STARTING RIGHT
Luke 3:21-23

Introduction:     Luke’s gospel is unique (genealogy is unique - from first Adam to second Adam (Jesus) teaches us that God is concerned for all men known and un-known). Out of obscurity Jesus now begins His earthly ministry. Verse 23 mentions the beginning of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Jesus modeled for us in His humanity how the Christian life is to be lived. And even in the beginning of Jesus’ ministry things were in a certain order that caused God to stamp His approval on it. Some Christians are struggling today because they didn’t start right (saved but after that they had some missteps). Notice three things that are marked for us in Jesus’ life as He stepped out of the shadows into the light of human history. The starting of Jesus’ ministry was:

I.          MARKED BY PROMPT OBEDIENCE
What is the first step of obedience for the new-born Christian? Answer: to be baptized. We live in a time were baptism and Church membership seems to be an option. There is no substitute for membership in a local Church for the true believer. Before Jesus started His ministry He was baptized.

            A.        The Word Of God

bulletHear God’s Word (v.3).
bulletThe example of baptism (expound death, burial, and resurrection).

            B.         The Will Of God

bulletHeeded God’s Word.
bulletBaptism is for believers only.
bulletBaptism is by immersion. to make whelmed (i.e. fully wet)

By Jesus’ example every believer ought to be baptized.

II.         MARKED BY SPIRITUAL DEPENDENCE

            A.        On Prayer

Luke says much about our Lord’s prayer life – 5:16 (strength for ministering to others); 6:12 (pray before making big decisions); 9:18 (the greatest lessons are learned in an attitude of prayer); 9:28 (this is were you’re going to have powerful experiences, a touch from God; were you’re going to get revived; get on fire, it’s going to be in the closet of prayer!

            B.         On The Holy Spirit

Jesus did not depend on His humanity He depended on the power of the Holy Spirit. (See Lk.4:18 & Acts 10:38). If He did, how much more should we? The dove is a sign of spring (winter is over and life begins anew…in your soul death is over and eternal life has come!). The dove is a peaceful bird, and clean bird, a beautiful bird and the Holy Spirit brings all these qualities into the believer’s life.

III.       MARKED BY HEAVENLY ALLEGIANCE
God is pleased with the life sold out and surrendered to Him. You cannot please people…but this verse says you can please God!

            A.        It’s Not About Pleasing Me

If it’s all about you then you’ve not started right. You aren’t prompt to obey; you’re not depending on the Lord; Your allegiance is all wrong, it’s all about pleasing you or someone else, but not about pleasing God.

            B.         It’s All About Pleasing God

If you want to live the victorious Christian life get your eyes off you and others. The question is not is everybody here happy, but is God happy! 

Conclusion:       Have you started right? To start right you must begin with Jesus!