Baptism of the Spirit - A Call to Serve

The Baptism of the Spirit, as taught by Oral Roberts, is not merely a personal experience of empowerment but a divine commissioning into service. Roberts emphasizes that the gifts bestowed upon us are not for self-glorification or private possession. Instead, they are entrusted to us for the benefit of others. A healer, for instance, does not own the gift of healing for themselves; it exists to bring restoration to those in need. This perspective shifts the focus from individual gain to collective responsibility, reminding us that spiritual gifts are instruments of service, not trophies of status.

A Foundation of Love and Humility

At the heart of this teaching lies the principle of love and respect for those who require the use of our gifts. Roberts insists that the exercise of spiritual gifts must be rooted in compassion and humility. To heal, guide, or uplift someone is not an act of superiority but of solidarity. It is an acknowledgment that we are called to stand alongside those who suffer, offering what God has placed within us to meet their needs.

In this way, the Baptism of the Spirit becomes a pathway to deeper human connection, where service is the highest form of love.

The Call to Spiritual Service

Roberts also frames this calling in the language of spiritual soldier hood. Those chosen to carry and exercise these gifts are likened to soldiers of God, tasked with guiding and leading others. This metaphor underscores the discipline, courage, and commitment required to live out one’s spiritual purpose.

Just as a soldier serves not for personal gain but for the protection and well-being of others, so too must the Spirit-filled believer dedicate themselves to the mission of service. It is a life of sacrifice, vigilance, and unwavering devotion to the needs of the community.

Reverence for Spiritual Gifts

Equally important is the reverence we must hold for the gifts themselves. Roberts teaches that these gifts are not only tools for serving others but also sources of life and meaning for the one who carries them. To respect the gift is to respect the divine purpose behind it.

He further emphasizes that all languages of the world matter, but above them all is the spiritual language; the language of the Spirit, which transcends human barriers and unites believers in divine understanding. To grasp this language is to unlock a deeper communion with God and with others, allowing the gifts to flow in their purest form.

Discovering Purpose Through Service

Ultimately, Roberts’ vision of the Baptism of the Spirit is a call to discover purpose through service. To know why we were born, we must first understand the gifts we have been given and the people we are meant to serve with them.

Purpose is not self-defined but Spirit-revealed, and it is realised in the act of giving ourselves away for the good of others. In this light, the Baptism of the Spirit is not only an encounter with divine power but also a commissioning into a life of love, respect and service; a life that reflects the very heart of God and speaks fluently in the language of the Spirit.