Seeking the Baptism of the Holy Ghost

 

Summary

In the Gospel of John, we find a profound teaching on the baptism with the Holy Ghost, a doctrine of immense importance for the Christian Church throughout history and for us today. This baptism is not merely a historical event but a present possibility for all believers, a divine gift from the Lord Jesus Christ. It is crucial to distinguish between regeneration and the baptism with the Holy Ghost, as the latter is not automatically received at the moment of regeneration. This distinction is vital for understanding the fullness of Christian experience and the power available to the Church.

The baptism with the Holy Ghost is a sovereign act of Christ, not something we can claim or take by faith alone. It is given by the Lord, and we receive it as a gift. Historically, the Spirit has often descended upon individuals or groups unexpectedly, but there is also a call to seek this blessing actively. Seeking involves realizing the possibility and necessity of this baptism, especially in light of the Church's current state and the world's needs.

Our motives in seeking this baptism must be pure, focused not on experiences, power, or gifts, but on knowing Christ and His love. The Holy Spirit glorifies Christ, and our desire should be to know Him more deeply and to be effective witnesses for Him. Obedience is another critical aspect; God gives His Spirit to those who obey Him, demonstrating their love through their actions.

Prayer is essential in seeking the baptism with the Holy Ghost. It is not a matter of demanding or claiming but of humbly asking and pleading with God, recognizing our dependence on His grace. We must pray persistently, pleading the promises of God, and seeking His face with a sincere heart. This is the path to experiencing the fullness of the Spirit, leading to a life characterized by love, joy, and power, as seen in the early Church and throughout periods of revival.

Key Takeaways:

- The Distinction Between Regeneration and Baptism with the Holy Ghost: Understanding that baptism with the Holy Ghost is not automatically received at regeneration is crucial. This distinction allows believers to seek a deeper experience of God's power and presence, which is essential for effective Christian living and witness. [02:41]

- The Sovereignty of Christ in Baptism with the Holy Ghost: This baptism is a gift from Christ, not something we can claim or take by faith alone. It is given by the Lord, and we receive it as a gift, emphasizing our dependence on His grace and timing. [05:26]

- The Importance of Pure Motives: Our desire for the baptism with the Holy Ghost should be rooted in a longing to know Christ and His love, not merely for experiences, power, or gifts. This focus ensures that our pursuit aligns with the Spirit's purpose of glorifying Christ. [17:03]

- Obedience as a Pathway to Receiving the Spirit: God gives His Spirit to those who obey Him, demonstrating their love through their actions. Obedience is a reflection of our desire to please God and is essential in preparing our hearts to receive His Spirit. [22:44]

- The Role of Persistent Prayer: Prayer is vital in seeking the baptism with the Holy Ghost. It involves humbly asking and pleading with God, recognizing our dependence on His grace, and persistently seeking His face with a sincere heart. [32:05]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to the Text
- [00:31] - The Doctrine of Baptism with the Holy Ghost
- [01:09] - Importance of the Doctrine
- [01:42] - Revival and Reawakening
- [02:25] - Open to All Believers
- [03:11] - Receiving the Blessing
- [04:08] - The Role of the Apostles
- [05:10] - The Sovereignty of Christ
- [06:04] - Seeking the Spirit
- [07:19] - Realizing the Possibility
- [09:31] - The Need for Love
- [12:45] - Urgency of the Need
- [17:03] - Seeking Christ, Not Experiences
- [22:44] - Obedience and the Spirit
- [32:05] - The Role of Prayer
- [40:21] - Historical Examples of Seeking
- [44:15] - Conclusion and Hymn

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 1:26, 33
2. Luke 11:13
3. Acts 5:32

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Observation Questions:

1. In John 1:26, 33, what distinction does John the Baptist make between his baptism and the baptism with the Holy Ghost? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on the sovereignty of Christ in giving the Holy Spirit? [05:26]

2. According to Luke 11:13, what does Jesus promise to those who ask the Father? How does this promise relate to the sermon’s teaching on the role of persistent prayer in seeking the baptism with the Holy Ghost? [07:04]

3. In Acts 5:32, what condition is mentioned for receiving the Holy Spirit? How does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on obedience as a pathway to receiving the Spirit? [22:44]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. The sermon emphasizes the distinction between regeneration and the baptism with the Holy Ghost. Why is it important for believers to understand this distinction, and how might it affect their spiritual journey? [02:41]

2. The sermon discusses the importance of pure motives in seeking the baptism with the Holy Ghost. How can believers ensure their motives are aligned with knowing Christ and His love rather than seeking experiences or power? [17:03]

3. How does the sermon suggest believers should approach prayer when seeking the baptism with the Holy Ghost? What does it mean to "plead the promises" of God, and how might this practice impact a believer’s prayer life? [36:09]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your understanding of the distinction between regeneration and the baptism with the Holy Ghost. How has this sermon challenged or confirmed your beliefs, and what steps can you take to seek a deeper experience of God’s power and presence? [02:41]

2. Consider your motives for seeking spiritual experiences or gifts. Are there areas where your focus might need realignment towards knowing Christ more deeply? How can you cultivate a heart that seeks to glorify Christ above all else? [17:03]

3. The sermon highlights the role of obedience in receiving the Holy Spirit. Are there specific areas in your life where you feel called to greater obedience? How can you demonstrate your love for God through your actions this week? [22:44]

4. Persistent prayer is emphasized as crucial in seeking the baptism with the Holy Ghost. What specific promises of God can you plead in your prayers this week? How can you incorporate this practice into your daily prayer routine? [36:09]

5. The sermon encourages believers to seek the love of God shed abroad in their hearts. How can you open your heart to experience God’s love more fully? What practical steps can you take to express this love in your relationships with others? [19:08]

6. Reflect on a time when you felt the Holy Spirit prompting you to act or change. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? How can you be more attentive to the Spirit’s leading in the future? [28:17]

7. The sermon mentions the importance of not grieving or quenching the Spirit. Are there habits or attitudes in your life that might be hindering the Spirit’s work? What changes can you make to foster a more receptive heart? [29:07]

Devotional

Day 1: Distinguishing Regeneration from the Baptism with the Holy Ghost
Understanding the difference between regeneration and the baptism with the Holy Ghost is crucial for a deeper Christian experience. Regeneration is the work of the Holy Spirit that brings a person to new life in Christ, marking the beginning of their spiritual journey. However, the baptism with the Holy Ghost is a separate experience that empowers believers for service and witness. This distinction allows believers to seek a fuller experience of God's power and presence, which is essential for effective Christian living and witness. Recognizing this difference encourages believers to actively seek the baptism with the Holy Ghost, understanding it as a divine gift that enhances their spiritual journey. [02:41]

Acts 19:2-6 (ESV): "And he said to them, 'Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?' And they said, 'No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.' And he said, 'Into what then were you baptized?' They said, 'Into John's baptism.' And Paul said, 'John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.' On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying."

Reflection: In what ways can you actively seek the baptism with the Holy Ghost, understanding it as a separate and empowering experience from regeneration?


Day 2: The Sovereignty of Christ in Bestowing the Holy Spirit
The baptism with the Holy Ghost is a sovereign act of Christ, emphasizing that it is not something believers can claim or take by faith alone. It is a divine gift given by the Lord, highlighting our dependence on His grace and timing. This understanding calls believers to a posture of humility and receptivity, recognizing that the Holy Spirit is given according to Christ's will and purpose. It is important to trust in His perfect timing and to remain open to receiving this gift, knowing that it is meant to empower and equip us for His service. [05:26]

John 3:34-35 (ESV): "For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a heart of humility and receptivity, trusting in Christ's timing and sovereignty in bestowing the Holy Spirit upon you?


Day 3: Pure Motives in Seeking the Holy Spirit
When seeking the baptism with the Holy Ghost, it is essential to have pure motives, focusing on a longing to know Christ and His love rather than merely seeking experiences, power, or gifts. This focus ensures that our pursuit aligns with the Spirit's purpose of glorifying Christ. The Holy Spirit's role is to magnify Christ, and our desire should be to know Him more deeply and to be effective witnesses for Him. By aligning our motives with the Spirit's purpose, we open ourselves to a more profound and authentic experience of His presence and power. [17:03]

Philippians 3:10-11 (ESV): "That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead."

Reflection: What are your true motives in seeking the baptism with the Holy Ghost, and how can you ensure they align with the Spirit's purpose of glorifying Christ?


Day 4: Obedience as a Pathway to Receiving the Spirit
Obedience is a critical aspect of preparing our hearts to receive the Holy Spirit. God gives His Spirit to those who obey Him, demonstrating their love through their actions. Obedience reflects our desire to please God and aligns our lives with His will. By living in obedience, we create an environment where the Holy Spirit can dwell and work powerfully within us. This pathway of obedience is not about earning the Spirit but about positioning ourselves to receive His presence and power in our lives. [22:44]

Acts 5:32 (ESV): "And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him."

Reflection: In what specific areas of your life is God calling you to greater obedience, and how can this obedience prepare your heart to receive the Holy Spirit?


Day 5: The Role of Persistent Prayer in Seeking the Spirit
Prayer is vital in seeking the baptism with the Holy Ghost. It involves humbly asking and pleading with God, recognizing our dependence on His grace, and persistently seeking His face with a sincere heart. This persistent prayer is not about demanding or claiming but about expressing our deep longing for His presence and power. Through prayer, we align our hearts with God's will and open ourselves to the fullness of the Spirit, leading to a life characterized by love, joy, and power. [32:05]

Luke 11:13 (ESV): "If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

Reflection: How can you incorporate persistent and humble prayer into your daily routine, specifically seeking the baptism with the Holy Ghost and His empowering presence in your life?

Quotes



We venture to say that there is nothing that is more urgent for the consideration of God's people at the present time than th than just this Doctrine we see the state of to the world we see the importance of the Christian church and our whole contention is that God throughout the centuries has revived his work by pouring forth again his Spirit upon his waiting people in Revival and in Reawakening. [00:49:12]

We have emphasized repeatedly that this is something that has not happened to all God's people we have emphasized this vital distinction between regeneration and the baptism with the Holy Ghost and we have suggested that there is nothing that is more harmful than to say that all people at the moment of their regeneration are baptized with the Holy Ghost. [00:02:38]

The sovereignty of the lord The Giver this is a baptism by the Lord Jesus Christ upon whom Thou shalt see the spirit descending and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost this is his prerogative this is something that he does this is a baptism performed by the Lord Jesus Christ. [00:05:16]

Sometimes the spirit descends in this way upon an individual or a company without their doing anything at all unexpectedly surprisingly and they're amazed and astonished that's often happened but it isn't always like that and it is to this other aspect that I'm particularly anxious to direct attention this morning this aspect of seeking. [00:06:26]

The whole object of dealing with the doctrine is to create within us a desire for this great blessing which characterized the early churches we've seen and which has always characterized the church in days of Revival true quickening and Awakening when the church vibrant with power is acting truly as the body of Christ in this sinful World. [00:07:39]

You have to realize that there is something possible to you which hither to you have not known I'm speaking to those who cannot claim to have been baptized with the Holy Ghost you start by facing this evidence you ask yourself certain questions I've already put them to you let me hurriedly remind you of some of them. [00:08:58]

The next important step it seems to me is to watch our motive and this is particularly import perhaps at the present time the moment you deal with these matters and give an account of them there are always people who become interested because they're always interested in some new ores some fresh experience. [00:13:23]

The spirit is sent to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ and those who are familiar with the book of The Acts of the Apostles will know that this is what happens there all along when the spirit has come upon these men they preach about the Lord Jesus Christ and that is what therefore we should be seeking. [00:18:05]

God gives the Holy Spirit only to them that obey him well whatever the interpretation of that text may be the point I think is a valid one you read again chapters 14 15 and 16 of John's gospel and you'll find that the emphasis is again upon love showing itself in terms of obedience. [00:22:44]

You must obey him and if you deliberately ignore his promptings you're grieving him I needn't elaborate need I we all know about this you know the things that make you feel uncomfortable and Ill at ease you know the sense of condemnation that is within but you try to rationalize it you try to explain it away. [00:28:51]

You realize this though I do everything I can I have no claim upon him I can't demand I don't claim anything from God this is a gift I show my desire for it my longing for it by my obedience such as it is but that's never going to purchase it I can never say here it is I paid the price give it me. [00:32:05]

God is willing to bestow this blessing on all who seek it if we possess it not we should inquire what there is in us which is occasion God to withhold it from us we should beg of God to take away from us the hardness of heart which incapacitates US for it and we should live more on the promises. [00:34:40]

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Transcript
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