[By Ron Halbrook] Matt. 3:13-14

13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

3 Introduction: 1.If the gospel requires baptism for salvation, we may wonder: Why was Jesus baptized? Why did Paul say, “Christ sent me not to baptize?” Why did Paul say we must leave “the doctrine of baptisms?”

4 Introduction: 2. The blood of Christ is the basis of salvation. Jn. 1:29 “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” Matt. 26:28 “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”

5 Introduction: 3. Faith, repentance, & baptism are conditions we meet to receive the blood of Christ. Matt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-16; Lk, 24:46-47 The gospel proclaimed in the Great Commission includes these conditions.

Matt. 28: And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Mk. 16: And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Lk. 24: And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

9 Introduction: 3. Faith, repentance, & baptism are conditions we meet to receive the blood of Christ. Acts 2:36-38 The gospel proclaimed in the first sermon on Pentecost includes these conditions.

Acts 2: Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. 37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

11 Introduction: 4. What then is the answer to these questions: Why was Jesus baptized? Why did Paul say, “Christ sent me not to baptize?” Why did Paul say we must leave “the doctrine of baptisms?”

12 I. Why Was Jesus Baptized? A. Matt. 3:13-17 John Baptized Jesus

Matt. 3: Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? 15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. 16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

14 I. Why Was Jesus Baptized? A. Matt. 3:13-17 John Baptized Jesus Matt. 3:1-12 John baptized the Jews, teaching them to repent, change their lives, & prepare for the Savior’s ministry.

Matt. 3:1-3 1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

Matt. 3:8, 11 8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: 11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance:

17 I. Why Was Jesus Baptized? A. Matt. 3:13-17 John Baptized Jesus Vs. 15 The baptism of Jesus had a unique purpose: “to fulfill all righteousness” (God’s plan to save sinners) Vs. 17 God’s Son identified as the Savior

18 I. Why Was Jesus Baptized? B. Jn. 1:19-34 Gives a Fuller Explanation of How God Used the Baptism of Jesus to Identify Him as His Son & the Savior Vv. 20, 23 When some thought John was the Savior, he set them straight

19 I. Why Was Jesus Baptized? B. Jn. 1:19-34 Gives a Fuller Explanation of How God Used the Baptism of Jesus to Identify Him as His Son & the Savior Vv God promised to identify the Savior in a special way when John baptized him

Jn. 1: The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. 30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. 31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.

Jn. 1: And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. 33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. 34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

22 I. Why Was Jesus Baptized? C. The Baptism of Jesus Had a Unique Purpose The purpose was not for remission of his sins The purpose was to identify him to John as God’s Son & the Savior of the world

23 II. Why Did Paul Say, “Christ sent me not to baptize?” A. 1 Cor. 1:17 “Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel” Does this mean baptism is not part of the gospel? Does it mean baptism is not necessary?

24 II. Why Did Paul Say, “Christ sent me not to baptize?” B. 1 Cor. 1:10-17 Context Clarifies Meaning Immature Christians may identify with talented preachers rather than Christ False teachers encourage this spirit to elevate themselves & create a following Result: parties, factions, sects

1 Cor. 1: Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

1 Cor. 1: For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. 12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

1 Cor. 1: I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; 15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. 16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. 17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

28 II. Why Did Paul Say, “Christ sent me not to baptize?” C. 1 Cor. 1:10-17 A Plea for Unity Vs. 10 Unity: one Lord-Savior, one message, one people Vs. 13 Unity: one Savior, one sacrifice, one Lord to whom all submit in baptism

29 II. Why Did Paul Say, “Christ sent me not to baptize?” C. 1 Cor. 1:10-17 A Plea for Unity Vv Unity: in Christ not in Paul Paul did not come to create a faction based on how many he baptized He came to preach the gospel of Christ

30 II. Why Did Paul Say, “Christ sent me not to baptize?” D. Paul Preached the Gospel Under the Great Commission Mk. 16:15-16 Baptism part of the gospel Acts 18:8 Corinthians baptized 1 Cor. 12:13 All baptized into one body

31 II. Why Did Paul Say, “Christ sent me not to baptize?” E. What 1 Cor. 1:17 Does & Does Not Teach Paul preached the gospel including baptism He did not baptize people & give them a human name to make a faction or sect False teachers today claim salvation by faith only, then baptize & give human name—violate vs. 17 !

32 III. Why Did Paul Say We Must Leave “the doctrine of baptisms?” A. Heb. 6:1-2 Speaks of Leaving Elementary Principles

Heb. 6:1-2 1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

34 III. Why Did Paul Say We Must Leave “the doctrine of baptisms?” A. Heb. 6:1-2 Speaks of Leaving Elementary Principles If it means preach Christ without baptism, then all of these are eliminated: repentance, faith, resurrection, judgment The context gives another meaning

35 III. Why Did Paul Say We Must Leave “the doctrine of baptisms?” B. Hebrews Exalts Christ Above Moses Heb. 1:1-3 Announces the theme Heb. 1:4 Christ greater than angels Heb. 3:1-6 Christ: “more glory than Moses”

36 III. Why Did Paul Say We Must Leave “the doctrine of baptisms?” B. Hebrews Exalts Christ Above Moses Heb. 4:14-7:28 Christ: greater High Priest than Aaron Heb. 5:6 “Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec” 5:11-6:20 Rebuke readers who have not grown & can hardly understand

37 III. Why Did Paul Say We Must Leave “the doctrine of baptisms?” C. Heb. 5:12-6:2 Rebuke Stunted Growth

Heb. 5: For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Heb. 6:1-2 1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

40 III. Why Did Paul Say We Must Leave “the doctrine of baptisms?” C. Heb. 5:12-6:2 Rebuke Stunted Growth 5:12 Paul cannot stop to teach again 1 st principles, milk, elementary lessons 6:2 Paul must move forward: “leaving the principles” “not laying again the foundation”

41 III. Why Did Paul Say We Must Leave “the doctrine of baptisms?” D. Heb. 6:1-2 “The Principles…Foundation” “Repentance from dead works:” turn away from sin, false religion, old Mosaic system “Faith toward God:” God fulfilled His promises, sent His Son as our Savior

42 III. Why Did Paul Say We Must Leave “the doctrine of baptisms?” D. Heb. 6:1-2 “The Principles…Foundation” “The doctrine of baptisms:” John’s baptism ended (Acts 19:1-5) Holy Spirit baptism ended (Acts 2, 10) Water baptism under the Great Commission continues (Matt. 28:18-20)

43 III. Why Did Paul Say We Must Leave “the doctrine of baptisms?” D. Heb. 6:1-2 “The Principles…Foundation” “Laying on of hands:” with miracles to confirm the truth (Mk. 16:17-20) “The resurrection of the dead:” Apostles eyewitnesses of Jesus (Acts 1:8) He will raise all men (Jn. 5:28-29)

44 III. Why Did Paul Say We Must Leave “the doctrine of baptisms?” D. Heb. 6:1-2 “The Principles…Foundation” “Eternal judgment:” Christ will judge all men (Jn. 5:28-29; 12:48)

45 III. Why Did Paul Say We Must Leave “the doctrine of baptisms?” E. Heb. 6:1-2 “Leaving the principles… not laying again the foundation” Retain first lessons learned, including necessity of baptism (10:22) NOT preach gospel without baptism Grow in knowledge, study deeper, learn new lessons

46 Invitation: 1.The answers to our questions hasten not hinder baptism: Why was Jesus baptized?  To identify him as God’s Son & our Savior  He then commanded baptism as a condition to receive salvation

47 Invitation: 1.The answers to our questions hasten not hinder baptism: Why did Paul say, “Christ sent me not to baptize?”  He did not baptize people & give them a human name to make a faction or sect  He preached & baptized to save & unite men in Christ

48 Invitation: 1.The answers to our questions hasten not hinder baptism: Why did Paul say we must leave “the doctrine of baptisms?”  After faith, repentance, & baptism, we must learn & grow

49 Invitation: 2. Faith, repentance, & baptism are conditions we meet to receive the blood of Christ. Matt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-16; Lk, 24:46-47 The gospel proclaimed in the Great Commission includes these conditions.

Mk. 16: And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.