Further Reflections on the Baptism of the Spirit
A Sermon on the Baptism of the Spirit
Originally preached Oct. 15, 1954
Scripture
Sermon Description
Christians can be confused about the role emotions and experiences should play in their faith. Is doctrine the only way through which one learns about God? In this sermon on the Baptism of the Spirit, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones gives further thoughts and Scriptural exposition on the baptism of the Holy Spirit and on why it is a mistake to rely too much on either experiences or doctrine when thinking through this aspect of Christian faith. By pointing to the examples of Jesus’s disciples, Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that Scripture presents instances of people who believed in Jesus Christ and were saved, yet had not been baptized or filled with the Holy Spirit. The evidence is added to by the fact that several well-known, established Christians have gone decades (in some cases) before being filled with the Spirit— this list includes men like Jonathan Edwards and D.L. Moody. Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that this baptism is available to all Christians, but that many are afraid of being overly-emotional and have cut out all emotion from their walk with Christ. This is an error that is not Scriptural. Those who believe in Christ have received eternal life as a gift— what could possibly cause more joy than that realization?
Sermon Breakdown
- Dr. Lloyd-Jones begins by reminding the audience about the previous sermon on the baptism of the Holy Spirit. He acknowledges that some found the teaching difficult to understand and aims to provide further clarification.
- He emphasizes that he is not talking about regeneration or receiving the Holy Spirit for the first time. The disciples and other Christians already had the Holy Spirit before Pentecost.
- He also clarifies that he is not talking about sanctification. Sanctification is an ongoing process, not an experience. This experience of baptism in the Holy Spirit is distinct from sanctification.
- He further clarifies that this experience is not the same as being filled with the Spirit. Being filled with the Spirit is meant to be a continual experience, whereas this is a unique experience.
- He defines this experience as the spiritual manifestation of Jesus Christ to his people. It is beyond assurance of salvation. It is promised by Jesus in John 14:21.
- He provides examples of this experience in the lives of John Flavel, Jonathan Edwards, D.L. Moody, and others. It is an overwhelming experience of the love and glory of Christ.
- He argues that this experience is meant for all Christians, not just leaders or preachers. Peter promised it to all who repent and believe in Acts 2:38-39.
- He describes it as an exceptional outpouring of the Spirit, a unique unveiling of the reality of Christ, and a profound awareness of God's love unlike any other.
- He warns against seeking an experience for its own sake or accepting it by faith alone. It must be sought by seeking Christ himself. When given, it will be unmistakable.
- He concludes by praying that God would give the listeners honesty to examine themselves, pour out His love in their hearts, and grant them to truly know Him.
Great Biblical Doctrines
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.