The Spirit's Ministry

Guided Question

Are you merely believing the truths of the Christian faith, or are you living daily under the empowering control of the Holy Spirit?

Summary

Many Christians know about the Holy Spirit, yet live with little evidence of His power in their daily lives. Using 1 Corinthians 12:13 as the foundation, this message distinguishes between the baptism of the Holy Spirit—the Spirit's work of bringing every believer into the body of Christ at conversion—and the filling of the Holy Spirit, God's ongoing work of empowering believers to live the Christian life.

Dr. Lewis explains that while every Christian has been baptized by the Spirit into Christ's body, not every Christian lives under the Spirit's control. The Spirit-filled life is marked by surrender rather than self-effort, producing genuine spiritual transformation, victory over sin, fruitful service, joyful worship, and a growing awareness of God's leading.

Rather than settling for outward religious performance or a "lukewarm" Christianity, believers are called to seek God's control through prayer, dependence, and daily surrender. When Christians yield themselves to the Holy Spirit, they experience the abundant life Jesus promised and become part of a church marked by authenticity, love, holiness, and joyful worship.

Outline

• Nicodemus and the missing reality of the Holy Spirit
• The baptism of the Holy Spirit at conversion
• The difference between baptism and filling
• Characteristics of the Spirit-filled life
• The danger of outward religion without inward transformation
• Pursuing the Spirit's control through surrender and prayer
• The impact of Spirit-filled believers on the church

Key Takeaways

• Every believer is baptized by the Holy Spirit into Christ at salvation.
• The filling of the Holy Spirit is the ongoing experience of living under God's control.
• True spirituality is measured by Christlike character, not merely religious activity.
• Walking by the Spirit brings victory over the desires of the flesh and produces lasting spiritual fruit.
• Prayer, surrender, and dependence on God position believers to experience the Spirit's power.
• A Spirit-filled church is marked by authenticity, worship, love, service, and transformed lives.

Scripture References

• John 3:1–8 — Jesus teaches Nicodemus about being born of the Spirit.
• 1 Corinthians 12:13 — Every believer is baptized by one Spirit into one body.
• Galatians 3:26–28 — Through faith in Christ, believers receive a new identity as God's children.
• Ephesians 5:18 — Believers are commanded to be continually filled with the Spirit.
• Romans 8:14 — God's children are led by the Spirit.
• John 16:13 — The Holy Spirit guides believers into truth.
• Galatians 5:16–23 — Walking by the Spirit produces victory over sin and the fruit of the Spirit.
• Ephesians 2:10 — Believers are created in Christ for good works.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:16–19 — Rejoice, give thanks, and do not quench the Spirit.
• Luke 4:1–14 — Jesus begins His ministry empowered by the Holy Spirit.
• Psalm 63:1–2 — Earnestly seeking God leads to experiencing His power.
• Isaiah 40:31 — Those who wait on the Lord receive renewed strength.
• Malachi 3:7 — God promises to draw near to those who return to Him.
• Revelation 3:20 — Christ invites believers into restored fellowship.

Recorded 7/11/82