Clothed with Power: Jesus, the Baptiser in the Holy Spirit
Introduction: More Than Forgiven — Empowered
Church, many believers live forgiven but not empowered.
Saved, yet struggling.
Redeemed, yet timid.
We rejoice that Jesus saves us from sin — and rightly so — but Scripture declares something more.
The same Jesus who died for us also longs to fill us, clothe us, and empower us.
My sermon today sits at the very heart of the Foursquare Gospel:
Jesus Christ — Saviour, Healer, Baptiser in the Holy Spirit, and Coming King.
Today, we focus on this glorious truth:
Jesus is the Baptiser in the Holy Spirit.
This is not a secondary doctrine.
This is discipleship power.
This is how ordinary men and women are transformed into bold witnesses for Christ in a hostile world.
In a world of:
• Social media distractions
• Anxiety over the future
• Cultural pressures against holiness
…we cannot rely on human ability.
The Holy Spirit is God’s provision for contemporary discipleship. He equips for:
• Moral courage in the workplace
• Patience in relationships
• Boldness in proclaiming the Gospel
• Perseverance under persecution
Church, discipleship today is not about knowledge alone, but Spirit-led action.
Luke 3:15–16 (NLT): “Everyone was expecting the Messiah to come soon, and they were eager to know whether John might be the Messiah. John answered their questions by saying, ‘I baptise you with water; but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am — so much greater that I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandals. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.’”
John the Baptist ministered during intense Messianic expectation under Roman oppression.
Israel longed not merely for forgiveness, but for deliverance and power.
John is clear:
• John’s baptism was a symbol of repentance
• Jesus’ baptism was a symbol of divine empowerment
The word baptise is baptízo, meaning to immerse, overwhelm, saturate.
This is not a sprinkle.
This is not symbolic.
This is a total immersion into the life and power of the Holy Spirit.
Fire speaks of: Purification, Passion, Power, and God’s manifest presence
John says: “I can point you to repentance — but Jesus will clothe you with heaven’s power.”
Point 1: Jesus Alone Is the Baptiser
John 1:32–34 (NLT): “Then John testified, ‘I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and resting upon him. I didn’t know he was the one, but when God sent me to baptise with water, he told me, “The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptise with the Holy Spirit.” I saw this happen to Jesus, so I testify that he is the Chosen One of God.’”
Notice this carefully:
• Pastors do not baptise in the Spirit
• Churches do not baptise in the Spirit
• Methods do not baptise in the Spirit
Jesus does.
This keeps us Christ-centred, not experience-centred.
As John Piper wrote: “The Holy Spirit is not a luxury for the Church; He is the necessity.”
Church, Piper nails it. The Spirit is not an optional upgrade — He is essential equipment for discipleship.
Without Him, we attempt supernatural living with natural strength.
Point 2: The Promise Is for Every Believer
Acts 1:4–5, 8 (NLT): “Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, ‘Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. John baptised with water, but in just a few days you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit.’ … ‘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.’”
Notice the sequence Jesus gives His disciples:
1. You are already saved — they have believed, repented, and followed Jesus.
2. You are already commissioned — “You will be my witnesses.”
3. But you are not yet empowered — “Wait… until the Father sends the gift.”
The word power in verse 8 is the Greek dýnamis, from which we get dynamite.
This is explosive, enabling power — not personality, hype, or hype-driven emotion, but divine energy for holy living and bold witness.
This tells us something crucial for discipleship in the 21st century:
Salvation is instantaneous. Empowerment is experiential.
Calling is given immediately. Power must be received.
Imagine buying a brand-new washing machine. It’s installed perfectly. It’s designed to clean clothes. But it’s never plugged in. You can shout at it. You can read the manual. You can even admire it — but nothing happens.
So many Christians are like that.
Installed in church.
Labelled “disciple”.
But unplugged from the power source.
Jesus says, “Do not go… until you are plugged in.”
R.T. Kendall: “We are as effective as Christians as the Holy Spirit is allowed to be powerful within us.”
That stings — but it heals. The issue is rarely God’s willingness; it is often our surrender.
Kendall reminds us that the Spirit’s fullness depends not on heaven’s reluctance, but on our openness.
Point 3: The Baptism in the Holy Spirit Is Evidenced by Transformation and Bold Witness
Acts 2:1–4 (NLT): “On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.”
Pentecost was not emotional chaos — it was divine invasion.
Pentecost (Shavuot) celebrated the giving of the Law at Sinai. Now, God gives not stone tablets, but Spirit-filled hearts (cf. Jeremiah 31).
Key Observations
• Suddenly — God moves unexpectedly
• Sound like a mighty wind — God’s breath (ruach in Hebrew)
• Fire — God’s holy presence
• All were filled — not just apostles, but everyone present
The Greek phrase “filled with the Holy Spirit” is pleróo, meaning to be fully supplied, completely permeated.
This filling resulted in:
• Supernatural speech
• Bold proclamation
• Radical transformation
Peter — once fearful, now fearless.
Charles Stanley said: “The Holy Spirit does not merely empower us to do things — He transforms who we are.”
That is discipleship gold.
The Spirit is not given merely for moments in church, but for transformation in everyday life — workplaces, homes, and communities.
A young violinist once stood before a great orchestra, paralysed by fear. Then the conductor stepped forward, lifted his baton, and led. The same musician, the same violin — but under the direction and power of a master, the music soared.
Church, the Holy Spirit is the divine Conductor. Without Him, our lives are noise. With Him, they become worship.
Point 4: The Baptism Is a Promise to Be Received, Not a Trophy to Be Earned
Acts 2:38–39 (NLT): Peter replied, ‘Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away — all who have been called by the Lord our God.’”
The Spirit is:
• A gift, not a reward
• A promise, not a preference
• For every generation, not just the first-century church
The phrase “those far away” includes us — 21st-century disciples navigating digital overload, cultural confusion, and spiritual opposition.
Tim Keller: “The Spirit empowers us not simply to know the truth, but to live it.”
Keller brings balance. Knowledge without power leads to hypocrisy. Power without truth leads to chaos. The Holy Spirit gives us both.
A lighthouse keeper once noticed ships struggling in fog. He could shout, blow a horn, or light a candle, but only when the lighthouse was fully illuminated could the ships navigate safely.
Friends, the Holy Spirit is the light of the lighthouse.
If dimmed, your witness is weak.
But fully filled, your life can guide countless souls to Christ.
Gospel Presentation: Power Flows from the Cross
Church, never separate Pentecost from Calvary.
Jesus:
• Died for our sins (substitution)
• Was buried (finality of death)
• Rose again (victory and new life)
1 Peter 2:24 (NLT): “He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right.”
The same Jesus who shed His blood to save you now pours out His Spirit to empower you.
You cannot receive the fullness of the Spirit while rejecting the Lordship of Christ.
Call to Action: How Do We Respond?
For Believers
1. Repent — remove resistance
2. Surrender — yield control
3. Ask in faith — Jesus promised
4. Receive — not by striving, but by trust
You cannot receive the Spirit until you receive the Saviour.
Today, Jesus calls you to:
• Turn from sin
• Trust in His finished work
• Experience forgiveness and new life
Invitation to Salvation
If you know you are not right with God, this moment is for you.
Jesus loves you. He died for you. He rose for you.
And He calls you — now.
Repent. Believe. Receive.
In Conclusion
Church, we do not follow Jesus in our own strength.
We follow Him clothed with power from on high.
Ephesians 3:20–21 (NLT): “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.”
Go from this place encouraged: Jesus saves. Jesus heals. Jesus baptises with the Holy Spirit. Jesus empowers.
Walk boldly, live transformed, witness courageously, and depend daily on the One who gives you everything you need to follow Him.
Friends, do not settle for Christianity without power.
Do not accept discipleship without the Spirit. Today, let your heart cry:
"Lord Jesus, baptise me in the Holy Spirit. Fill me, transform me, and use me for Your glory."
Go in peace, walk in boldness, and be empowered for every good work, for Jesus is alive, reigning, and baptising His people with the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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Practical Steps to Spirit-Filled Living
1. Daily Surrender – “Lord, I yield control today.”
2. Prayer for Boldness – Ask for the Spirit’s empowerment to witness.
3. Study the Word – The Spirit illuminates truth in Scripture.
4. Obedience in Small Things – Faithfulness in little tasks develops readiness for great assignments.
5. Community – Seek Spirit-filled fellowship, accountability, and encouragement.
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