The Baptism and Filling of the Holy Spirit – Teaching Plan
Key Thought: As we follow the Biblical steps to be filled with the Spirit, we receive strength and joy.
1. Have a volunteer read Acts 11:16.
a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
b. What does it mean to be baptized by the Holy Spirit?
c. Personal Application : What has been your experience in being baptized by the Holy Spirit? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your relatives states: “When you are baptized by the Spirit, you will speak in tongues, be a joyous Christian, and praise God all the time.” How would you respond to your relatives?
2. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 5:18.
a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
b. What does it mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit?
c. Personal Application : How does being filled with the Holy Spirit happen in our lives? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your friends states, “When you are filled with the Spirit, you are truly free. There are no bonds or controls in your life. God gives us true freedom – from civil law, church law, and human chains.” How would you respond to your friend?
3. Have a volunteer read Acts 2:37,38.
a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. What is the first condition for receiving the Holy Spirit?
c. Personal Application: Why can’t we receive the Holy Spirit without believing in God’s Word? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your neighbors states, “Why does God want us to be persistent in our prayers and intercession for others? Isn’t this showing doubt by praying over and over for the same thing?” How would you respond to your neighbor?
4. Have a volunteer read Acts 5:32.
a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. Why is obedience an important condition for receiving the Holy Spirit?
c. Personal Application : How can we learn to be more diligent and fervent in our own prayer lives? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.
Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).