Vol. 03, No. 42

Mt. Baker Beacon

Steven J. Wallace
10/20/24 - Mt. Baker Beacon 2024

“Righteousness, Baptism, and the Blood” (1)
Steven J. Wallace

Matthew 3:13-15
“Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent Him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?’ But Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then he allowed Him.”¹

When Jesus began His ministry, He required John to baptize Him. Why? Jesus answered, “To fulfill all righteousness.” This is the first time righteousness is found in the New Testament, and it is connected to the act of baptism.

RIGHTEOUSNESS

Later on a mountain, Jesus counseled His disciples to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matt. 6:33).

In teaching Gentiles, Peter affirmed that God is no respecter of persons “but in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him” (Acts 10:35).

It should be evident that righteousness requires us to seek it and work it. Gentiles are not excluded in scope as they must equally seek and work! While righteousness must be worked to be accepted, there are no works of merit or works of the law of Moses that justify us. Still, righteousness requires action or works of faith to affect our standing with God (Jas. 2:21-26).

Paul stood without shame in the gospel of Christ (Rom. 1:16). He tells us that it is the power of God for salvation and in it the righteousness of God is revealed (Rom. 1:17). Are you actively searching for the righteousness that is revealed in the gospel?

Some conclusions about righteousness are:

It is to be sought after with a view toward the kingdom of God (Matt. 6:33).
It is to be worked even among Gentiles (Acts 10:34, 35).
It is revealed in the gospel of Christ (Rom. 1:16, 17).
It finds some form of fulfillment in baptism (Matt. 3:13-15).

In the next lesson, we will address the significance of righteousness with baptism and the blood.

THINKING ABOUT LIFE?

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” — Jesus (Jn. 10:10)

“Not life, but good life, is to be chiefly valued.”
— Socrates

“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” — Abraham Lincoln

GOSPEL MEETING REFLECTIONS

Matthew 22:1-10 | James 1:21-25

Our recent gospel meeting afforded enhanced opportunities to learn, be equipped, be evangelistic, be hospitable, and honor God.

PUBLICATION - What did the king send out his servants to do, and what was the response of those who were invited (Matt. 22:3, 5, 6)?

Similarly, what did Jesus desire to do, and what was Jerusalem's response
(Lk. 13:34)?
CARE & HOSPITALITY – Name some things from the Scriptures below that are either warned against or encouraged to be given to.
1. Proverbs 24:21
2. Ecclesiastes 8:8
3. Jeremiah 8:10
4. 1 Timothy 3:3
5. Romans 12:13

Although the church at Philippi did care for Paul, due to their own circumstances, what did they lack (Phil. 4:10)?

SUPPORT – What are we to gain in our earthly existence (Psa. 90:12)?

What does Paul say is nearer than when we first believed (Rom. 13:11)?
CONTENT – What are some takeaways from our gospel meeting?

LESSON 1 -

LESSON 2-

LESSON 3-

LESSON 4-

LESSON 5 -

LESSON 6 -

LESSON 7 -

LESSON 8 -

THOUGHT QUESTION: Planning ahead, how can I better improve my faith and zeal in my duties to God, brethren, and the lost?