual application / symbolism - Read Romans 6:3-4
  1. Of the 3 types of baptism above, which one is directly referred to in verse 3? (INTO what?)
  2. What are the two areas of indentification we have with Jesus Christ in verse 4?
  3. How is water baptism symbolic of both of these aspects?
3. Should baptism be a private or public expression? (see Matthew 10:32-33)Why?
4. What are the prerequisites for being baptized? (see Acts 2:38; 9:37)
5. What about being rebaptized? (see Acts 19:1-7) When should this be done?
Conclusion / Personal Challenge
1. In consideration of the Scriptures we have looked at, how would you sumarize the purpose of water baptism
2. What are the two reasons a Christian ought to be baptized?
3. If you haven't been baptized after having begun a personal relationship with Christ, is there anything that would now stop you from doing so?

Topic 6: Love One Another

Topic 5: Water Baptism

Water Baptism Text: Romans 6:3-4 and various

Water Baptism
Text: Romans 6:3-4 and various