The Purpose of the Baptism of The Holy Spirit
In this lesson you will learn what the baptism of the Holy Spirit is, what happens when you receive it, the purpose for it, and why you should allow the rivers of living water to flow out of you.
I. What is the baptism of the Holy Spirit?
A. Matthew 3:11 - Jesus' ministry began with John the Baptist's word, "He who is coming after me is mightier than I....He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."
1. "Baptism with the Holy Spirit" means to be immersed, filled with, overflowing with, and surrounded with the power and fire of the Holy Spirit of God.
B. Luke 24:44-53 - After Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection but before His ascension. He talked to His disciples about "the Promise of His Father". "Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high" - v.49.
1. "The Promise of the Father" is synonymous with "the baptism of the Holy Spirit."
2. "Endued" means to be clothed upon.
II. What happens when you receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit?
A. Acts 1:4-8 - "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses..." - v. 8.
B. Acts 2:1-21-On the Day of Pentecost, the 120 people in the Upper Room "were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance"
v. 4.
1. They were speaking "the wonderful works of God" - v.11.
2. Peter preached and 3,000 people were saved.
III. What is the purpose of "the baptism of the Holy Spirit"?
A. You will be quipped to be a mighty witness and to do the works of Jesus and even greater works: speak the Word of God with authority and demonstrate the resurrection power of Jesus Christ with signs, wonders, and miracles following.
B. Without the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, you will be intimidated and ineffective.
C. Zechariah 4:6 - The Body of Christ worldwide is being built through the power of the Holy Spirit.
IV. What happens when the mighty power of the Holy Spirit comes inside of you?
A. John 7:37-39 - Rivers of living water will flow out of you: rivers of joy, peace, life, victory, glory, anointing, healing, deliverance, words of knowledge, etc.
B. John 14:26, 15:26, 16:13-15 - The Holy Spirit will teach you all things, testify of Jesus, guide you into all truth, and glorify Jesus.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
When did you receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit, or if you haven't had this experience, are you ready for it?
What immediate difference did it make in your life?
How are you "continually being filled" with the Holy Spirit?
How are you stirring up the gift of God which is in you (see 2 Timothy 1:6)?