Bible Study

Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon:

.

Sermon Notes

I. Introduction: The Word We All Need

• “Please” is a magic word — but there is a deeper one.
• An ancient word written into the fabric of the universe.
• Without it, we wither; with it, we flourish.
• Spoken by the Father, received through the Son.

II. Jesus at the Jordan

• Jesus comes to John for baptism.
• John resists; Jesus insists — “to fulfill all righteousness.”
• Jesus’ baptism marks the beginning of his public ministry.

III. Why Jesus Was Baptized

1. Identification — Jesus stands with sinners.
2. Initiation — Baptism becomes Spirit-filled and ongoing.
3. Inauguration — God’s Kingdom is breaking in.

IV. Heaven Responds

• Heavens opened — God reveals who Jesus is.
• Spirit descends like a dove — humility, new creation.
• Voice from heaven — the climax.
• “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

V. The Magic Word: Beloved

• Spoken publicly by the Father.
• Defines Jesus’ identity before his work begins.
• From all eternity, the Son is beloved.

VI. Beloved — And Us

• We all long to hear this word.
• Human love is good, but not enough.
• In Christ, the Father now speaks it over us.
• Not earned. Not lost. Not performance-based.
• 2 Corinthians 5:21 — Jesus gives us his righteousness.

VII. Invitation

• • Have you received this word?
  • Through faith in Christ, you are God’s beloved.
  • Feelings may lag — the truth remains.
  • Receive it. Rest in it. Live from it.

Discussion Questions

1. When does Jesus baptize us "with the Holy Spirit"? When we are baptized? When we place our faith in Jesus? At a later time, when we receive the infilling of the Holy Spirit?

2. Can one have assurance in being beloved by God apart from faith in Christ and what he has done? Why or why not?

3. What difference does it make to a person's identity to live as God's beloved?

4. In what ways do you personally experience the reality of being beloved? What gets in the way of it for you?

Bonus

- Watch this music video:

Questions?

Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester (

).