Following Christ Beyond the Waters
Matthew 28:18–20

I. THE CALL TO OBEDIENCE – Matthew 28:18–20
Jesus’ command concerning baptism is surrounded by a larger command concerning discipleship.

A. THE AUTHORITY OF THE COMMAND – Matthew 28:18 “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”
B. THE ACT OF BAPTISM – Matthew 28:19 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”
C. THE ASSIGNMENT AFTER BAPTISM – Matthew 28:20 “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you…”

II. THE CHARACTER OF OBEDIENCE – Romans 6:4
Paul teaches that identification with Christ should produce transformation in the believer’s life.

A. OBEDIENCE REQUIRES A NEW POSITION – Romans 6:4 -“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
B. OBEDIENCE REQUIRES A NEW PRACTICE – Romans 6:12 “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.”
C. OBEDIENCE REQUIRES A NEW PURSUIT – Romans 6:13“…yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.”

III. THE COST OF OBEDIENCE – Luke 9:23 “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”

A. DENY YOURSELF “Let him deny himself…” Obedience begins when “self stops being lord.”
B. DIE TO SELF “Take up his cross daily…”Obedience is not a one-time event.
C. FOLLOW JESUS “…and follow me.” Jesus did not say: “Admire Me.” He said: “Follow Me.”