Walking in the Spirit (The Baptism in the Holy Spirit)

Aim: To understand what the Holy Spirit baptism is and its relevance to us as believers

Text: Acts 1:8; 10:44-46; 19:1-6, Joel 2:28

INTRODUCTION 

The Holy Spirit baptism is different from the new birth experience (Acts 19:1-6). When a person gives his/her life to Christ, the Holy Spirit indwells (resides in) him/her (Rom 8:9). Salvation (the new birth experience) is a work of the Holy Spirit (John 6:63), but this work is different from the baptism of the Holy Spirit that empowers the believer for effectiveness in service (Acts 1:8).

The baptism in the Holy Spirit is a supernatural endowment with power for the purpose of witnessing effectively and with an initial evidence of speaking in tongues (Acts 10:44-46; 19:6).

DISCUSSION

Truths about the baptism in the Holy Spirit

1.      The baptism in the Holy Spirit is different from the new birth experience

·         The new birth is for unbelievers while the baptism in the Holy Spirit is for believers (Acts 8:14-17; 19:4-6)

·         In the new birth the Spirit saves and sanctifies (the Spirit within), while in the Holy Spirit baptism He empowers and gives gifts (the Spirit upon) (Jn 6:63, 2Th 2:13, Acts 1:8 1Cor 12:7)

·         In the new birth, the Holy Spirit is the baptizer, while in the Holy Spirit baptism Christ is the baptizer (1Cor 12:13, Gal 3:27, Matt 3:11, John 1:33, 34)

2.      The baptism in the Holy Spirit is a promise

·         The Father promised to pour His Spirit on us and empower us for His service. (Joel 2:28,29; Acts 2:17-18)

·         Jesus also reminded us of this promise (John 7:37-39, John 14:16-18)

3.      This promise is for Christian disciples of every era (Acts 2:38-39)

4.      The baptism of the Holy Spirit is an endowment of God’s power

·         This endowment empowers us to witness for Christ boldly (Acts 1:8; 4:31)

·         This endowment empowers us to serve Christ effectively (1 Cor. 12:4-7)

5.      An initial evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit is Speaking in Tongues (Acts 10:44-46; 19:6)

CONCLUSION

The way to receive the Holy Spirit baptism is similar to the way we got saved as believers. After knowing and believing in the person of the Holy Spirit and His ministry in our lives, we must ask in faith and receive (Luke 11:9-13, Jn 14:17). The Lord wants us to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit, so once baptized we should keep being filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:31; Eph. 5:17-19).