The Baptism of the Holy Ghost
1 Corinthians 12:11-13
November 28, 2007
mikematijevich
mmatevich@aol.com

A. Learn the biblical truth about spiritual gifts (How?)
1. Don't miss the services (net if necessary) get in the bible
2. Pray - 1 John 5:14-15; ask according to His will- certain to get it.
If God has given the gifts - doesn't it make sense that God wants you to know it?
"Lord show me what gift you have for me."
3. Begin with what you already have- where you are now- (experiment) get involved I the body of Christ- the church- start with the ability you already have.

* Speaking Gifts of Serving Gifts (maybe both) 8 of 18 operative today.
(1) Evangelism
(2) Teaching
(3) Pastor - teacher
(4) Exhortation- persuading people to do right & find their comfort in God alone.
(5) Helps - supernatural ability to jump right in and do it.
(6) Giving - some just supernaturally give
(7) Showing mercy -
(8) Governing / administration - get things organized, & get it done.
Note: All these are a responsibility for all of us.
We are all to do the above but some are able to do it better- supernaturally.

* So what if I am new? Jump in and get involved & you will see that you have supernatural ability.
Learn to be responsible in these areas…

B. Honestly evaluate-
- Are my efforts blessed with spiritual fruit?
- Get counsel from mature believers - they will see it in you.
* I don't have the gift of an evangelist- but I do it.
* When you have the gift- you will see the supernatural fruit in that area.

1. All Christians are gifted by Him (12:1-3)
2. Every believer is supernaturally gifted by the Holy Spirit (12:7, 11; Eph 4:7; 1 Pe. 4:10)
3. Spiritual gifts are not natural abilities & talents (some overlap with talents & gifts)
4. The Holy Spirit gives gifts according to His will- not because we have asked for a gift.
5. He is the unifier of the body of Christ- makes us ONE in Him. (12:12)
Your spiritual gifts are meaningless outside of the body- cp to physical body.
Why we need to be a part of a local church so we can fully function.

Three Functions performed by the Holy Spirit in the believer's life.

I. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE BAPTIZER (12:13)
- "Baptize" or "baptism"- a transliteration not a translation.
Translation - same meaning different spelling (casa= house)
Transliteration- adopted words from the original word (ie. De javu)

* "Baptize"- three meanings
1) To completely submerge, immerse someone something in a liquid or something else.
2) To cleanse something through washing by submerging an object in something. (ring cleaner) (Jn 2 water-pots used for cleansing)
3) To overwhelm- by a disaster or calamity (ie. Baptism of fire) don't pray for that…

* If born again then you have been completely immersed in Christ.
John 14:20 "At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you."
Col 1:27 "Christ in you the hope of glory."
Gal 3:27 "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ."
Rom 6:3-4 "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."

II. THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS AN IRREVERSIBLE PROCESS -

* Not an self-improvement course- but have received a new nature.
2 Cor. 5:17 "If any man be in Christ he is a new creature."
Eph 4:4-6 The "one" baptism here is spirit baptism.

III. THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT DOES NOT GIVE YOU POWER!

* Many people teach you have to have the "baptism" of the Holy Ghost to have power… but the baptism of the Holy Spirit places you in a position to get power.

A. The Corinthians were in a position to have power but they were CARNAL & had no power.
Galatians 4:8-11 Paul declares that they had no power- but turn to weak & beggarly things.

B. There is a difference between the baptism of and the filling of the Holy Spirit.
1. When we allow the Holy Spirit to have total control of my life.
12:28-30 DO all have the gifts? Rhetorical statement. Helps & governments missing.
Implication- not all have the gift of tongues- (so why do I have to have the baptism of the Holy Ghost & speak in other tongues if not all get the gift of speaking in tongues)

Conclusion:
Are you in Christ?
Have you been "baptized in the Holy Ghost"?
Can't figure out your gift - then ask are you connected to the local church?