The Benefits Of The Baptism In The Holy Spirit Series

May 21, 2017

Morning Worship

Text: Romans 8:37

Subject: The Anointing of the Holy Spirit Part 3

Title: The Benefits of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit

We began this series several weeks ago and I feel it is so important to continue in it as we lead up to the Day of Pentecost. I like to say this, and I get a lot of raised eyebrows when I say it, the Day of Pentecost is the most important day in the history of the church up to this point. Now I say that for this reason – many people think that the resurrection was the most important day in history for the church, but in reality the death and resurrection of Christ was not for the benefit of the church. It was for the lost and dying world. For God so loved the world… Jesus did not say that God so loved the church that He gave His only begotten Son… He so loved the WORLD!

But it was on the day of Pentecost over 2,000 years ago that the Holy Spirit was poured out for the purpose of giving to the church everything that it needed to become the entity on earth that would change the course of history forever.

There are a couple of different dynamics at work in these two separate but important events in human history. First, we see God giving His Son for the salvation of all mankind. Those who repent of sin and then make Jesus Lord of their lives receive eternal life. This salvation that has been so freely offered to all of mankind opens the doors of our hearts to invite the Holy Spirit to enter in and take up residence. It is this active response to God’s grace offered us that makes us part of the family of God. Upon our confession of Jesus Christ as Lord and our turning from our sinful lives we immediately are adopted as children of the Heavenly Father. Romans 8:15-17 (NKJV)

15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father."

16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

17 and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

As the Holy Spirit takes up residence in us we receive the very character of Christ and we become new creations.

Secondly, before Jesus ascended to the Father He said this to His disciples. Luke 24:49 (NKJV)

49 Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high."

Luke 3:16 (NKJV)

16 John answered, saying to all, "I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

The Father gives the Holy Spirit to those who are saved. Jesus is the One who baptizes in/with the Holy Spirit. It is this baptism that gives us the power of Christ.

Since we see that there is a definite separation between the two events and we know that one is for eternal life and the other for power we ask the question, “What are the benefits of the baptism in the Holy Spirit?”

Romans 8:37 (NKJV)

37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

I believe this is God’s word…

I believe it is for me…

I accept it as mine…

I will appropriate it to my life today…

What happens when the power of the Holy Spirit the baptism comes upon you? What is different? It’s the power. It is the enhancement of what the Holy Spirit is doing in you through salvation and taking everything to a different level. So let’s walk through some scripture to see some of the benefits when you receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

1. Speaking in other tongues. This is not only the initial physical evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit, but it also provides benefits after the initial event in each life. I’m not going to go into too much detail here, but you have heard me say before that with tongues there are two separate and distinct purposes. The first is the gift of tongues. This is a spiritual gift that is described in 1 Corinthians 12 as given by the Holy Spirit to an individual for the purpose of God giving instruction or encouragement to the church through the gift of tongues which must be followed by an interpretation. The second is beneficial for all who have received the baptism in the Holy Spirit. It is the language that you receive by which you speak to God. You can call it a prayer language, or tongues, or whatever you want to call it. Many choose not to use this language and I believe it is mainly because they do not understand the benefit. Romans 8:26-27 (NKJV)