Things Baptism Will Not Do

Introduction:
    Preachers often preach on the importance of baptism. This is the way it should be. Our scripture reading notes the necessity of baptism for salvation. One would also do well to see Jhn. 3:3-5 and Acts 22:16. While it is important to know that baptism is necessary for salvation we also need to know that there are some things that baptism will not do. Here are 5 things that baptism will not do:

I. Baptism will not produce faith.
    A. Rom. 10:17—how is faith generated?
        1. Comes through the teaching of the gospel.
        2. See also Acts 15:7—Peter’s recounting the conversion of Cornelius.
    B. A person needs to be baptized because of his faith.

II. Baptism will not prevent temptation.
    A. One will still face temptation after his baptism.
        1. Mt. 3:13-17—Jesus baptized by John. What happened next?
        2. Mt. 4—led into wilderness to face temptation.
    B. 1 Pet. 1:6-7—our faith will be tested by trials/temptation.
        1. 1 Cor. 10:13—must look for God’s way of escape!

III. Baptism will not change character.
    A. Acts 18:8—Immoral Corinthians baptized.
        1. 1 Cor. 6:9-11—still working on it when Paul penned Corinthian letter!
        2. Years of steadfast work/labor
    B. 2 Pet. 1:5-8—must work to add to our faith.
    C. Phil. 4:8-9—meditate upon good/wholesome things.

IV. Baptism will not solve all your problems.
    A. Financial wealth, good health, domestic success NOT guaranteed upon baptism
        1. Mt. 6:33—help w/problems comes through serving the Lord!

V. Baptism will not make heaven sure.
    A. Heaven is for those who live faithfully after baptism!
        1. No such thing as a one-way ticket to heaven.
        2. See Titus 2:11-13
    B. Jhn. 4:24—must worship Him in spirit and in truth.

Conclusion:
    A. Baptism is just a beginning.
    B. Must remain faithful till death—Rev. 2:10