Week 2 The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
Written by Daniel LeBlanc
Introduction
When Jesus was baptized in the Jordan, the heavens opened, and “He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him” (Matthew 3:16). The Greek tells us the Spirit descended (katabainō — “came down from heaven”) and rested upon Him (epi — “to clothe, to cover, to empower”).
This marked the shift in His life from private preparation to public ministry. Though Jesus was conceived by the Spirit (Luke 1:35) and full of wisdom and grace as a child (Luke 2:40), He did not begin His ministry until the Spirit came upon Him. Acts 10:38 explains why: “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.”
Here is the key distinction:
The Spirit within (at salvation) is for eternal life and relationship with God.
The Spirit upon (at baptism) is for empowerment—power, gifts, boldness, and fruit for ministry.
When we welcome the Spirit with a heart that says, “Hello Holy Spirit,” we are not greeting an impersonal force but receiving a Friend, Comforter, and Empowerer. If Jesus needed this baptism to fulfill His mission, how much more do we?
Week 2 will guide you into a deeper understanding of this gift, showing you what it is, why it matters, and how to receive it for yourself.
Devotion
Day 8 – The Baptism of the Holy Spirit?
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is more than a doctrine—it’s an experience where the Spirit doesn’t just live in you but comes upon you. It is God clothing you with power, immersing you in His presence, and equipping you to live and serve beyond your own strength.
Day 9 – Jesus is Our Example of Baptism of the Holy Spirit
Jesus, though conceived and filled with the Spirit, did not begin His public ministry until the Spirit descended upon Him. He is our pattern Son, showing us that empowerment comes through the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Day 10 – Promise of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit
The baptism of the Spirit is not a suggestion or an option—it is a promise. Just as Jesus assured His disciples, this gift is available to every believer today who longs to be filled with power from on high.
Day 11 – Baptism of Boldness
The baptism of the Spirit turns timidity into courage. When the Spirit comes upon you, He releases a supernatural boldness to speak, act, and live in a way that testifies of Christ without fear.
Day 12 – Baptism of Spiritual Gifts
The Spirit doesn’t come just to stir your emotions; He equips you with supernatural gifts to serve others. Through the baptism of the Spirit, the church is strengthened, the lost are reached, and Jesus is glorified.
Day 13 – Baptism of Love
The baptism of the Spirit isn’t only about power and gifts—it’s also about love. The Spirit fills you with God’s love until it overflows into patience, kindness, and every fruit that transforms how you relate to others.
Day 14 – Receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit
Receiving the baptism of the Spirit isn’t complicated—it’s about hunger, surrender, and faith. God delights to give His Spirit to His children, and as you ask and yield, you will be filled and empowered.
A Word for the Week
This week is an invitation to go beyond head knowledge into a living encounter with the Holy Spirit. What Jesus experienced at the Jordan is the pattern for your life today: the Spirit within you for salvation and the Spirit upon you for empowerment. As you journey through these seven days, open your heart wide and whisper, “Hello Holy Spirit, I welcome You.” Expect boldness to rise, gifts to flow, love to overflow, and power to clothe you for Kingdom living.
Each day, take one step of bold faith in response to what you read. Share your testimony with someone, pray for someone in need, or open yourself to a gift of the Spirit. Don’t just study the baptism of the Spirit—live it with the Spirit as your Companion.
