The Baptism in the Holy Spirit with the Evidence of Speaking in Tongues

The Baptism in the Holy Spirit with the Evidence of Speaking in Tongues

Acts 2:4; 19:1-7

Introduction:

My assignment tonight is to teach about the baptism in the Holy Spirit from a foundational perspective. The goal is to establish a foundation and framework for those who have a desire to be filled with the Holy Spirit.  For those who have already been baptized with the Holy Spirit, this lesson will serve as a refresher for you, and perhaps you might learn one or two new things from today’s lesson.

Lesson Objectives:

• To clarify what the baptism in the Holy Spirit means
• The evidence for being filled with The Holy Spirit
• Identify the next to be filled with the Holy Spirit
• What is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit? – (Acts 2:4

To be baptized in the Spirit means to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4). Baptism with the Holy Spirit is a post-Pentecost experience:

• It meant the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s promise in Joel 2:28-29 to pour out his Spirit on all his people in the end times. Also, it was the beginning of the fulfilment of Jesus promised to His disciples too.

Scripture References:

• Acts 1:4-5
• Matthew 3:11
• Luke 24:49
• John 1:33

The disciples were “clothed with power from on high” (Lk 24:49; Acts 1:8), making them able to communicate with boldness and authority of the gospel. They were empowered to perform miracles, signs, and wonders (Acts 2:43).
Thought(s):

There is so much confusion today about the baptism in the Spirit. People get hung up and miss out because they don’t understand there are three relationships regarding the Holy Ghost.

1. The Bible tells us that we will all receive the Holy Spirit at the moment of our salvation with the Lord. The Bible also tells us that we are “sealed” with the Holy Spirit the minute we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior (Ephesians 1:13).
   1. The Holy Spirit comes in us the moment we open our heart to the Savior (Titus 3:4-7)
      1. However, in addition to receiving the Holy Spirit and actually being sealed with His presence, one other incredible thing will occur at the exact moment of our conversions to the Lord – and that one other incredible thing is that we will be “regenerated” by the Holy Spirit.
   1. He comes upon us when He empowers us for service (Acts 1:5)

Although all Christians are equally saved, not all Christians are equally filled with the Spirit (Acts 19:1-7).

• Baptism in the Holy Spirit means to empower by the Holy Spirit for ministry (Acts. 1:5; 2:4; 2:43).

Baptism in the Holy Spirit (in-depth analysis)

Right before we become born again Christians, the Holy Spirit convicts us, and we end up confessing our sins and receiving the gift of salvation. Through the Holy Spirit, we become baptized in the spirit, and we become sensitive to spirituality (Acts 2:38, John 3:1-16). There are several ways in which the Holy Spirit empowers Christians. First, the Holy Spirit is a helper. Once Christians are baptized in the Holy Spirit, they live a life full of flourish that radiates God’s goodness. Anytime you feel like a failure or lack confidence, the Holy Spirit is there to help you. One should not hesitate to invite Him through prayer (John 16:7). The Holy Spirit keeps Christians on a sacred path and is the power that energizes and sustains us.

Secondly, Baptism in the Holy Spirit sanctifies an individual. According to 1 Corinthians 6:11, the Holy Spirit steps into the life of a Christian by making one sacred and purifies an individual to become more Christ-like (2 Corinthians 3:18).  Sanctification is essential to a believer as one becomes a new person, and that happens through the Holy Spirit’s power. However, the transformation does not take place overnight but is a process that takes time through the help of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit facilitates the change and enables one to move from a life of sin to a victorious life.

Finally, Baptism in the Holy Spirit prepares one for ministry. There are various spiritual gifts that the Holy Spirits gives to born-again Christians based on the service they do in the church. These gifts are complementary and work towards building the church. When a Christian is baptized in the Holy Spirit, he or she is given a spiritual gift that enables one to help other Christians. For instance, the Holy Spirit may give one person the ability to prophesy while another can speak in tongues. Others may get the ability to advise while others may perform miracles. The Holy Spirit alone chooses which gift to assign to Christians (Corinthians 12:4-11). The gift that individual Christians receive empowers them to serve their calling in the body of Christ.

1. The Evidence of Being Baptized in The Holy Spirit – (Acts. 2:4; 19:1-6)

On the Day of Pentecost, a festival day of thanksgiving to God, speaking in other tongues was a God-given sign accompanying the baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4). In the passage, the disciples and those with them spoke in the language of other nations they had not learned previously. People from many nations gathered during the festival heard, “them speaking in our own languages the mighty works of God” (Acts 2:11b).

• Speaking in tongues is associated with evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4; 10:44-47; )
• Prophesying is evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:1-6)
• Unknown tongues are associated with evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 14:2)
• The interpretation of tongues is associated with baptism in the Holy Spirit
• Casting out demons, new tongues, and the recovery of the sick (Mark 16:17-18)

As the Spirit came upon the early church, the spiritual gift of tongues and prophesy are two of the gifts validating baptism in the Holy Spirit.

The Evidence of Being Baptized in the Holy Spirit (individual explanation)

As mentioned earlier, speaking in tongues stand out as the primary evidence of being baptized in the Holy Spirit. However, four ways manifest being baptized by the Holy Spirit from an individual point of view. The first evidence is in our speech. When the Holy Spirit guides a born-again Christian, the same is evident in one’s speech. One does not speak evil of others, gossip, or engage in sarcastic statements.

The second evidence is in our singing. When a Christian is baptized with the Holy Spirit, God’s song is present in one’s heart. The evidence is manifested through singing where God’s truth is revealed in our mind and soul. The third evidence is through thanksgiving. When one is filled with the Holy Spirit, he or she gives thanks to God regardless of the circumstance. The final proof is through one’s submissive nature. When one is filled with the Holy Spirit, one surrenders to Him and treats other people say the same way one would expect to be treated. 

1. How to Receive The Baptism of the Holy Spirit

Read Acts 2:17-21, Luke 11:11-13, 1 Corinthians 12:31

When you first believed, you received the seal of the Holy Spirit living in you in full measure. The Holy Spirit indwells every believer, regenerates us, gives us new life, and seals us as children of God. The Holy Spirit also convicts us, leads us, and guides us into all truth as believers. Baptism of the Holy Spirit is completely separate from the indwelling Spirit all believers have, but a subsequent act where the Holy Spirit comes upon you to fill you with power. It isn’t something God forces on us, but something we are all offered and can ask Him for. If you want all God has for you, simply ask for it!

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for Your presence in my life and for the seal of the Holy Spirit. I’m requesting all that You have for me. Fill me with a baptism of Your Holy Spirit and pour out all of the gifts You have for me. I confess an openness and a desire for all of the spiritual gifts and ask that You guide me in using them to fulfill Your divine purposes in power. Thank you for the privilege to partner with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

What’s Next?

1. Seek God in your quiet time in prayer and worship to experience the baptism in the Holy Spirit
2. Step forward for prayer and ask someone to pray with you for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
3. The gifts of the Spirit aren’t for us, but to be used by us for others. Put your new spiritual gifts to use!