Bible References: Acts 1:4-5, 1 Corinthians 12:13

Introduction

Generally, the word baptism means a person’s initiation into a particular activity or role,
typically one perceived as difficult. It is an initiatory experience, act, or effort. An initiation is the
act of beginning something. We have two types of baptism in the scriptures: Water Baptism
and Holy Ghost Baptism (Acts 11:16). The focus of this Bible study outline is Baptism of
the Holy Spirit.

The baptism of the Spirit is the empowering gift from God that is promised to every
believer to help us live a holy life and stay in the faith which we received at salvation
(Matthew 3:11; Luke 11:13; 24:49; Acts 2:33, 38). Though the baptism of the Holy Spirit
happens only once, there can be a refilling (Ephesians 5:18, Acts 4:31).

In other words, being baptized with The Holy Spirit means to be filled with the Holy Spirit. By being
filled you become more yielded to Him, more like Him and you are empowered to do
the work that God has called you to do. Thus, the baptism of the Holy Spirit is for every
believer, whether a Pastor or businessman, we all have work to do and the Holy Spirit
helps us, guides us and equips us to do His work effectively.

DISCUSSION

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is first for our relationship with God and worship
to God. (John 4:23-24, John 15:5, 2 Cor.13:14) then grows in us as fruit (Gal.5:22)
and manifests through us as gifts (1 Corinthians 12: 4-13) which we use for
service and sharing our faith boldly (Acts 4:31-35).

To receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit

(a) Be born again. John 3:7, Acts 2:38, Acts 10:44
(b) Be desirous and ask for it. John 7:37,Luke 11:13

One of the signs of the baptism of the Holy Spirit in a believer is speaking in
tongues. (Acts 2:4, 19:6). Other signs include: living a life of total surrender to the
Lord by obedience to the Lord in all things, evidenced by studying the word and
prayer, serving the Lord with our gifts, giving and winning souls.

Speaking in tongues is an advantage to a believer because-
(a) It reveals spiritual truth and information. Rom.8:26-27,1 John 5:14
(b) It is a prayer language of a believer. 1 Cor.14:15
(c) It is a faith booster. Jude :20
(d) It is a sure weapon of warfare. Eph.6:10-12

Questions for discussion

• When and how does the baptism of the Holy Spirit happen? (Acts 8:17, 10:44)
• Can you speak in tongues before you get born again? (John 3:19-20, Acts 2:38)
• Should baptism of the Holy Spirit be before water baptism or after water
  baptism? (Acts 10:44-47