Introduction
This lesson will help you experience baptism in the Holy Spirit. When you gave your life to Jesus, the Holy Spirit came to live inside you. The Bible also talks about an empowering experience called the baptism in the Holy Spirit, where believers are filled with power to live boldly for Christ, given gifts for service and bear new fruit in their character.
The Promise of the Holy Spirit
Luke 24:49 "I am going to send you what my Father has ; but stay in the city until you have been with power from on high."
Acts 1:4-5 "Do not leave Jerusalem, but for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with , but in a few days you will be baptized with the ."
What did Jesus tell His disciples to wait for?
The Purpose of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit
Acts 1:8 "But you will receive when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
The baptism in the Holy Spirit empowers us for witness—boldly sharing Jesus and living out our faith.
The Fruit of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit
New Fruit- Galatians 5:22-23 "But the is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."
New Gifts 1 Corinthians 12:7 "Now to each one the is given for the common good."
The Holy Spirit grows new fruit in our lives and gives us supernatural gifts—like healing, prophecy, tongues, discernment, and more—to glorify Jesus, bless others, build His church and reach the world.
Talk About It:
- What inspires you in these Scriptures?
- What questions do you have?
Receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit
We receive the Holy Spirit when we receive Christ:
Ephesians 1:13 "When you believed, you were in Him with the promised Holy Spirit."
The baptism of the Holy Spirit however is often a subsequent experience after our conversion as it was for the Samaritan believers in Acts 8.14-17, the Apostle Paul in Acts 9.17-18, and the Ephesians believers in Acts 19.1-7.
Additionally, it is not a one time experience but something that can be experienced again and again like it was for the early church in Acts 4.23-31, Peter in Acts 4.8, Stephen in Acts 7.55, Paul in Acts 13.9 and the disciples at Antioch in Acts 13.52.
Ephesians 5.18 "Do not get drunk on wine... Instead, be with the Spirit."
Taking Action:
There is not a formula for being baptized in the Spirit, like the disciples of old we are to ask fervently and to wait patiently. God will be faithful to give!
Take time to pray together to be baptized in the Holy Spirit and pay attention to what happens. Do this regularly for the next week and take note!