02.19.2023 | WE VALUE THE HOLY SPIRIT
WE VALUE THE HOLY SPIRIT
We value the Baptism and Gifts of the Holy Spirit – Available to every believer flowing individually and corporately (Acts 2:4; 1 Corinthians 12:7)
1. Receive the Baptism of Friendship
“In friendship with the Holy Spirit, we begin to experience a sense of wholeness and joy unattainable through any other relationship or aspect of life.” – Craig Denison
John 15:15 (ESV)
No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.
God longs for friendship with His people. And through the Holy Spirit, we have a continual connection with God available to us.
Psalm 25:14
The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He makes known to them His covenant.
Ephesians 4:30
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
2. Receive the Baptism of Love
Romans 5:5a (NKJV)
The love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
“Without the all-pervading influence of divine love in the believer’s heart, all the other results that may be produced by the baptism in the Holy Spirit, lose their true significance and fail to accomplish their true purpose.” – Derek Prince
1 Corinthians 13:1 (NLT)
If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
1 John 4:8
But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
The fruit positions us to steward the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit well.
3. Receive the Baptism of Power
An empowerment that releases boldness to proclaim the Gospel.
Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be My witnesses, telling people about Me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
“In Acts, power refers to the working of miracles, power for bearing witness to Christ, and power over the devil.” – Arrington
“The fruit and the gifts together, comprised a complete or whole witness to the power of the Gospel. The Spirit integrated the inward and outward.” – Steven Land
4. Receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit
We are actually commanded to be baptized in the Holy Spirit in the Bible!
Ephesians 5:18 (NKJV)
And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.
Steps to Receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit:
A. Be born again.
B. Surrender to His Lordship and reign in every area of our lives; repent of any sin/disobedience/unforgiveness.
Acts 2:38
Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Acts 2:39
“For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”
C. Pursue.
Luke 11:9-10 (NLT)
And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
Luke 11:11-12
You fathers—if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not!
Luke 11:13
So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?
Understanding Your Prayer Language
Acts 2:4
And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.
Discussion Questions:
1. Have you ever thought of the baptism in the Holy Spirit as a baptism in love? Share why or why not.
2. Can you share an example of love growing or maturing in your life (something you react to now with love, but didn’t used to)?
3. Can you share examples you have seen of the power of the Holy Spirit?
4. Can you imagine the same power that raised Jesus from the dead inside of you?
5. Have you ever received the baptism in the Holy Spirit? If so, share about what it was like.
6. Have you ever spoken in your prayer language? If so, share what it was like the first time; if not, share why you think that might be?
7. Would you describe the Holy Spirit as a friend? Why or why not?
8. What are some “gaps” you see in your life that could be filled by the Holy Spirit?