Christ Authorized Baptism in His Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20)
Introduction:
1. Recently, we have been studying
some important Bible subjects that relate to "the authority of
Christ." a. Christ has all authority (Matthew
28:18), and His followers are to submit to His authority (Colossians 3:17). b. We have shown that Christ has
authorized His followers to evangelize, to worship, to love each other, to bear
fruit, and to use their talents.
2. In addition to giving
requirements to His followers, Christ has given requirements to those who
desire to become His followers.
3. According to Hebrews 5:9, we must
comply with the instructions that Christ has authorized for becoming His
followers.
4. In our lesson we are emphasizing
the fact that "Christ authorized baptism in His Great Commission." Discussion:
I.
LET US
EXAMINE THE GREAT
COMMISSION
A. Matthew 28:18-20
1. Christ authorized His followers
to teach, baptize, and teach.
2. Please note that baptism:
a. is a command of Christ who has "all power [authority]"
b. is for "all nations" [everyone]
c. is "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Spirit"
d. is to be administered "unto the end of the world."
B. Mark 16:15-16
1. Christ authorized His followers
to preach the Gospel.
2. Please note that baptism:
a. is for those who believe (Acts 8:36-38)
b. results in salvation.
II.
LET US
EXAMINE ACTS --
IT SHOWS HOW
PEOPLE WERE BAPTIZED
AS THE GREAT
COMMISSION WAS CARRIED
OUT, INCLUDING:
A. 3,000 in Jerusalem on Pentecost (2:37-38, 41)
B. people in Samaria (8:12)
C. the eunuch of Ethiopia (8:38)
D. Saul (9:18; 22:16)
E. Cornelius and his household
(10:48)
F. Lydia and her household (16:14-15)
G. the Philippian jailer (16:33)
H. the Corinthians (18:8)
I. the 12 men in Ephesus (19:5) [we will study this example of
conversion this evening -- it shows how some people were baptized but were
later baptized "in the name of the
Lord Jesus"].
III.
LET US
EXAMINE PASSAGES WRITTEN
TO CONGREGATIONS OF
THE LORD'S PEOPLE
A. (Romans 6:3-7) We are "freed from sin" when we are
baptized into the Lord.
B. (1 Corinthians 12:13) We are baptized
"into one body" [the church
--
Ephesians 1:22-23].
C. (Galatians 3:26-29) When we are "baptized into Christ" we
become "children of God," we
"put on Christ," and we
become Abraham's spiritual descendants.
D. (Ephesians 4:5) There is only "one baptism."
E. (Colossians 2:12) We are "buried with him [Christ] in
baptism."
F. (1 Peter 3:21) We are saved when
we are scripturally baptized. Conclusion:
1. Jesus invites everyone to come to
Him (Matthew 11:28-30).
2. Let us remember Jesus is "the author of eternal salvation unto
all them that obey him" (Hebrews 5:9).
3. Have you followed the Lord's
instructions for the salvation of your soul?
