Lesson 7 · 10 min
Baptism
Going public with a private surrender.
Overview
Theme: Public surrender.
Key Scripture. "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
What this step is about. Baptism is going public with a private surrender. Under the water pictures your old life buried with Jesus. Coming up pictures your new life raised with Him. It does not save you. Jesus did that. It declares what He did.
Why it matters. Jesus commanded it. He modeled it. The early Church did it fast, without long delay. Skipping it is not neutral - it is disobedience dressed up as caution. Every follower of Jesus is called to name Him publicly, and this is the first way He asked us to do it.
What Scripture says. Matthew 28:19 - go and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In Acts, when people believed, they were baptized the same day. Peter said in Acts 2:38, "Repent and be baptized." Belief and baptism went together. They still should.
Warpath truth. If you have trusted Jesus and never been baptized as a believer, do not delay any longer. This is not about being ready. It is about being obedient. Talk to your pastor. Set a date. Invite the people you love. Then walk into the water and tell the world you belong to Christ.
Pray
Jesus, thank You for going first. I want to follow You in every way You have asked. Give me the courage to obey without stalling. Amen.
Sit with this
No wrong answers. Take your time. Answer honestly, out loud if you can.
01
Have you been baptized as a believer since trusting Jesus? If not, what has held you back?
02
What does going public with your faith actually cost you right now?
03
Who in your life needs to hear you say out loud, "I follow Jesus"?
Before you walk on
Today: if you have never been baptized as a believer, contact a pastor or leader this week and take the next step. If you have, write down the story and share it with one person.