Jesus our
Baptiser – Part 1
Memory Verse:
“But you
will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My
witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the
earth” (Acts 1:8. NIV.)
We should not only learn what Holy Spirit Baptism is
all about, but also look at the steps and results of being so baptized.
Thank God that he Lord Jesus that we know is the same One
that baptizes with the Holy Spirit, Matt. 3:11. He is the One Who was behind the
very familiar events we read of in Acts 2 – see John 14:16-18; 15:26. And from Acts 2:1-21, we see:
§
The 120
disciples were prepared for the coming of the Holy Spirit. They were in one
accord in one place, v.1.
§
The
out-pouring of the Holy Spirit was marked by “a sound like the blowing of a
violent wind .. from heaven (that) filled the whole house”, as well as the
presence of “tongues of fire that
…came to rest on each of them”, vs. 2-3.
§
The
results of their being “filled with the Holy Spirit” were glorious and
remarkable, vs. 4-21:
o
They
spoke in not just different tongues, but on this occasion in languages they
never learnt beforehand, but visitors in Jerusalem from at least 15 different
nationalities and language groups
understood them, vs. 4b-11.
o
The
wide range of the languages they employed on that day demonstrated God wanted
everyone to hear and receive the Gospel, the good news of the salvation God has
brought in Jesus to all mankind.
o
The
onlookers were amazed and perplexed. “What’s going on here?” was their question, v.12.
o
We also
observe the boldness the Holy Spirit gave the disciples to proclaim the Gospel,
as the Lord promised us in Acts 1:8. The time of fearing men and hiding in some obscure room
somewhere was gone. God had now begun to fulfill what He had earlier promised
through Prophet Joel some hundreds of years before then, vs. 14-21.
Lesson Outline 1: The
Baptism with the Holy Spirit
q
What is Holy Spirit Baptism?
o
It is the endowment of the believer with power for effective
Christian service, Acts 1:8; 2:1-2.
And it is in fulfillment of God’s promise in Joel
2:28-32.
q
How does it differ from salvation?
o
At
salvation, we are made new persons in Christ, a new creation, born again, and
indeed receive the Holy Spirit, Rom. 8:9. At Holy Spirit baptism, power is
imparted to us for Christian service, Acts 1:8.
q
What are the steps toward receiving Holy Spirit
baptism?
o
Holy
Spirit baptism is for those who are truly born again, Acts 2:3;
10:44; Gal. 3:2,5,14. It
is not for some charlatans and pretenders, Acts 8:9-23. So if you are born again, continue
in your faith in the Lord.
o
The
Lord has promised Him to all believers, & not just to special ones, John
14:14-18. He is for
you too.
o
Hunger
and thirst after righteousness in your life and affairs, Matt. 5: 6. (The Holy Spirit brings filling.)
o
Ask God
for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on you without wavering or doubt, Luke 11:9-13; James 1:6-8.
o
Learn
to live in obedience to God’s word – the Holy Spirit is given only “to those
who obey Him”, Acts 5:32.
o
Live a
life of holiness and purity; the desired Guest is holy too, Eph. 4:25;
Matt. 5:8,48.
Lesson Outline 2: Results of Baptism with the Holy Spirit
q
What are the results of being baptized with the Holy
Spirit?
o
He
displaces timidity with boldness, power & a sound mind in serving the Lord,
Acts 1:8; 2:14; 4:29-33.
o
He
imparts to us the gifts we need for serving the Lord effectively, and by His
work within us our lives bear fruit that confirm His presence in us, 1 Cor.
12:4-10; Gal. 5:22-23.
Summary:
If we are to serve the Lord effectively, then the Baptism of
the Holy Spirit is essential. He is our power in serving the Lord.