A Filled Witness
Concerning the coming of Christ, John the Baptist once declared to the crowds he baptized: “I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Matthew 3:11, ESV). Just before His glorious ascension into heaven, Jesus told all His disciples: “…for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now…But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:5, 8, ESV). This mighty outpouring of power and holy fire took place on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2).
There are many other passages describing the Holy Spirit and His workings within every believer, but I want you to understand that ultimately, the Holy Spirit was given to us so that we might glorify Christ. True, He intercedes for us, strengthens us, and comforts us, but if you read John 14–16, you will see that the primary ministry of the Spirit is to promote the teachings of Jesus and magnify His person. When He was on earth, Jesus said, “…I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things,” and concerning the Holy Spirit, Jesus said: “…he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you…he shall testify of me” (John 8:28b, 14:26b, 15:26b, KJV).
My point is that far too often, Christians want to claim the power of the Spirit without understanding His purpose. Realize that the more you are yielded to the Spirit, the more He will use you to testify of Christ! Many believers claim to have the “holy fire,” but it is just fading emotions. When the fire of the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples, they were empowered to boldly proclaim the gospel! What's the point of praising God in a pew if you will not seek to reach out to a lost soul so that all of heaven can rejoice? How often does one claim to “speak in tongues” in church, yet hardly use their tongue to be a witness in the world? Invariably, if we are filled with the Spirit, we will be faithful witnesses. As you are led by His Spirit, you will seek to lead others to Christ. This is where the walk produces the talk.
