Baptism in the Spirit (6)
A Sermon on John 1:26-33
Scripture
26John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; 27He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose. 28These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where …
Sermon Description
How is one filled with assurance and unspeakable joy? Listen in as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones looks into this glorious matter of “The Baptism of the Spirit (6)” from John 1:26–33. “You can be a Christian without assurance, but you cannot be a witness without assurance,” he states. This is the work of equipping witnesses who are assured of their salvation, knowledgeable of the truth, and joyful in God’s promises. Follow the various examples from history and revivals that demonstrate the initial humility that births such an intense desire to express the joy, happiness, and peace of God. “From the depths, they are lifted to the heights,” he shares as he offers an intriguing and persuading argument for the Christian life that ought to be characterized by a joyful basking in salvation – released from the guilt, power, and pollution of sin – so that no one is found dragging themselves to God’s house, rather overflowing in joy. “A melting of the heart for joy, that God should spread abroad His love for the hearts of men,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones says. One cannot know God’s love without loving God, but it is first God who gives this ability to love. Two of the greatest tests of the work of the Spirit is a person’s desire to glorify Christ and understanding of the truth.
Sermon Breakdown
- John the Baptist proclaimed that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit. This is a central theme and promise of Jesus' ministry.
- The purpose of the baptism with the Holy Spirit is to empower believers to be witnesses for Jesus. This is seen throughout the New Testament and church history.
- The baptism with the Holy Spirit often leads to a profound sense of God's presence and glory. This is accompanied by a sense of humility, unworthiness, and assurance of God's love.
- The baptism with the Holy Spirit inevitably leads to great joy and gladness. This is seen throughout the New Testament and in times of revival. Suffering and joy can co-exist.
- The baptism with the Holy Spirit leads to a deep love for God that casts out fear. We can cry "Abba, Father" and have intimacy with God.
- The baptism with the Holy Spirit produces a desire to glorify God and Jesus. People speak of God's wonderful works.
- The baptism with the Holy Spirit leads to greater understanding of spiritual truth. People gain insight into heaven and God's purposes. Examples were given of John Flavel, Blaise Pascal, and Thomas Aquinas.
- The sermon closed with a hymn reflecting on Jesus as Lord, God, and all.
The Book of John
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.