MISSIONARY FAMILIES OF CHRIST

CHRISTIAN LIFE SEMINAR

SESSION No. 4: The GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Goal: To understand the role of the Holy Spirit, and to receive the baptism in the
Spirit.

Expanded Outline

A. To overcome sin, to reform our lives, to be holy, to be true disciples, to love our
neighbor, all these are very difficult. We cannot do this on our own strength. We
need a power outside ourselves. That is the Holy Spirit.

1. Many people during the prophet Ezekiel’s time were enmeshed in sin and
spiritual lifelessness, like many Christians today. This is what God said to them:

a) Ez 36:26. God’s promise of the Holy Spirit.

b) Ez 36:27. God’s promise of help and power to do what is right. The Holy Spirit
gives us the power.

2. The Spirit that God promised through Ezekiel, Jesus gave to his disciples.

a) First Jesus stressed the Spirit’s importance. Jn 16:7.

b) Then Jesus told them he would send them the Spirit so they can be true
witnesses. Lk 24:48-49.

3. Much of Christianity today looks weak, lacking in power and effectiveness.

a) But Christians have not always been so lifeless. The early Christian
movement was dynamic, strong, attractive.
• From a small sect, it conquered the Roman empire.
b) That same power is available to us today. That is the power of the Holy Spirit.
c) We need to know the Holy Spirit not just as a doctrine, but as a Person Who
truly affects our lives.
d) Such life in the Spirit was normal for the early Christians. They truly
experienced the Holy Spirit at work.
• In the book of Acts, we see the Holy Spirit acting among them, guiding
them, speaking to them, giving them gifts, sending them on mission.

4. God wants all men to have this new life. This new life in the Spirit is available to
all who turn away from a life of sin and receive Jesus as Savior and Lord.

B. Receiving the Holy Spirit (what does it mean?).

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1. The experience of the early disciples.

a) Jesus promises the Holy Spirit and tells them to wait. Lk 24:49.
b) On the day of Pentecost (a Jewish holiday), the Holy Spirit came. Acts 2.
• An exciting event. Noise like a strong wind, fire, speaking in tongues.
• Pilgrims from all over were amazed.
• Peter proclaims the gospel. 3,000 are converted!
• The Holy Spirit created bonds of love and unity among the new
Christians. The Church was born.
c) Others as well received the Holy Spirit.
• Acts 8:14-17 (Samaria). Acts 10:44-46 (Cornelius). Acts 19:6
(Ephesus).
• Those who received the Holy Spirit knew the Lord more personally and
more experientially.

2. What does receiving the Holy Spirit (or being baptized in the Spirit) mean for us
today?

a) We can experience the same power and gift of the Spirit that the early
Christians did.
• Same relationship with Jesus.
• Same transforming power.
• Same deep worship.
• Same power for speaking the gospel.
b) We can receive the same spiritual gifts. 1 Cor 12:1,4-11.
• Expound briefly on each gift (Reference: Book “Renewing the Face of
the Earth”).
c) A word on the gift of tongues.
• Tongues is a common experience with the baptism in the Spirit. Just
like in Acts.
• It is a gift from God. Thus it is important.
• Unlike the other spiritual gifts, tongues is a gift that is immediately
manifest.
• Tongues can have great consequences on one’s spiritual life,
especially prayer and worship. 1 Cor 14:2 -- We are enabled to truly
speak to God. 1 Cor 14:14 – We are able to connect with God in
prayer because it is our spirit connecting also to God who is a spiritual
Being.

3. How can we receive the baptism in the Spirit?

a) God has promised us the Holy Spirit. Lk 11:9-13.

b) So we simply take God up on His promise. We ask our Father to give us the
Holy Spirit.
• We can be sure we will receive the Spirit because God said so. We
just need to ask in faith.
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C. We would like to pray for and with you for the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

1. First, as a manifestation of repentance and faith, we will ask you to make your re-
commitment to Christ. This was your baptismal commitment. Then we will pray
over you.

2. Be aware of obstacles to receiving God’s gifts.

a) An unrepentant attitude. Refusing to admit sin as sin.

b) Feeling unworthy. As such, we draw away from God’s offered embrace.
c) Fear.
• Of what others will think, of looking foolish, of being overtaken.
• Of what God might ask of us.
d) Doubt. That God promised and will give the Spirit if we ask.
e) Pride. Attitude of not wanting or needing God’s gifts.

3. You know what you need. Ask for it.

a) More courage to live the Christian life, strength to fight temptation, more
knowledge of God, etc.
b) God is offering you various gifts. Be open to whatever God wants to give you.

D. The prayer session.

1. Explain the procedure quickly.

2. Sing the song “Create in me.”
3. Do the prayer of “Commitment to Christ.”
4. Pray over for baptism in the Spirit. At some point, sing “Spirit of the Living God.”
5. After the praying over, have a short worship time (including singing in tongues).

E. Closing exhortation.

1. Different people have different experiences.

a) Feeling is not the important thing. Rather, look for the new way that God is
at work in you and respond to it (e.g., a new desire for prayer, for
Scripture, etc.).
b) If you did not speak in tongues, do not worry about it. Do not equate being
baptized in the Spirit with getting the gift of tongues.
• Continue to be open to the Lord forming your praise into tongues.

2. Be aware that Satan can tempt you to doubt.

a) Satan is seeking to rob everyone of God’s gift. For him the next best thing to
keeping you from getting the gift is to keep you from using it.

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 b) Do not let feelings of doubt bother you. Just remember the fact that God
promised it and that you asked for it, and so you have received it.

3. Do not expect all your problems to go away all at once, though many will. The
Holy Spirit will make a big change in you, and you will see it. But not everything
will change. Some things will take a while to get worked out. But now you have a
new power to use in working them out.

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