From a cleansing agent to its ominous force in a hurricane, water has natural power. And with God’s Word, it has supernatural power for all who are baptized.

Notes And Next Steps

1 Peter 3:20-22 + Part 2 of the series “Jesus Appears"

…The days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also. (1 Peter 3:20,21)

1. Baptism is not a man-made tradition or a religious custom. 
2. Jesus calls baptism a spiritual birth and compares it to physical birth.
3. Baptism is an act of God.

It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him. (1 Peter 3:21,22)

SPIRITUAL NEXT STEP

Are you baptized? Why or why not? If not, which myths might be getting in the way?

Discussion Questions

1. Are you baptized? Why or why not? If not, which myths might be getting in the way?
2. Work as a group. What are at least 5 comparisons between Noah and Jesus, or between the flood and baptism?
3. Read 1 Peter 3:21. Your Bible should have a footnote in the verse. This indicates another translation option. Here it is: “legal appeal to God for a good conscience” instead of “the pledge of a good conscience toward God.” What’s the difference?
4. Baptism doesn’t clean you up. It kills you, and gives you new life. Explain this statement using Romans 6:1-14.