Less of Me Jesus, More of You!
Apr 16, 2025
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SCRIPTURE
11 “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[1]
OBSERVATION
This verse is in the chapter that crescendos with John the Baptist water baptizing Jesus. John is speaking that there are two baptisms that will come with the Messiah. Water baptism is an act that signified repentance and a surrendering to God but there is another baptism which is a baptism with the Holy Spirit and fire. It is important to note that there are two distinct baptisms, and one is an outward sign of regeneration and allegiance to Christ and the other is a fullness of the power of the Spirit. In John 7:38 Jesus states, “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” Jack Hayford states that this is one being open to a spirit of enthusiasm which is not a superficial exuberance but rather it is a posture of expectancy.[2] How often do I attempt to maintain control even while I am asking the Holy Spirit to fill me with the fullness of His power in my life. The fulfillment of this came in Acts when the Holy Spirit filled the disciples to have the power to be witnesses in Jerusalem, Samaria, and the Uttermost parts of the world (Acts 1:8). The chief idea of eperchomai “come upon” in Acts 1:8 relates to a whole new dynamic and paradigm shift that we experience. In other words, the Holy Spirit wants to reshape our perspective (on the world), our passion (for the lost), and our compassion (in focusing on human need).[3] The Holy Spirit clothes us in power which speaks of enablement to live out what Jesus desires us to do as we are living on Mission with Him.
APPLICATION
I sense the Holy Spirit speaking to my soul that my propensity at times is not to live in the power of the fire of the Holy Spirit and at times this reduces my ability to live on Mission to my own effort. This always leads down a path of no longer functioning in the enthusiasm of Christ but instead it limits everything to my capacity. I desire daily to full of God’s Spirit in such a way that He is enabling me to minister His life to others. I need the Holy Spirits River of life to flow through me. There is no substitute for the Holy Spirit’s River of life and power. Baptize me afresh under your Lordship Jesus so that I can be an effective disciple and disciple maker for you. Free me Jesus to be a fully empowered agent of your kingdom manifesting your presence because I am living in the King’s fullness and am fully released to serve others with my Head, Heart, and Hands for your glory.
PRAYER
“Heavenly father, keep me from self-sufficiency and pride that rely on my own human personality or even natural abilities and talents to be an effective follower of you. Today, I am passionate for the power of your Holy Spirit to fill me afresh so that I can be a witness for you. Help me to abide in you and to linger at your feet so that I may be filled with you Spirit always glorifying you! I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!”
Footnotes:
[1] Hebrew - Greek Key Word Study Bible English Standard Version, ed. ThD. and General Editor Spiros Zodhiares, ESV edition Warren Baker, D.R.E. (Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 1984, 1990, 1991, 1996 and 2013 by AMG International Inc.). p 1106. [2] Jack Hayford, Living the Spirit Formed Life: Growing in the 10 Principles of Spirit-Filled Discipleship (Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 2001), Spiritual Life - Christianity. p 117. [3] Hayford, Living the Spirit Formed Life: Growing in the 10 Principles of Spirit-Filled Discipleship. p 126.
Resources:
Hayford, Jack. Living the Spirit Formed Life: Growing in the 10 Principles of Spirit-Filled Discipleship. Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 2001. Spiritual Life - Christianity. Hebrew - Greek Key Word Study Bible English Standard Version. Edited by ThD. and General Editor Spiros Zodhiares, ESV edition Warren Baker, D.R.E. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 1984, 1990, 1991, 1996 and 2013 by AMG International Inc.