Text: Acts 1:1-11
Title: The Holy Spirit and the Believer’s Competence
Thoughts:
The works of the Holy Spirit are far too numerable to record. He is our Comforter, Helper, Teacher, Convictor, Empowerer and much much more (cf. Jn. 14, 16). The role of the Spirit in the life of the believer is without a doubt an absolute necessity. Yet, we often focus the majority of our attention on the Father and the Son, both of which are irreplaceable. Yet these three, the Trinity, are inseparable and equal appreciation must be shown to all.
As we consider the events and experiences of Acts 1-2, it is important that we realize two of the Holy Spirit’s many roles and the differences in these two. First, the Spirit’s role in regeneration, or “rebirth”. In our conversion the Spirit of God indwells the believer (Rom. 8:9, 1 Cor. 6:19,20). “This indwelling provides the spiritual power for the subsequent development of the spiritual life, the achievement of holiness, baptism in the Spirit, the use of spiritual gifts, and living a life to the glory of God.” (Arrington, Christian Doctrine: A Pentecostal Perspective) All believers have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. It is the essential element in our spiritual rebirth.
The second role, which is the primary focus of Acts 1-2, is the Spirit baptism. Clearly, John the Baptist proclaimed that Christ was coming to offer another baptism than the one offered by the disciples. He stated, “…but He who sent me to baptize in water said to me, ‘He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit’ (Jn 1:33). The baptism with (in) the Holy Spirit is a separate and distinct experience of the Spirit. It is the immersion of the believer in the presence and power of the Spirit of God; “a total submersion of one’s spirit into the Spirit of God” (Arrington). “This experience is characterized as a fullness of the Spirit, which is the result of the full penetration of the Spirit into all areas of our existence” (Arrignton). And, as seen throughout the book of Acts, the baptism in the Holy Spirit comes with demonstrations and manifestations.
While the former (indwelling) is essential for the spiritual rebirth, the latter (Spirit baptism) is a second-work of the Spirit. Unfortunately, many believers fail to enact upon Christ’s command to His disciples, “not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised…” (Acts 1:4). One would think it rather odd and unacceptable for an employee of multiple years in a company to still need the same supervision and instructions for their position as they did their first day on the job. The idea is that they become empowered to do what that instructor is modeling for them. Likewise, the Holy Spirit’s baptism is the enablement for the believer to do what the Instructor (Jesus Christ) has modeled for us…and even greater (Jn. 14:12). The Spirit baptism is our authority and source to complete the works Christ has declared we would do. Throughout the book of Acts we see the apostles fulfilling John 14:12, can the same be said of us today?
Application:
In Acts 19 the believers in Ephesus had experienced the Spirit in their rebirth, but were unaware that there was more to the Holy Spirit. Are you aware of the many roles of the Holy Spirit, specifically Spirit baptism?
From these Scriptures, what do you understand about the Holy Spirit’s indwelling and baptism?
- 2 Cor. 1:22; Eph. 1:13; 4:30
- 1 Cor. 6:19; 3:16
- Acts 1:5, 8; 2:4; 4:8, 31; 9:17; 13:9, 52 (the fullness of the Spirit upon baptism)
Imagine you were hired as an employee of the Gospel. According to the number of years you have been employed (saved), what is your competence (the ability to do something successfully) to do what Jesus has modeled for us? Are you actively seeking the Holy Spirit’s power to do so?
Prayer:
Father,
Considering my life as an employee of the Gospel, I realize how immature I am in my role as a witness of You. If I am to do the works You have done, and even greater, there must be some changes in me. If my faith were a job, I’d be fired because I am not doing what You have taught me to do. Thank You for Your grace and patience with me. Today, however, I ask that You would lead me again to a place of infusion of the Spirit’s power. I do not want to simply be an employee who is on the payroll but inept at fulfilling my position. I want to be and do what You have enlisted me to do. Baptize me with Your Spirit and fire today.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
