Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Living Under His Control
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to reflect on the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit, as outlined in Ephesians 5:18-21. The journey began with a heartfelt thank you to the congregation for their prayers and support, especially during a challenging travel experience. We also took a moment to pray for the First Baptist Church of Dallas, which recently suffered a devastating fire.
The core of our discussion centered on understanding what it means to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Using an analogy of a man who didn't realize his car had an engine, we explored how many Christians live their lives without tapping into the power of the Holy Spirit. Just as the car's engine provides the power to move, the Holy Spirit empowers us to live the life God has called us to live.
We examined the dual command in Ephesians 5:18, which contrasts being drunk with wine and being filled with the Spirit. The key connection between these commands is control. Just as alcohol controls a person under its influence, the Holy Spirit should control a believer's life. Being filled with the Spirit means being under His control, allowing Him to guide our actions, thoughts, and decisions.
We also discussed the consequences of being filled with the Holy Spirit. Firstly, it leads to lives that please God, as we walk wisely and make the best use of our time. Secondly, it gives us minds that understand God's will, enabling us to see and interpret the world from a Christ-like perspective. Thirdly, it fills our hearts with worship, leading us to praise God in all circumstances. Lastly, it fosters relationships that honor Christ, characterized by mutual submission and selflessness.
In conclusion, we were reminded that the Holy Spirit is given to all believers at the moment of salvation, but being filled with the Spirit is a continuous, daily process. By confessing our sins and asking for the Spirit's filling, we allow Him to control and transform our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of the Holy Spirit: Just as a car's engine provides the power to move, the Holy Spirit empowers us to live the life God has called us to live. Without recognizing and utilizing this power, we struggle to move forward in our spiritual journey. The Holy Spirit is our source of strength and guidance, enabling us to fulfill God's purpose for our lives. [38:40]
2. Control and Influence: The dual command in Ephesians 5:18 highlights the importance of control. Being filled with the Holy Spirit means being under His control, allowing Him to guide our actions, thoughts, and decisions. This contrasts with being controlled by substances like alcohol, which lead to recklessness and poor judgment. [41:44]
3. Living a Life that Pleases God: When the Holy Spirit fills us, our lives will be fully pleasing to God. This involves walking wisely, making the best use of our time, and living in a way that reflects Christ's love and wisdom. The Holy Spirit helps us navigate the challenges of life, ensuring that our actions align with God's will. [50:36]
4. Understanding God's Will: The Holy Spirit brings together God's will and our understanding, enabling us to see and interpret the world from a Christ-like perspective. Without the Spirit's guidance, we misinterpret our experiences and fail to grasp God's purpose for our lives. The Spirit illuminates our minds, helping us comprehend and apply God's Word. [53:25]
5. Worship and Relationships: Being filled with the Holy Spirit leads to hearts that worship God and relationships that honor Christ. Our worship becomes genuine and heartfelt, and our interactions with others are characterized by mutual submission and selflessness. The Spirit transforms our hearts, making us more like Christ in our worship and relationships. [57:35]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[27:36] - Gratitude and Travel Challenges
[30:37] - Prayer for First Baptist Church of Dallas
[36:02] - The Engine Analogy
[38:40] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
[41:44] - Control and Influence
[50:36] - Living a Life that Pleases God
[53:25] - Understanding God's Will
[57:35] - Worship and Relationships
[01:03:21] - Continuous Filling of the Holy Spirit
[01:07:48] - Prayer for Believers
[01:09:29] - Invitation to Salvation
[01:12:17] - Closing Remarks and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 5:18-21
#### Observation Questions
1. What analogy did the pastor use to explain the power of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life? How does this analogy help us understand the role of the Holy Spirit? ([36:02])
2. According to Ephesians 5:18, what are the two contrasting commands given by Paul? What is the key connection between these commands? ([40:09])
3. What are the four consequences of being filled with the Holy Spirit as discussed in the sermon? ([49:04])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Paul contrasts being drunk with wine with being filled with the Holy Spirit? How does this comparison help us understand the concept of control in a believer's life? ([41:44])
2. How does being filled with the Holy Spirit enable believers to live lives that please God, according to Ephesians 5:15-16? What does it mean to "walk circumspectly"? ([50:36])
3. The pastor mentioned that the Holy Spirit helps us understand God's will. How does the Holy Spirit bring together God's will and our understanding? ([53:25])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the analogy of the car engine. Are there areas in your life where you are trying to "push the car" instead of relying on the Holy Spirit's power? How can you start relying more on the Holy Spirit this week? ([36:02])
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of being under the control of the Holy Spirit. What practical steps can you take to ensure that the Holy Spirit is guiding your actions, thoughts, and decisions daily? ([41:44])
3. Think about your daily routine. How can you make better use of your time to ensure that your life is fully pleasing to God? Are there specific activities you need to cut back on or eliminate? ([50:36])
4. The pastor mentioned that the Holy Spirit helps us understand God's will. Is there a situation in your life where you need clarity or guidance? How can you seek the Holy Spirit's help in understanding God's will for that situation? ([53:25])
5. Worship was highlighted as a consequence of being filled with the Holy Spirit. How can you incorporate genuine worship into your daily life, not just during church services? ([57:35])
6. Reflect on your relationships. Are there any relationships where you need to practice more mutual submission and selflessness? How can you start doing that this week? ([01:02:00])
7. The pastor talked about the continuous process of being filled with the Holy Spirit. How can you make a habit of confessing your sins and asking for the Holy Spirit's filling throughout your day? ([01:06:18])
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is our source of strength and guidance, enabling us to fulfill God's purpose for our lives. Just as a car's engine provides the power to move, the Holy Spirit empowers us to live the life God has called us to live. Without recognizing and utilizing this power, we struggle to move forward in our spiritual journey. Many Christians live their lives without tapping into the power of the Holy Spirit, much like a man who didn't realize his car had an engine.
The Holy Spirit is given to all believers at the moment of salvation, but being filled with the Spirit is a continuous, daily process. By confessing our sins and asking for the Spirit's filling, we allow Him to control and transform our lives. This empowerment is essential for living a life that pleases God and fulfills His purpose for us. [38:40]
Ephesians 3:16-17 (ESV): "That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love."
Reflection: Think about an area in your life where you feel powerless. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to empower you in this area today?
Day 2: Control and Influence
Being filled with the Holy Spirit means being under His control, allowing Him to guide our actions, thoughts, and decisions. This contrasts with being controlled by substances like alcohol, which lead to recklessness and poor judgment. The dual command in Ephesians 5:18 highlights the importance of control. Just as alcohol controls a person under its influence, the Holy Spirit should control a believer's life.
When we are under the influence of the Holy Spirit, our lives reflect His guidance and wisdom. This control leads to a life that is pleasing to God and aligned with His will. It is essential to surrender our control to the Holy Spirit daily, allowing Him to lead us in all aspects of our lives. [41:44]
Galatians 5:16-17 (ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."
Reflection: Identify a decision you need to make today. How can you seek the Holy Spirit's guidance and allow Him to influence your choice?
Day 3: Living a Life that Pleases God
When the Holy Spirit fills us, our lives will be fully pleasing to God. This involves walking wisely, making the best use of our time, and living in a way that reflects Christ's love and wisdom. The Holy Spirit helps us navigate the challenges of life, ensuring that our actions align with God's will.
Living a life that pleases God requires intentionality and reliance on the Holy Spirit. By seeking His guidance and wisdom, we can make choices that honor God and reflect His character. This daily dependence on the Holy Spirit transforms our lives and enables us to fulfill God's purpose. [50:36]
Colossians 1:9-10 (ESV): "And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."
Reflection: Reflect on how you spend your time each day. What changes can you make to ensure your actions are pleasing to God and aligned with His will?
Day 4: Understanding God's Will
The Holy Spirit brings together God's will and our understanding, enabling us to see and interpret the world from a Christ-like perspective. Without the Spirit's guidance, we misinterpret our experiences and fail to grasp God's purpose for our lives. The Spirit illuminates our minds, helping us comprehend and apply God's Word.
Understanding God's will is crucial for living a life that honors Him. The Holy Spirit helps us discern His will and apply it to our daily lives. By seeking the Spirit's guidance, we can navigate life's challenges with wisdom and clarity, ensuring our actions align with God's purpose. [53:25]
1 Corinthians 2:12-13 (ESV): "Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual."
Reflection: Think about a situation where you need clarity. How can you seek the Holy Spirit's guidance to understand God's will in this situation?
Day 5: Worship and Relationships
Being filled with the Holy Spirit leads to hearts that worship God and relationships that honor Christ. Our worship becomes genuine and heartfelt, and our interactions with others are characterized by mutual submission and selflessness. The Spirit transforms our hearts, making us more like Christ in our worship and relationships.
Worship and relationships are integral aspects of our Christian walk. The Holy Spirit enables us to worship God in spirit and truth, and to love others selflessly. By allowing the Spirit to fill us, our worship and relationships reflect Christ's love and humility, bringing glory to God. [57:35]
Ephesians 5:19-21 (ESV): "Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ."
Reflection: Consider your relationships with others. How can you allow the Holy Spirit to transform your interactions, making them more Christ-like and selfless?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "When you got saved, your salvation came. With an engine. And that engine is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit of God will give you God's power to live the life that God has called you to live. Today, I would plead with you and I am praying for you that God would work in our hearts today, not to try to live the Christian life in our own power, not try to push things along ourselves, but instead to give ourselves over to the power and the filling of the Holy Spirit that he might take us where God wants us to go." [38:40] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The Holy Spirit is given to all believers. I want to say that one more time so that you'll hear me. The Holy Spirit is given to all believers the moment you are saved. To be saved means that you have the Holy Spirit. In Romans chapter 5, verse 4, it says, The Bible says, The moment you trusted Jesus as your Savior, the Bible describes several things that happen. It says that you were born again. That's regeneration. You were adopted into God's family. That's adoption. You were made right with God. That's justification." [44:31] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The Bible says, if you don't have the Holy Spirit, you aren't saved. In Romans chapter 8, verse 9, the Bible says this, You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now listen to this part. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. To be saved is to have the Holy Spirit. To have the Holy Spirit is to be saved." [46:03] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The Bible says that the Holy Spirit who comes to live inside of you and seals you as a believer is the guarantee. That's a word that in the original language means a down payment. He's the down payment of your future inheritance in heaven. The Holy Spirit is God's down payment of heaven in your heart to God's glory and to God's praise. Well, I'll just give God praise for that today. He lives inside of us and he seals us and promises a future in heaven." [47:32] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When the Holy Spirit is in control, we'll live lives that please Christ. We'll have minds that understand Christ. We'll have hearts that worship Christ. And it will have relationships with one another that honor Christ. All of those things come when we are filled with the Holy Spirit." [01:03:21] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "To be filled with the Holy Spirit means to be under the control of the Holy Spirit of God who lives inside of you. Be filled with the Holy Spirit. It doesn't mean to have so many ounces of the Holy Spirit in you. By the way, the Holy Spirit is not a substance that can fill you up. The Holy Spirit is a person who desires to control you. To be filled with the Holy Spirit is to be controlled by the Holy Spirit." [43:09] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The only way that we can walk and live in a way that pleases Jesus Christ is to be controlled by and filled by the Holy Spirit. And that's the only way that we can walk in the power and control of the Holy Spirit of God. The Bible talks about that over in the book of Galatians chapter five, verse 16. And there the word of God says this, but I say, walk by the Spirit, walk under the control of the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." [52:00] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The only way we can understand the world around us from a Christ-like perspective is to have the Holy Spirit of God controlling our steps and controlling our minds. Notice what the Bible says in verse 17 of the text. In Ephesians chapter five, verse 17, the word of God says, therefore, do not be foolish, do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Do not be unwise, do not be foolish. Instead, understand what the will of the Lord is." [53:25] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When the Holy Spirit of God is filling us, our lives will be filled with worship. And one of the things that I see as I look at this text is worship is more than just singing and music. I mean, singing and music is part of worship, but it's just a part. It's just a part. In fact, the language that's used here in verse 19, addressing one another is a word that can mean to speak. It's not talking about singing necessarily. It's talking about speaking, speaking to one another, addressing one another in psalms." [57:35] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When Jesus, is ruling and reigning in our hearts, when his Holy Spirit is controlling us, the Bible says we will submit to one another in reverence to Christ. Now the word submit there means willingly to place other people and their needs and their significance above yourself and your needs. Submission does not mean putting yourself down. Submission means lifting other people up and honoring them. As the Holy Spirit of God works in your life. Another word for submission is selflessness." [01:02:00] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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