Trouble Maker Week 2 Study

BIG IDEA

When we look at the life of Jesus, we get a lot of detail about His birth but not much detail about His early life before His earthly ministry began. We find that He was welcomed in by the wise men, then is quickly taken down to Egypt to avoid certain death. He grows in stature, though, and we get glimpses of this in Luke’s gospel when He is found in the Temple. Finally, Jesus arrives at the point of being baptized publicly by John the Baptist. This begins His years of ministry and the expansion of the Kingdom of God. We don’t know much about the backstory, but we know that Jesus took steps to prepare for what God had next. This pattern of taking the next steps in His development was pivotal as God prepared to shake things up in the world. Today we are going to look at a few of those steps that Jesus took in preparation for His public ministry as an example for us to follow.

BREAK THE ICE

What was something as a kid that you refused to eat? How do you feel about eating that item now?

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Bible Study Questions

1. What is the value of taking small steps developmentally when we are growing up? What is the value of taking small steps spiritually in the same way?

WATCH SERMON RECAP

2. Read Matthew 3:13-17. Why was baptism an important next step for Jesus to take?

Matthew 3:13-17

 "Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?”

15 But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” So John agreed to baptize him.

16 After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”

3. How was Jesus’ baptism an act of humility?

4. What did Jesus’ baptism represent? (There are multiple answers to this question) How does this compare with Romans 6:4 as to what we currently understand about baptism?

Romans 6:4

"For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives."

Application

1. What does baptism represent for us today?

2. Have you been baptized before? If so, describe the significance of that day for you? If not, what is holding you back? Share this with your group, and if you are ready now to be baptized, your small group leader can help you take a step to begin this process.

3. Beyond baptism, what might be some next steps that you might need to take to grow spiritually?

 MOVING FORWARD

Baptism is a symbol of our commitment to Christ, but it is just a step in living a lifestyle of commitment to Christ. Take a few moments to think about your own life. Is anything holding you back from becoming a fully devoted follower of Christ? If so, share it with your group. What steps do you need to take to let go of this thing holding you back? Share this with your group as well. As you finish sharing with your group, pray together, confess these things that have been holding you back from being fully committed to Christ and ask God for courage and boldness to let go of these things. When you are ready, the easiest way to get signed up to get baptized can be found at www.sagebrush.church/baptism.

Going Deeper

We have spent some time talking about what baptism means for Christ-followers, but let’s spend the next few minutes taking a deeper dive and then reflect on baptism and what it represents today.

Overview of Baptism:

Read Romans 6:1-5.

1. · How is baptism connected with the death and resurrection of Jesus?
2. · After reading these verses, why is it important for followers of Jesus to be baptized?
3. · What do you think baptism teaches the person being baptized and the people watching the person being baptized?

Baptism and the death and burial of Jesus:

Read Romans 6:6-7.

1. · What does baptism teach us about the relationship between followers of Christ and sin?
2. · Why are we no longer slaves to sin?
3. · Do these verses mean that we will never sin again? Why or why not?
4. · What hope do these verses give us when it comes to sin?

Baptism and the resurrection of Jesus:

Read Romans 6:8-11.

1. · What hope does baptism represent based on these verses?
2. · Why do we have life and freedom? How does baptism remind us of this?
3. · What do you think it looks like on a regular basis to live in the life and freedom that Jesus offers?

Reflect:

1. ·  After looking at the Scripture we have read today, what is required to be baptized?
2. ·  What evidence is there based on the Scripture you have studied today that baptism is not what saves us, but instead a representation that Christ has saved us?
3. ·  Why is baptism by immersion (being fully dipped in the water) a representation of what Christ has done in our lives?
4. ·  In your own words, how would you explain to someone what baptism is and what it represents?

Baptism is ultimately a reminder of how Christ changes the lives of those who place their faith in Him. Ultimately so many people are lost and in need of the hope Christ offers. Think of someone you know who is far from Christ. Plan to invite them to church with you this weekend. As a group, pray together for these people. Pray that God would work in their lives and reveal Himself to them so they can experience His hope.

MONTHLY MEMORY VERSE (Available for download on Sagebrush App)

John 13:34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.