Empowered by the Spirit: The Gift of Chrismation
Summary
Today, we explored the sacrament of chrismation—what it means, its roots in church history, and its vital role in the life of every believer. Many of us have grown up with a traditional Protestant understanding of faith, centered on Jesus and the truth of Scripture. Yet, for some, there’s been a disconnect between what we read in the Bible—miracles, power, transformation—and what we experience in daily life. Through personal stories and Scripture, we saw how the Holy Spirit is not just a theological concept but a living reality, meant to fill and empower us for both personal transformation and bold ministry to others.
Chrismation, or the anointing with oil for the sealing of the Holy Spirit, is a practice rooted in the early church. It’s more than a ritual; it’s an invitation to participate in the divine life God offers. The sacraments are not just symbols—they are visible signs of invisible grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the church, through which God imparts divine life. When we receive the Holy Spirit, we become vessels—transformed from moldable clay into unique carriers of God’s presence. But there’s a difference between having the Spirit within us for our own transformation and being filled to overflowing so that we can impact the world around us.
Scripture shows us this distinction: Jesus breathes the Spirit into the disciples in John 20, but then tells them to wait for the outpouring at Pentecost in Acts 2. The Spirit within comforts and transforms us; the Spirit upon us empowers us for mission, boldness, and spiritual gifts. This is not a one-time event but an ongoing need—we are called to be continually filled, just as the priests in the temple kept the oil burning so the light would never go out.
Chrismation, as practiced in church history, involves anointing with oil after baptism, symbolizing the sealing and empowering of the Holy Spirit. While traditions may differ, the heart is the same: God invites us to participate, to be filled, and to overflow with His presence for the sake of the world. We need each other, and we need the Spirit’s power—not just for ourselves, but to turn the world upside down with the love and truth of Jesus.
Key Takeaways
- The Sacraments as Living Encounters: Sacraments are not mere rituals or empty symbols; they are moments where God takes ordinary things and infuses them with His presence. When we approach them with faith and openness to the Holy Spirit, they become channels of real grace and transformation, not just reminders of spiritual truths. This challenges us to seek God’s presence in both the ancient practices of the church and the spontaneous movements of the Spirit. [01:03:22]
- The Twofold Work of the Holy Spirit: There is a profound difference between receiving the Holy Spirit for personal transformation and being filled with the Spirit for the sake of others. The Spirit within us comforts, guides, and sanctifies, but the Spirit upon us empowers us for boldness, spiritual gifts, and mission. We are called to seek both—allowing God to work deeply in us and powerfully through us. [01:13:46]
- Sustaining the Flame Requires Ongoing Filling: Just as oil lamps in the temple needed to be refilled daily, our spiritual lives require continual renewal by the Holy Spirit. It’s not enough to have a one-time encounter; we must regularly seek God’s presence, both individually and in community, so that our light does not fade in a dark world. This ongoing filling is essential for perseverance, holiness, and effective witness. [01:28:04]
- Chrismation and the Power of Tradition: The practice of anointing with oil for the sealing of the Holy Spirit—chrismation—reminds us that God often works through the traditions handed down by the church. While Scripture is our foundation, the wisdom and practices of those who have gone before us can deepen our experience of God. Embracing both Word and tradition allows us to receive the fullness of what God wants to give. [01:34:27]
- We Need Each Other’s Anointing: The Holy Spirit fills each of us uniquely, and the church is incomplete without the gifts and presence each person brings. We are called not only to be filled ourselves but to bless, anoint, and empower one another. In community, the Spirit’s fullness is multiplied, and together we become a light that can truly turn the world upside down. [01:39:40]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[59:02] - Introduction to the Sacraments Series
[01:01:49] - Journey from Tradition to Spirit
[01:03:22] - What Are Sacraments?
[01:04:59] - Clay, Kiln, and Becoming Vessels
[01:06:52] - Unique Vessels and the Role of Oil
[01:09:37] - Chrismation: Made to Be Filled
[01:11:33] - Jesus Breathes the Spirit
[01:13:46] - The Difference Between Inward and Outward Filling
[01:15:31] - Pentecost and the Power for Others
[01:18:25] - Overflowing with the Spirit
[01:19:36] - Ongoing Filling and Leaking Oil
[01:20:47] - Acts 19: Missing the More
[01:25:05] - The Flame Without Oil
[01:28:04] - Daily Refilling and Community
[01:29:44] - Chrismation in Church History
[01:34:27] - Tradition, Scripture, and the Sacraments
[01:36:15] - God Binds Himself to the Sacraments
[01:37:22] - Sealed with the Spirit
[01:39:40] - The Need for Each Other
[01:41:09] - Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Sacrament of Chrismation & the Holy Spirit
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### Bible Reading
- John 20:19-22
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
- Acts 2:1-4
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
- Ephesians 1:13-14
In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
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### Observation Questions
1. In John 20, what does Jesus do for the disciples after his resurrection, and what does he say to them? ([01:11:33])
2. According to Acts 2, what happened to the disciples when the Holy Spirit came upon them at Pentecost? ([01:15:31])
3. What is the difference between the Spirit being “within” and the Spirit being “upon” as described in the sermon? ([01:13:46])
4. How does the sermon describe the purpose of anointing with oil (chrismation) in church history? ([01:34:27])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus breathe on the disciples and say, “Receive the Holy Spirit” in John 20, but then later tell them to wait for the Holy Spirit in Acts 2? What does this suggest about the work of the Spirit? ([01:13:46])
2. The sermon talks about being “filled to overflowing” with the Holy Spirit. What does it mean for the Spirit to overflow from a believer, and how is this different from just being filled for personal transformation? ([01:18:25])
3. The practice of chrismation involves anointing with oil after baptism. Why do you think the early church saw value in this physical act, and how might it help believers experience God’s presence? ([01:34:27])
4. The sermon mentions that sustaining the flame of the Spirit requires ongoing filling. What are some reasons believers might “leak” or lose their spiritual vitality, according to the message? ([01:19:36])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon describes a disconnect between what we read in the Bible (miracles, transformation) and what we experience in daily life. Have you ever felt this disconnect? What do you think causes it in your own walk with God? ([01:01:49])
2. The difference between the Spirit within (for personal transformation) and the Spirit upon (for mission and boldness) was highlighted. Which of these do you feel you have experienced more, and which do you long for? ([01:13:46])
3. The message says that sustaining the flame requires daily and ongoing filling by the Holy Spirit, not just a one-time encounter. What are some practical ways you can seek to be filled with the Spirit each day? ([01:28:04])
4. Chrismation is described as an invitation to participate in the divine life, not just a ritual. Are there any church traditions or sacraments you have viewed as “empty rituals”? How might your perspective change after this sermon? ([01:34:27])
5. The sermon emphasized that we need each other’s anointing and that the Spirit’s fullness is multiplied in community. How can you intentionally bless, encourage, or pray for someone else in your group this week? ([01:39:40])
6. The early church laid hands on new believers to pray for the Holy Spirit to fill them. Is this something you have experienced or would like to experience? How could your group practice this together? ([01:29:44])
7. The message challenged us to let the Holy Spirit “leak” out of us and impact the world around us. What is one area of your life (work, family, neighborhood) where you want to see more of the Spirit’s power and presence? ([01:19:36])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the Holy Spirit to fill each person afresh, to seal and empower for both personal transformation and boldness to love and serve others. Consider offering anointing with oil or prayer for those who desire it, following the example from the sermon.
Devotional
Day 1: Receiving the Holy Spirit—Transformation from Within
When we put our faith in Jesus, we receive the Holy Spirit to live within us, transforming us from the inside out. This indwelling presence is not just for our comfort or personal growth, but is the very life of God making us new, shaping us into vessels that can carry His glory. The Holy Spirit guides, comforts, and leads us into all truth, making us temples of His presence. As we surrender to Him, He begins to mold us away from the patterns of this world and into the unique image He intended for each of us, empowering us to live as His beloved children. [01:12:21]
John 20:19-22 (ESV)
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
Reflection: In what area of your life do you most need to invite the Holy Spirit to transform you from within today?
Day 2: The Power and Boldness of Pentecost
There is a difference between having the Holy Spirit within us for our own transformation and being filled to overflowing with the Spirit for the sake of others. At Pentecost, the disciples received a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit that empowered them with boldness, spiritual gifts, and the ability to turn the world upside down. This filling is not a one-time event, but an ongoing invitation to seek more of God’s presence and power so that we can be His witnesses and bring His kingdom to those around us. [01:16:57]
Acts 2:1-4 (ESV)
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Reflection: Where do you sense God calling you to step out in boldness for the sake of others, and how can you ask the Holy Spirit to fill you afresh for that purpose?
Day 3: The Ongoing Need to Be Filled
Just as oil in a lamp must be replenished to keep the flame burning, we need to continually seek the filling of the Holy Spirit to sustain our spiritual life and witness. It is easy to let our light grow dim when we neglect time with God or try to live in our own strength. God invites us to come to Him daily, morning and night, to be filled again so that His presence overflows from us into every area of our lives, touching those around us with His love and power. [01:28:04]
Acts 4:31 (ESV)
And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.
Reflection: What practical step can you take today—morning or night—to intentionally seek a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit?
Day 4: Sealed and Anointed by the Spirit
God not only fills us with His Spirit but also seals us as His own, marking us with a guarantee of our inheritance and anointing us for His purposes. This sealing is a sacred act, a visible sign of invisible grace, reminding us that we belong to Him and are empowered to live out our calling. Through the anointing of the Holy Spirit, we are set apart, equipped, and assured of God’s presence with us as we walk out our faith in the world. [01:37:22]
Ephesians 1:13-14 (ESV)
In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
Reflection: How does knowing you are sealed and anointed by the Holy Spirit change the way you see your identity and purpose today?
Day 5: Participating in the Holy Mysteries
God invites us not to be passive observers but active participants in His work through the sacraments and the ongoing life of the Spirit. The sacraments are not empty rituals but holy mysteries where God imparts His grace and invites us to move with Him. As we consecrate ordinary things—like oil, bread, and wine—God infuses them with His presence, and as we consecrate ourselves, He fills us to be a blessing to others. We are called to receive, be filled, and then go out to carry His presence into a world in need. [01:39:03]
Romans 12:1 (ESV)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Reflection: What is one ordinary part of your daily life that you can intentionally consecrate to God today, inviting Him to use it as a vessel for His presence?
Quotes
The sacraments, I found what I felt to be a really helpful definition of the sacraments, and it's this. The sacraments are visible signs of invisible grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the church. I love that. Instituted by Christ, but entrusted to the church, through which God imparts divine life to believers. [01:03:27] (24 seconds)
I'm going to read that again. Sacraments are visible signs of invisible grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the church, through which God imparts divine life to believers. Sacraments are holy mysteries, where he takes often things like communion, wine or juice and crackers or bread, and he infuses supernatural life. He makes something that was ordinary holy, or oil. We'll talk a lot about oil today. [01:03:51] (35 seconds)
But the way I kind of view it is that when we make a decision for Jesus and we step into faith, and then because of that faith, we choose to be baptized, we now, instead of just being moldable clay, he actually transforms us. [01:06:21] (21 seconds)
We all carry him a little bit differently because he doesn't just get rid of us completely. Right? He created us in his image, but he gave us unique attributes of who he is. He gives us unique gifting. So we all look a little bit different, but each of us, when we are baptized, the old is gone. [01:06:57] (20 seconds)
That can hold the Holy Spirit, that can hold his glory, that transforms us into something that he originally intended us to be of use, really. Not because he uses us, but because he says that we're worthy, that we're worthy to actually hold him and carry him into the world. [01:07:31] (25 seconds)
And what I started to realize, and as I've, over many years now, been really seeking and studying these scriptures, is that right here, what Jesus is doing is he's offering what every believer, when they put their faith in Jesus, receives. And that is the Holy Spirit to live in you, that you are the temple of the Holy Spirit. You receive the Holy Spirit to live in you. And he comforts, and he guides, and he leads you into all truth. [01:13:20] (27 seconds)
That the Spirit living in us transforms us, and I know I'm simplifying, and there's a lot more to it than that, but that we needed our own Pentecost moment for the Holy Spirit to come upon us for boldness and power and signs and wonder and spiritual gifts. That's what we were missing. [01:17:21] (22 seconds)
But I also believe that the sacraments are so useful because God is saying, I've set apart these things, and this is a way for you, instead of sitting back and just waiting for me to sovereignly move, that you actually get to get up and move with me. Participate with me. [01:37:02] (20 seconds)
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