MAY 08, 2024
Topic: BAPTIZED INTO HIS DEATH
Text: Romans 6:1-14; Galatians 2:19-21
Memory Verse: “I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not “mine”, but it is lived by faith in the son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” – (Gal. 2:20 – MSG).
Your baptism into Jesus’ death means that you take up your cross daily (Luke 9:23) and allow the world and its allure to be crucified to you, and you to the world! (Gal. 6:14). It is a deliberate, painful and bold decision to make – yet, it must be made.
It is a personal choice, such that you consider yourself dead “indeed” (NKJV) to sin, but alive to God “in Christ Jesus” (Rom 6:11). Dead to self-righteousness, dead to the old sinful self (Rom 6:6), dead to the constant power and grip of sin; dead to constant control by sin (Rom 6:11-12) and to all sinful desires
(Gal. 5:17-21).
Your baptism into Christ’s death means daily walking in obedience to His statutes, dwelling daily in His presence in quiet devotion, prayer, and communion with Him and fellowship with other believers. This then breaks you free from the weakness of your usual, normal, human nature and sets you free from slavery to sin. Sin is no longer your master, you now become slaves to righteous and holy living (Rom. 6:13-22). You now become a living sacrifice laid upon the altar (Rom 12:1)
Our union with Christ in death is eternally rewarding. Dear Christian, your Saviour sees each sacrifice you make and the persecutions you go through. His promise(s) remain the same; before, now and forever. Peter asked, “…we have left all…what do we have?” The Master’s response in Matt. 19:28-29 and Matt 16:24-27 should gladden your heart. Question is do you intend to look back after laying your hands on the plow? (Luke 9:62); have you decided to be baptized into His death?
PRAYER: Lord, You have shown me there is a cost to my discipleship, which is by being baptized into your death and being crucified with You. Help me to look at things above rather than seeing things below which are ephemeral and transient at best, such that I can enjoy the profit of eternity.