What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 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.
For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 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. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. ROMANS 6:1-11 ESV
Baptism is a powerful symbol of a spiritual change
And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ACTS 2:38 ESV
Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. ACTS 2:41 NLT
Baptism is a physical picture of a spiritual bath
And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name. ACTS 22:16 ESV
Baptism is a funeral service for sin’s power over me
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. ROMANS 6:3-4 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. ROMANS 6:6-7 ESV
Baptism unites different people together as Christians
Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!” ACTS 16:25-28 NLT
The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household. Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. He brought them into his house and set a meal before them, and he and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God. ACTS 16:29-34 NLT
Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit. 1 CORINTHIANS 12:13 NLT
Baptism is the first step of obedience in my new way of life
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. ROMANS 6:4 ESV
My Notes
Personal Reflection Guide
Find a place where you can best focus your attention on God. Take a few moments to clear your mind of distractions and center your thoughts. When you are ready, begin a conversation with God about baptism and what it means. If you have been baptized, recall the most powerful emotions of that moment. Be reminded of that outward expression of the change God made in you. How did your symbolic death, burial and resurrection make you feel as you showed others your exciting new life? How does it feel to know that sin has no more power over you? Allow God to show you the changes he has made in you since that time; the way you have grown in other areas, the ways you have been united in community with other believers. Thank him for the ways he has grown you and your heart/character. If you have not yet been baptized, ask yourself what is preventing you from doing so. Are there any obstacles preventing you from fully accepting the love of Jesus? Are you afraid of what someone may think? Allow God to speak into your heart and reveal the things he needs to change in you so you can obediently and enthusiastically embrace baptism. Talk to a trusted Christian friend about what God reveals to you in this time and let them walk with you through the process.
Discussion Questions
- What have you been learning about yourself, God, or others in your personal reading time? What stood out to you this week?
- Read Romans 6:1-11. Recall the time when you first started following Jesus. In what ways did your life reveal that you were living in “newness of life”?
- Read Romans 6:1-11 again. Do you consider yourself dead to sin and alive to God? Perhaps a mixture of both? What factors contribute to that tension?
- Read Acts 2:38. If you have received Jesus as your savior and have been baptized, what were your reasons for doing it? If you have not been baptized yet, what is keeping you from doing it?
- Read Romans 6:6-7. What have been some unsuccessful ways you have tried to overcome sin in your life? What is an example of how depending on Jesus has helped you gain victory over your sin?
- Read Acts 16:29-34. Baptism is one of the first steps of obedience in your new way of life as a follower of Jesus. What other steps do you think would help you to continue to grow in your obedience? Consider checking out some next steps by utilizing the Growth Path.
