‘Baptized in the Name’ Overview:
Jesus tells us to ‘baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit’. In our culture, "name" refers primarily to what a person is called. But in Hebrew the thought that underlies Jesus' usage, "name" has a deeper meaning. To be baptized “in the name” of another person is to receive the essence of that person’s identity. We are called to die with Christ to our old life and be raised to new life and new identity in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
REMEMBER (30 min)
Remember God: Worship, Prayer or Communion
Remember each other: Care
Optional- break up into smaller groups for 10 min Hi/Lo check in
Remember the Liturgy:
Remember what we learned and put into practice last week: Accountability
Topic: Baptized in The Son: Take time to share on your reflections on being hidden in Jesus (immersed in his name)
REFLECT (30 min)
Prepare (See the Leaders Guide for a brief commentary and context for the scripture and core truth from the topic)
Introduce today’s topic and any commentary or context for the scripture
Topic Title : Baptized in the Holy Spirit
Share the Summary Scripture for the topic if you want : Rom 8:15
Share “Core Truths from the topic” in the leaders guide where needed
Share context for the Scripture: Romans 8:12-17 (The Spirit of Adoption)
Discover
Read the Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17 (Key Story: Jesus being baptized)
Discussion Questions
What is the biblical and historical context?
What does this reveal about God and People (optional)
How does receiving the Spirit of adoption overcome slavery to fear and to the ‘flesh’ (carnal desires and sinful deeds of the body). What has that looked like in your daily life?
How have you experienced the Spirit testifying to your spirit that you are a child of God?
What does it mean to be a co-heir with Christ?
RESPOND (30 min)
Experience and Encounter
Share and Pray:
Take time to ask the Holy Spirit for any way fear still keeps you enslaved and then ask for how the Spirit wants to testify the Father’s love to your spirit in that place. Share back in small groups and pray for one another to be baptized in the Spirit’s secure and powerful love afresh!
Lord’s Supper (Communion)
Practice and Obey
Spend time meditating on Roman 8:12-17 daily welcoming the Spirit to speak to your Spirit about your new identity in the Father’s love. Write those things down in a journal or note cards or set them to art, music or poetry.
Pray
The Lord’s Prayer