Dr Tom Hover
January 19, 2025
Matthew 3:1-17
THE BLESSING OF OBEDIENCE
THE BLESSING OF OBEDIENCE
Text: Matthew 3:1-17 Background Verses: Luke 3:21-22, John 1:29-34
Introduction: “Baptism is faith in action.” –Watchman Nee. Baptism is an outward testimony of an inward transformation. It’s the first step of obedience for a disciple of Christ. I have had the privilege to baptizing many who have trusted Christ as their Savior from age 6 to age 92. From 40 pounds to well over 400 pounds. Baptism isn't where you find Jesus; it's what you do once you've found him. The one word which sums up the Christian life in its entirety is the term obedience.
A.) The Meaning of Baptism (To dip or immerse)
If Jesus wanted us to sprinkle, he would have used the Greek word "RANTIZO” means "to sprinkle". If Jesus wanted us to pour, Greek ECHEO means “to pour”. If Jesus wanted us to dip, submerge or immerse He would use the Greek word “BAPTIZO” means "to dip", "to submerge", "to immerse". The word used here for "baptized" literally means "immersed". BAPTISM = Gk. Baptizo = To dip or immerse (same word Luke 16:24 “dip”) The lexicons 51 in number, all give immerse or dip as the primary meaning. The reason John went to the Jordan River, according to Scriptures, was because there was much water there. The Biblical meaning of baptism pictures the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Baptism is an important picture of the Gospel. (Romans 6:4-7,
I Corinthians 15:3-4, Romans 6:5)
B.) The Importance of Baptism!
1. The First Act in Christ’s Ministry. First with Jesus: Matthew 3:13-17 First with the Early Church: Acts 2:41-43
2. The Last Command that Jesus Christ Uttered. God's people should be baptized because God commanded it, not because some church requires it.
3. Honored by the Presence of the Trinity.
4. To be Done in the Name of the Trinity.
I. JOHN THE OBEDIENT BAPTIZER Matthew 3:1-12
A. John The Baptizer Arrives Matthew 3:1
B. John the Baptizer Preaches Matthew 3:1
C. John the Baptizer Is a Fulfilled Prophecy. Matthew 3:3
D. John the Baptizer Had a Unique Apparel and Appetite. Matthew 3:4
E. John the Baptizer and His Peaching Results. Matthew 3:5-6
F. John the Baptizer Confronts the Hypocrites of His Day.
Matthew 3:7-10
G. John the Baptizer and His Great Announcement. Matthew 3:11-12
1. The sequence in Christ. “He that cometh after me” Matthew 3:11
2. The superiority of Christ. “Is mightier than I” Matthew 3:11
3. The smallness before Christ. “Whose shoes I am not worthy to bear”
Matthew 3:11
4. The saving by Christ. “He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost”
Matthew 3:11
5. The sentence from Christ. “With fire; Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire” (Matthew 3:11, 12).
II. JESUS THE OBEDIENT BAPTIZED
Jesus Sets the Standard of Obedience for Us to Follow.
A. Jesus demonstrates the demands of obedience. Matthew 3:15
1.The Reality of a True Confession Matthew 3:13
2. The Resoluteness of a True Submission Matthew 3:15
a. Willing Submission
b. Worthy Submission
c. Wholehearted Submission
3. The Responsiveness of a True Devotion Matthew 3:17
a. The Loving Devotion of Jesus
b. The Pleasing Devotion of Jesus
B. Jesus experiences the delights of obedience. Matthew 3:16-17
1.The Blessing of The Throne of God Matthew 3:16 “lo, the heavens were opened unto Him”
2.The Blessing of The Spirit of God Matthew 3:16 “the Spirit descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him.”
3.The Blessing of The Word of God Mathew. 3:17 “And lo a voice from heaven”
Conclusion: THE BIBLICAL MOTIVES OF BAPTISM
There are three motives:
1. There is a Master to Confess - The Lord Jesus.
Romans 6:6, 10:9, 1 John 4:15
2. There is a Message to Convey - The Gospel. Romans 1:16,10:11
3. There is a Mandate to Complete - The Great Commission:
Matthew 28:19-20 Bible Base Baptism Gives the True Believer a Good Conscience Toward God! I Peter 3:21. Other Helpful Scriptures:
Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 6:3-20, Acts 8:26-39 Is baptism a work of righteousness? (Yes) - Matthew 3:15, Are we saved by works of righteousness? (No) – Titus 3:5 How many Baptisms are we to have Today? Ephesians 4:5, “One Lord, One faith, One Baptism,”
