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TWO ORDINANCES GIVEN TO THE CHURCH
Romans 6:3-22; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32
INTRODUCTION: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are two ordinances Jesus gave to His church. They both point to Him. They both picture the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Savior of sinners and the sustainer of the saints. They are sacred and must be observed in a most holy and godly fashion.
I. BAPTISM
A. BELIEVER’S DEATH WITH CHRIST.
1. Old man is crucified with Christ. (v. 6)
2. The body of sin might be destroyed. (v. 6)
3. Freedom from sin’s power. (7, 14, 18)
B. BELIEVER’S LIFE IN CHRIST.
1. Believer’s new life. (v. 5, 11, 22)
2. Believer’s new walk. (v. 4, 12-13
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
II. LORD’S SUPPER
A. REMEMBERING THE SAVIOR. (v. 24-25 “remembrance of me”)
“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed.” (Isa. 53:5)
“Who his own self bore our sins in His own body on the tree.” (1 Pet. 2:24)
The saved are redeemed with “the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” (1 Peter 1:18-19)
B. REPENTING OF KNOWN SIN. (v. 28, 31)
1. Examine one’s heart and life. (v. 28)
2. Confess one’s sin and repent. (v. 31)
C. READY FOR CHRIST’S RETURN. (v. 26)
“Therefore be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” (Matt. 24:44)
LESSONS FOR LIFE:
1. Baptism is the first act of obedience for the believer. He publicly confesses his faith in the Lord Jesus by identifying with His death, burial, and resurrection.
2. The Lord’s Supper reminds the believer of Christ’s suffering for his/her sins. It causes the believer to confess his sin to remain in fellowship with Christ.
3. Christ is the sinner’s salvation. He imparts His life into the repentant sinner who believes the gospel. Have your repented and received Christ as your Lord and Savior?