The Holy Spirit
1. Baptism with the Holy Spirit and
2. Being filled with the Holy Spirit
This study takes a slightly different approach from our normal study guides.
It is more suitable for personal study rather than group study
1. Baptism with the Holy Spirit
References Matt 3:11, John 14: 15-18, John 16:5-15, Acts 2:1-4
Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit when he was on earth. When Jesus returned back to heaven He did not leave us alone but sent the Holy Spirit to come and be our helper.
The Holy Spirit brings us into a new relationship with the father. It is the Holy Spirit who opens our eyes to see and receive the love of God. When we receive the love of God (i.e Jesus) we become born again; a new creation. This is the work of the Holy Spirit . ( John 3:5-8,14-21, 2 Cor 5:17-18)
The Holy Spirit also gives us the power to do the work of God. Jesus himself was anointed with the Holy Spirit Matt 3:16-17, Lk 4:14-18,
It is important to remember that the Holy Spirit, like Jesus, is a person who we can talk to. He also guides and leads us
John 16:5- 15, John 14:25-26, John 15:26, Rm 8:26-27
Jesus told his disciples to receive the Holy Spirit. This was necessary if they were to have the power to be effective witnesses for Jesus. In like manner, we too need the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:7-11
Being baptised with the Holy Spirit is simply receiving more of the power of God into our lives. Notice Jesus first breathed on his disciples and asked them to receive the Holy Spirit. John 20:22. They were later told to wait for the baptism with the Holy Spirit Acts 1:8.
The first instance of disciples being baptised with the Holy Spirit is given in Acts 2. Notice how this changed Peter and all the disciples. They were full of boldness and the power of God. Three thousand souls got saved after Peter preached. You will appreciate the effect the Holy Spirit had on the disciples life when you compare their conduct before the baptism of the Holy Spirit and after.
Before John 20:19-20
After Acts 2: 40, Acts 3: 1-10
How to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit
1. Repentance (Receiving Jesus) Acts 2:38
The only real requirement to receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit is our "being born again". Once we have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as our Lord and saviour, there is no reason why we should not immediately receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit
2. Thirsting John 7:37-38
Do you have a desire for more of God? God will not force his gifts on us. Jesus said those that are thirsty should come to him and he will give them to drink of his living waters. If we are thirsty for more of Jesus he will fill us with his Holy Spirit.
3. Ask Luke 11:13
Jesus desires us all to be filled with the Holy Spirit. If we ask for the baptism of the Holy Spirit we will receive him.
4. Receive him John 7:37
We need faith to receive from God. The Holy Spirit is a gift. We receive him by faith. We do not merit the Holy Spirit. We receive him by the grace of God.
2. Being baptised with the Holy Spirit
Read the following scriptures and write out what signs followed the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Remember we receive the Holy Spirit first before the manifestations come. When asking for the Holy Spirit we should not be asking for the signs but rather the power of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2: 1-48, Acts 8:14-20, Acts 9:17-20, Acts 10:44-48, Acts 19:1-7
Jesus promised that signs would follow those that believe in Him
Mark 16:17-18. Can you explain them?
Speaking with new tongues is one of the signs.
When we speak in new tongues the Holy Spirit is praying (or praising) God through us. -
1 Cor 14:14-16, Rm 8:26-28(Can share you experience?)
Being Filled with the Holy Spirit
Being baptised with the Holy Spirit should not be the end of our seeking the Holy Spirit.
We should continuously seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit and his power. Many Christians have been baptised with the Holy Spirit but due to careless living (lack of prayer or living in sin) they are no longer filled with the power. Just like a car runs out of petrol if not refilled, so do we as Christians run out of the power of the Holy Spirit if we do not spend time in prayer. This is why the Holy Spirit gives us the ability to speak in new tongues when we receive the baptism of the holy Spirit.
Speaking in tongues helps us to pray more and aids us to pray effectively.
Prayer is important if we are to remain filled with the Holy Spirit.
Notice how the disciples were filled afresh with the holy Spirit after a time of prayer Acts 4:23-31 notice verse 31
What was the sign of their be filled with the Holy Spirit afresh? (Verse 31)
Notice what happened immediately after the prayer - Act 4:32 - 33
What is another sign of being filled with the Holy Spirit -
Acts 13:52, Rm 15:13, Col 1:9-12, Eph 5: 15- 21,
Do you witness the power of the Holy Spirit in your life ? If not why not spend some time asking God to fill you afresh with the Holy Spirit. Remember, being filled with the Holy Spirit is all about receiving his power.
As you continue to wait on God in prayer and study of the word you will find that God renews your strength - Isaiah 40:31