The Baptism Of The Holy Spirit Series

THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Acts 19:1-6

Supporting Texts: Acts 1:4-5, Acts 2:1-4, Luke 11:13, Joel 2:28–29, John 7:37-39

INTRODUCTION:

The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a divine experience designed to empower believers for spiritual service and intimacy with God. In Acts 19:1–6, Paul encounters some disciples in Ephesus who had not even heard of the Holy Spirit. After instructing them, he laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost with evidence of speaking in tongues and prophesying.

Many Christians today stop at salvation and water baptism, unaware of the deeper dimension of spiritual empowerment available through the Holy Spirit baptism. Yet Jesus Himself told the disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they were "endued with power from on high." This baptism is a promise, not a privilege for a few—it is a gift meant for all believers.

Being baptised in the Holy Spirit is not merely a doctrinal issue but a vital spiritual encounter. It transforms weak, timid believers into bold, Spirit-filled witnesses. Without the Holy Spirit's baptism, the Church would be powerless. With it, the Church becomes unstoppable.

1. THE PROMISE OF THE BAPTISM

The baptism of the Holy Spirit is God’s promise to all His children.

a) It was prophesied in the Old Testament (Joel 2:28–29):

God foretold a time when He would pour out His Spirit upon all flesh—young and old, men and women.

b) Jesus reaffirmed the promise (Acts 1:4–5):

Before ascending, Jesus commanded His followers not to depart until they received the promise of the Father.

c) The promise is for every believer (Acts 2:39):

It’s not limited to apostles or ministers but for all who believe in Christ.

d) God desires to give the Holy Spirit to those who ask (Luke 11:13):

The baptism is a gift from a loving Father, not something to be feared or doubted.

Biblical Example: On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit fell on 120 believers, fulfilling Jesus’ promise and marking the birth of the Church (Acts 2:1–4).

2. THE PURPOSE OF THE BAPTISM

The Holy Spirit baptism empowers the believer for supernatural living and ministry.

a) It brings power for effective witnessing (Acts 1:8):

Believers are emboldened to share the gospel and perform the works of God.

b) It equips with spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7–11):

Speaking in tongues, prophecy, healing, and other gifts flow from this baptism.

c) It deepens intimacy with God (Romans 8:26–27):

The Spirit helps us pray and connect with the heart of God.

d) It brings transformation (Galatians 5:22–23):

The fruit of the Spirit becomes more evident in our lives.

Biblical Example: Peter, once afraid to testify, became bold and preached a sermon that led 3,000 souls to Christ after being filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:14–41).

3. THE PROCESS OF RECEIVING THE BAPTISM

Receiving the Holy Spirit is by faith, not through works or ritual.

a) Hunger and thirst attract the outpouring (John 7:37–39):

Jesus promised the Spirit to those who are thirsty.

b) Prayer and expectation prepare the heart (Acts 1:14):

The early believers waited in unity and prayer until the Spirit came.

c) Laying on of hands is a biblical channel (Acts 19:6):

The Holy Spirit often falls when ministers lay hands in faith.

d) Speaking in tongues often accompanies the baptism (Acts 10:44–46):

Tongues serve as an initial evidence, though the Spirit also brings other signs.

Biblical Example: Paul laid hands on the disciples in Ephesus, and they received the Holy Spirit and spoke with tongues and prophesied (Acts 19:1–6).

4. THE POWER THAT FOLLOWS THE BAPTISM

The Spirit baptism leads to extraordinary results in the life of a believer.

a) Boldness in ministry and testimony (Acts 4:31):

Fear disappears and courage takes over when the Spirit is at work.

b) Increased effectiveness in prayer (Ephesians 6:18):

Spirit-filled prayer is powerful, passionate, and Spirit-led.

c) Supernatural manifestations (1 Corinthians 2:4–5):

The Christian life becomes filled with miracles, wisdom, and revelation.

d) A burning zeal for God and His kingdom (Romans 12:11):

Spiritual fire is sustained through the indwelling power of the Holy Ghost.

Biblical Example: Philip, filled with the Spirit, evangelised Samaria with great power, signs, and miracles (Acts 8:5–8).

5. THE PURSUIT OF A DAILY INFILLING

The baptism is not a one-time event but a gateway to a Spirit-filled life.

a) We must continue to be filled (Ephesians 5:18):

The Christian life requires daily dependence on the Spirit.

b) Maintain the fire through prayer and worship (Jude 1:20):

Praying in the Holy Ghost keeps the flame burning.

c) Live in obedience and surrender (Romans 8:14):

Spirit-filled living requires yieldedness to the Spirit’s leading.

d) Fellowship strengthens our spiritual walk (Hebrews 10:25):

We must stay connected to the body of Christ for encouragement.

Biblical Example: The apostles were filled repeatedly with the Spirit, experiencing fresh power for each new challenge (Acts 4:31).