We baptised a man on Sunday and looked at these three reminders from Matthew 3:1-12.
1. Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.
Many think that the mark of a Christian is a religious lifestyle. They go to church, read their Bibles, pray, take communion, and get baptised. But one can do all these things without being a Christian.
The true mark of a Christian is a repentant lifestyle. They are soft-hearted, aware of their sin, able to confess and ask forgiveness, and changing over time to look more like Jesus.
John used some surprisingly harsh words for the religious people who came to where he was baptising people. Why? Because religion without repentance ruins people. Religion without repentance is poisonous and vile. See Isaiah 1 and Matthew 23 if you don’t believe it.
2. Don’t presume.
Christian heritage, ancestry, tradition, and community do not save souls. Only trust and obedience to Jesus saves.
3. Look to Jesus.
John’s water couldn’t change people. But Jesus baptises with the Holy Spirit. Jesus really cleanses and makes people innocent. Jesus give new hearts that desire good things and that can truly change. Jesus puts the Spirit within his followers, enabling them to repent and live the new life. Check out Ezekiel 36:25-28 for more on this.
Discussion Startes
- If you have been baptized, share the story of your baptism.
- What strikes you most about this passage?
- Read verse 3. How did John the Baptist prepare the way for Jesus? (see Luke 1:16-17)
- What does it mean to bear fruit in keeping with repentance in verse 8? (see Luke 3:11-14)
- Read verse 9. What are we tempted to presume makes us acceptable to God other than Jesus?
- Why does John use such harsh words in verses 7-10? (see Isaiah 1:11-20 and Matthew 23)
- Read verse 11. What does this mean? (See Ezekiel 36:25-27; Acts 1:4-8; and Acts 2)
- Why is understanding baptism so foundational to Christianity?
- How can we serve one another in light of this passage?
- How can your group pray for you this week?
