Transformative Journey: Embracing the Holy Spirit
Summary
The journey of the Christian life is not built on man-made traditions or denominational preferences, but on the clear pattern found throughout the New Testament. This pattern—repent, believe, be baptized, and receive Holy Spirit—forms the foundation for what it truly means to be born again. Each step is essential, not as a checklist, but as a transformative process that God intends for every believer.
Repentance is more than feeling sorry for our sins; it is a deep change of mind and heart, a turning away from our old ways and aligning ourselves with God’s will. Belief in Jesus is not just intellectual agreement, but a relational trust that shapes every aspect of our lives. Baptism is not merely symbolic; it is a burial of the old self and a rising to new life, a powerful act of obedience where God works in us.
Yet, the journey does not end there. Receiving Holy Spirit is not an optional upgrade for the spiritually elite, but the essential completion of the new birth. Without the Spirit, we may be cleansed but remain empty, vulnerable to spiritual stagnation or even attack. Jesus warned of the danger of being “clean but empty,” likening it to a house swept clean but left vacant, soon to be filled with something else. God’s intention is not just to cleanse us, but to fill us with His very presence.
Holy Spirit is not a force or a feeling, but the third person of the Trinity—God Himself, living within us. He is our helper, comforter, and guide, empowering us to live out the Christian life, to witness boldly, and to bear fruit that blesses others. The Spirit’s filling is not a one-time event, but an ongoing, overflowing reality. As we are filled, we become conduits of God’s love, power, and presence to the world around us.
The evidence of being filled with Holy Spirit is seen in transformed lives: boldness in witness, the operation of spiritual gifts, deeper intimacy with God, and the fruit of holiness. If we find ourselves stagnant or empty, the invitation remains open—ask to be filled afresh. This is not reserved for a select few, but is God’s desire for all His children. The call is simple: come, be filled, and let the rivers of living water flow from within you to a thirsty world.
Key Takeaways
- The Fourfold Pattern of New Birth
The New Testament consistently presents a four-step pattern for entering the Christian life: repentance, belief, baptism, and receiving Holy Spirit. Each step is foundational and builds upon the previous, forming a complete and robust beginning for every believer. Skipping or minimizing any step risks leaving our spiritual foundation incomplete and vulnerable. This pattern is not a denominational invention, but the apostolic expectation for all who follow Jesus. [02:27]
- Repentance and Belief: More Than Emotions or Ideas
True repentance is not just regret or remorse, but a radical reorientation of our mind and life toward God. Likewise, belief in Jesus is not mere intellectual assent, but a deep trust and commitment that transforms how we live. These are not superficial acts, but profound shifts that prepare us for the fullness of life in Christ. Without genuine repentance and belief, the subsequent steps lose their transformative power. [04:25]
- The Danger of Being Clean but Empty
It is possible to repent, believe, and even be baptized, yet remain spiritually empty if we do not receive Holy Spirit. Jesus warns that a cleansed but unfilled life is like a swept house left vacant—open to being filled by destructive influences. God’s intention is not just to forgive and cleanse, but to fill us with His presence, making us resilient and fruitful. The Spirit’s indwelling is essential for spiritual vitality and protection. [12:36]
- Holy Spirit: The Person, Power, and Presence of God
Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force, but the third person of the Trinity—fully God, co-equal with the Father and the Son. He is our helper, comforter, and guide, empowering us to live victoriously and to fulfill God’s mission. The Spirit brings God’s presence into our daily lives, assures us of our identity, and enables us to bear fruit and exercise spiritual gifts. Recognizing and welcoming Holy Spirit as a person transforms our relationship with God from distant to intimate. [19:46]
- Overflowing for the Sake of Others
The filling of Holy Spirit is not just for personal satisfaction, but so that we overflow with God’s love, power, and fruit for the benefit of others. Like a tree that bears fruit for others to eat, we are called to be conduits of blessing, encouragement, and witness to the world. If our lives are not marked by love, joy, and the other fruits of the Spirit, it is a sign that we need to be filled afresh. The invitation is always open: ask, and be filled, so that rivers of living water may flow from within you. [30:21]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:11] - The Biblical Pattern for New Birth
[02:27] - Four Steps: Repent, Believe, Baptize, Receive Spirit
[04:25] - Repentance: A Change of Mind and Life
[05:40] - Belief: Trusting and Relying on Jesus
[07:29] - Baptism: Burial and New Life
[08:54] - Receiving Holy Spirit: Not Optional
[11:32] - The Danger of Being Clean but Empty
[14:51] - The Need to Be Filled, Not Just Cleansed
[19:46] - Who is Holy Spirit? The Person of God
[24:12] - The Power and Presence of Holy Spirit
[25:38] - Holy Spirit as Our Guide and Teacher
[27:41] - Jesus’ Promise of the Spirit
[29:35] - Overflowing with Holy Spirit
[33:05] - The Overflowing Life: Illustration
[35:32] - Examining the Fruit in Our Lives
[38:00] - The Results of Being Filled: Power, Gifts, Intimacy
[41:56] - The Ongoing Need for Filling
[45:56] - Responding: Ask to Be Filled Anew
[47:22] - Closing and Invitation for Prayer
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Fourfold Pattern of New Birth & The Filling of Holy Spirit
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### Bible Reading
Acts 2:37-38 (ESV)
> Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 6:4 (ESV)
> We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
John 7:37-39 (ESV)
> On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
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### Observation Questions
1. In Acts 2:37-38, what are the steps Peter tells the people to take after they are “cut to the heart”?
2. According to Romans 6:4, what does baptism represent in the life of a believer?
3. In John 7:37-39, what does Jesus promise will happen to those who come to Him and believe?
4. The sermon described the fourfold pattern of new birth as “repent, believe, be baptized, and receive Holy Spirit.” How does this pattern show up in the stories from Acts mentioned in the sermon? [[02:27]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Peter includes “receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” as part of his answer to the crowd in Acts 2? What does this suggest about the importance of the Spirit in the Christian life? [[01:11]]
2. The sermon says that repentance is more than regret or remorse, but a “change of mind that leads to a change of life.” How does this deeper understanding of repentance affect the way someone approaches following Jesus? [[04:25]]
3. The sermon warns about the danger of being “clean but empty.” What does it mean to be spiritually empty, and why is it dangerous according to Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 12:43-45? [[12:36]]
4. The filling of Holy Spirit is described as not just a one-time event, but an ongoing, overflowing reality. What does it look like for a believer to be continually filled and to overflow with the Spirit? [[33:05]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon says that repentance is a “deep change of mind and heart, a turning away from our old ways and aligning ourselves with God’s will.” Is there an area of your life where you sense God calling you to deeper repentance? What would it look like to respond? [[04:25]]
2. Belief in Jesus is described as “relational trust that shapes every aspect of our lives.” In what area of your life do you find it hardest to trust Jesus? What is one step you could take this week to trust Him more in that area? [[05:40]]
3. Baptism is called a “burial of the old self and a rising to new life.” If you have been baptized, how have you seen new life since then? If you haven’t, what questions or hesitations do you have about baptism? [[07:29]]
4. The sermon warns about being “clean but empty”—having repented and believed, but not being filled with Holy Spirit. Have you ever felt spiritually empty or stagnant? What do you think contributed to that, and what helped you move forward? [[12:36]]
5. The evidence of being filled with Holy Spirit is seen in “transformed lives: boldness in witness, the operation of spiritual gifts, deeper intimacy with God, and the fruit of holiness.” Which of these do you see most in your life? Which do you long to see more of? [[38:00]]
6. The sermon says, “If our lives are not marked by love, joy, and the other fruits of the Spirit, it is a sign that we need to be filled afresh.” Is there a particular fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, etc.) that you feel is lacking right now? What is one practical way you could ask God to fill you and help you grow in that area this week? [[41:56]]
7. The invitation is always open: “ask, and be filled, so that rivers of living water may flow from within you.” What would it look like for you to ask God to fill you afresh with Holy Spirit this week? Is there someone you could ask to pray with you about this? [[45:56]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray, asking God to fill each person afresh with Holy Spirit, and to help each one walk in the fullness of repentance, belief, baptism, and the Spirit’s ongoing presence.
Devotional
Day 1: Repentance—A Change of Mind That Leads to a Changed Life
Repentance is not simply feeling regret or remorse over our actions; it is a deep, Spirit-led change of mind and heart that turns us away from sin and toward God. True repentance recognizes how our sin offends God, not just how it affects ourselves or others. This transformation begins with a shift in our thinking, is expressed through confession, and results in a changed way of living that aligns with God’s will. As we allow God to renew our minds, we are empowered to leave behind old patterns and embrace the life He desires for us. [04:25]
Romans 12:2 (ESV)
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Reflection: Is there a specific area in your life where you have only felt regret or remorse, but not true repentance? What would it look like today to bring that area before God and allow Him to change your mind and direction?
Day 2: Belief—Trusting and Relying on Jesus with Your Whole Life
Believing in Jesus is far more than intellectual agreement; it is a relational trust that shapes every aspect of your existence. To believe, in the biblical sense, is to rely on, commit to, and entrust yourself to Jesus as Lord and Savior. This kind of faith is active and personal, like sitting in a chair because you trust it will hold you. When you truly believe, your life is transformed by who Jesus is and what He has done for you through His death and resurrection. [05:40]
John 14:1 (ESV)
Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.
Reflection: In what area of your life are you struggling to fully trust Jesus? What is one practical step you can take today to actively rely on Him in that area?
Day 3: Baptism—Buried and Raised to New Life in Christ
Baptism is not just a symbolic ritual; it is a powerful act of obedience and faith where God works to cleanse, bury the old self, and raise you to new life in Christ. Through baptism, you are immersed into Jesus’ death and resurrection, leaving behind your old ways and stepping into a transformed life. This is both a public declaration and a spiritual reality, marking the beginning of a new journey empowered by God’s grace. [07:29]
Romans 6:4 (ESV)
We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
Reflection: If you have been baptized, how are you living out your new life in Christ today? If you have not, what is holding you back from taking this step of obedience?
Day 4: The Necessity of Being Filled with the Holy Spirit
Receiving the Holy Spirit is not an optional upgrade for the Christian life—it is God’s intended normal for every believer. Without the filling of the Holy Spirit, we may be cleansed but remain spiritually empty, vulnerable to old patterns and spiritual stagnation. The Holy Spirit is the life-giving presence of God who empowers, guides, and transforms us from within, enabling us to live out the new life Christ has given us. [11:32]
Acts 2:37-38 (ESV)
Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Reflection: Have you asked the Holy Spirit to fill you, or have you been trying to live the Christian life in your own strength? What would it look like to invite Him to fill and empower you today?
Day 5: Overflow—Letting the Spirit’s Life and Power Bless Others
The Holy Spirit fills us not just for our own benefit, but so that we overflow with His presence, power, and fruit to bless those around us. When we are filled, we become conduits of God’s love, truth, and power—bearing fruit that others can see, taste, and be nourished by. This overflow is seen in our words, actions, and the spiritual gifts we use to build up the church and serve the world. If you find yourself stagnant or spiritually dry, it is time to ask for a fresh filling so that you can be a source of life and blessing to others. [33:48]
John 7:37-39 (ESV)
On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience the overflow of God’s love, encouragement, or truth through you today? How can you intentionally allow the Spirit to flow out of you to bless them?
Quotes
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