"Sprinkler System"
January 9, 2005

The New Testament Lesson: Matthew 3: 13 - 18

To encourage people to open themselves to the power of the Spirit implanted at baptism

I.  At our Baptism, the Holy Spirit takes up residence inside of us.
   A. Whenever I do a Baptism, I have a session with the parents.
        1. There are several things that are covered.
            a. We talk about the baby and how happy they are.
            b. We go over the details of how the baptism will be preformed.
            c. We discuss the responsibilities of the parent and what they can do to raise their child in faith.
            d. But central to the discussion is always the theology of Baptism.
        2. When we baptize a baby (or an adult for that matter) what happens?
            a. Why is it important to bring Children for Baptism?
            b. There are many answers to those questions.
            c. But I find I often have to disperse a misconception.
        3. Many people think of Baptism as installing a sprinkler system.
            a. Not the kind that waters our lawn.
            b. The kind that people put in buildings.
        4. It is thought of by some as a kind of protection for their children.
            a. It is almost seen as magical.
            b. Keep them from harm.  Like a big plastic bubble.
            c. And of course, they want it as the ultimate fire protection.
        5. In reality, this is not one of the purposes of Baptism!
   B. Jesus himself was baptized by John in the river Jordan.
        1. It did not protect him from physical harm.
            a. He still experienced a life filled with trouble.
            b. Eventually, he was tortured and executed at the age of 33
        2. It also did not protect him from temptation.
            a. In fact, it led to his testing!
            b. Right after his baptism, he was tempted by Satan in the wilderness.
        3. The reason Jesus gives for his baptism is to fulfill all righteousness.
            a. Jesus himself was righteousness personified.
            b. But he needed to show us what we were to do.
            c. He led the way for us into the waters of baptism.
            d. And he showed us what would happen to us.
        4. At the moment that Jesus was baptized, the Spirit descended to him.
            a. It alighted upon him and remained with him.
            b. A heavenly voice declared, this is my Son, I am pleased with him!”
   C. That is just what happens to us at baptism!
        1. First, the Holy spirit descends to us.
            a. While we perform a physical action, God is acting spiritually.
            b. The Holy Spirit takes up residence inside of us at our invitation.
            c. That Spirit becomes a constant offer of grace, God’s power.
        2. We are received into the growing family of God as God’s child.
            a. God certainly loves all people, he made them.
            b. We are called to live the same way, loving everyone.
            c. But we have a special concern for our own Children.
            d. Likewise, those baptized into the family of God are God’s special concern.
            e. God works for them and through them in special ways.

II.  What is now possible is to live in the power of the Holy Spirit
   A. As Baptized people, we have a new nature.
        1. Prior to Baptism, the Bible refers to us as children of wrath.
            a. We live with natures turned inward on ourselves.
            b. We can not please God by our actions.
        2. After Baptism we are given new natures.
            a. These new natures are attuned to God rather than self.
            b. It has becomes possible for us to live in God’s righteousness.
        3. The early theologian, Augustine described it this way.
            a. Before the fall of Adam, it was possible to sin.
            b. After the fall, after sin came into being, it was impossible to not sin.  (we are destined to do wrong)
            c. But with our baptism into Christ, it is now possible for us to not sin
            d. It is not assured that we won’t sin, but we can avoid it.
            e. That is made possible by the presence of the Spirit within.
   B. The question is this: to what extent are we making use of this power?
        1. You see, we have the possibility of not sinning.
        2. But we have to ask for the help of the spirit to do that.
        3. In fact, the presence and action of the Spirit is seen just in that desire.
            a. The fact that we want to not sin is already God’s work inside.
            b. The yearning to be better people, people pleasing to God is integral to our new natures!
        4. But, the power must be called upon for it to be of any use!
        5. It functions something like your snow blower.
            a. The engine is already in place.
            b. The tank is full of gas.
            c. But it’s not going to throw any snow if you don’t pull the cord.
            d. There are people out there trying to clear snow with a shovel.
            e. But once  you pull the cord, you’re throwing snow far faster

Friends, I don’t want my congregation to be trying to clear snow with a snow blower that isn’t running!  I want my dear friends to be making use of the power God has placed at our disposal through Baptism.  The Spirit of God lives in each one of us.  As we look at the sin that piling up in our world and in our lives, we can get rid of it by a simple prayer: “Spirit of God, give me strength to overcome the evil in my life.  Let me live as your dear child, filled with Your holy love and righteousness.”  Whenever we find ourselves in the wilderness tempted by Satan, that prayer will deliver us from the Evil One.  In fact, I’d like us each to pray that prayer together right now.  Will you bow your head and pray with me?

“Spirit of God, give me strength to overcome the evil in my life.  Let me live as your dear child, filled with Your holy love and righteousness.  In the precious name of Jesus, I ask it.”  Let all of God’s people say “Amen.”

And as you go from this place, may you walk in the way of Christ Jesus and May God always find you faithful!