Filling Your Life: Embracing God's Abundant Presence
Summary
In today's message, I emphasized the importance of not living life on empty, both spiritually and physically. Many of us are aware that God has a plan and purpose for our lives, yet we find ourselves running on fumes, searching in the wrong places for fulfillment. Just as a car needs fuel to run, our spiritual lives require the filling of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 reminds us to be filled with the Spirit, and this is crucial for avoiding the pitfalls of living an empty life.
I shared a personal story about my father flying a plane and the importance of ensuring the fuel tank is full. This serves as a metaphor for our spiritual lives; we cannot rely solely on external indicators or past experiences. Instead, we must actively seek to be filled with God's Spirit and wisdom. The Bible encourages us to ask for wisdom, and God promises to provide it generously.
We are living in the last days, as described in 2 Timothy 3, where people are lovers of themselves and despise what is good. In such times, it is vital to be students of the Word, to pray fervently, and to worship passionately. These practices keep us spiritually full and aligned with God's will. Prayer is not just a monologue but a dialogue with God, where we speak and listen. It is a powerful tool that can change nations and our personal circumstances.
Moreover, accountability is essential. We must be willing to be corrected and guided by spiritual leaders and peers. This accountability helps us stay on the right path and avoid the dangers of hidden sins. Tithing is another aspect of living a full life. By giving to God, we sanctify our finances and invite His blessings.
Finally, I urged everyone to embrace the fullness of life that God offers. By repenting and turning away from hidden sins, we can experience the joy and power of living in God's presence. In His presence, there is fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore. Let us step out of the empty places and into the abundant life God has for us.
Key Takeaways:
1. Living on Empty: Many of us are aware of God's plan for our lives but still find ourselves spiritually empty. Just as a car needs fuel, our spiritual lives require the filling of the Holy Spirit to avoid running on fumes. Ephesians 5:18 reminds us to be filled with the Spirit, which is crucial for living a fulfilled life. [07:40]
2. The Importance of Wisdom: We cannot rely solely on external indicators or past experiences. Instead, we must actively seek God's wisdom, which He promises to provide generously. This wisdom helps us navigate the complexities of life and align with God's will. [10:05]
3. Prayer and Worship: In the last days, as described in 2 Timothy 3, it is vital to be students of the Word, to pray fervently, and to worship passionately. These practices keep us spiritually full and aligned with God's will. Prayer is a powerful tool that can change nations and our personal circumstances. [22:15]
4. Accountability and Tithing: Accountability is essential for staying on the right path and avoiding hidden sins. Tithing sanctifies our finances and invites God's blessings. By giving to God, we demonstrate our trust in His provision and experience His abundance. [30:46]
5. Embracing Fullness: By repenting and turning away from hidden sins, we can experience the joy and power of living in God's presence. In His presence, there is fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore. Let us step out of the empty places and into the abundant life God has for us. [38:14]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:44] - The Sound of Now
- [07:40] - Living on Empty
- [10:05] - The Importance of Wisdom
- [14:54] - Last Days and Spiritual Fullness
- [22:15] - Power of Prayer and Worship
- [24:31] - Joy in God's Presence
- [27:41] - The Need for Community
- [30:46] - Accountability in Faith
- [32:50] - The Danger of Hidden Sins
- [34:50] - Tithing and Financial Blessings
- [38:14] - Embracing God's Fullness
- [40:00] - Closing Prayer and Call to Action
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 5:18 - "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit."
2. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 - "But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people."
3. Psalm 16:11 - "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."
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Observation Questions:
1. What metaphor did the pastor use to illustrate the importance of being spiritually filled, and how does it relate to Ephesians 5:18? [07:40]
2. According to 2 Timothy 3:1-5, what are some characteristics of people in the last days, and how do these characteristics relate to living on empty? [14:54]
3. How does the pastor describe the role of prayer and worship in maintaining spiritual fullness? [22:15]
4. What example did the pastor give about accountability, and how does it relate to Hebrews 13:17? [30:46]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the metaphor of a car needing fuel help us understand the necessity of being filled with the Holy Spirit in our daily lives? [07:40]
2. In what ways might the characteristics listed in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 manifest in today's society, and how can believers guard against them? [14:54]
3. Why is it important to view prayer as a dialogue rather than a monologue, and how can this perspective change our prayer life? [22:15]
4. How does accountability with spiritual leaders and peers help prevent living on empty, and what challenges might arise in maintaining such accountability? [30:46]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current spiritual state. Are there areas where you feel you are running on empty? What steps can you take this week to seek the filling of the Holy Spirit? [07:40]
2. Considering the characteristics of people in the last days from 2 Timothy 3:1-5, which one do you find most challenging to avoid, and how can you actively work to overcome it? [14:54]
3. How can you incorporate more meaningful prayer and worship into your daily routine to ensure you are spiritually full? What specific changes will you make this week? [22:15]
4. Think about a time when you resisted accountability. What was the outcome, and how can you approach accountability differently in the future to stay spiritually aligned? [30:46]
5. The pastor mentioned the importance of tithing as a way to sanctify finances. How do you currently view tithing, and what changes, if any, do you feel led to make in your giving practices? [34:50]
6. Identify a hidden sin or area of struggle in your life. What steps can you take to bring it into the light and seek repentance and healing? [38:14]
7. How can you actively seek God's presence this week to experience the fullness of joy described in Psalm 16:11? What specific actions will you take to prioritize time in His presence? [24:31]
Devotional
Day 1: Spiritual Fullness Requires Intentional Filling
Many people recognize that God has a plan for their lives, yet they find themselves spiritually depleted, searching for fulfillment in the wrong places. Just as a car requires fuel to operate, our spiritual lives need the filling of the Holy Spirit to avoid running on empty. Ephesians 5:18 encourages believers to be filled with the Spirit, which is essential for living a life that is not only full but also aligned with God's purpose. This intentional filling is not a one-time event but a continuous process of seeking God's presence and guidance. [07:40]
"And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart." (Ephesians 5:18-19, ESV)
Reflection: What are some practical steps you can take today to ensure you are intentionally seeking the filling of the Holy Spirit in your daily life?
Day 2: Seek God's Wisdom Actively
Relying solely on external indicators or past experiences can lead to spiritual stagnation. Instead, believers are encouraged to actively seek God's wisdom, which He promises to provide generously. This wisdom is crucial for navigating life's complexities and aligning with God's will. By asking for wisdom, believers open themselves to divine guidance that transcends human understanding, allowing them to make decisions that honor God and fulfill His purpose for their lives. [10:05]
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." (James 1:5, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need God's wisdom today, and how can you actively seek it through prayer and study of His Word?
Day 3: The Power of Prayer and Worship
In the last days, as described in 2 Timothy 3, it is vital for believers to be students of the Word, to pray fervently, and to worship passionately. These practices keep individuals spiritually full and aligned with God's will. Prayer is not just a monologue but a dialogue with God, where believers speak and listen. It is a powerful tool that can change nations and personal circumstances, drawing individuals closer to God's heart and His purposes. [22:15]
"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving." (Colossians 4:2, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate more intentional prayer and worship into your daily routine to deepen your relationship with God?
Day 4: Accountability and Financial Faithfulness
Accountability is essential for staying on the right path and avoiding hidden sins. Believers are encouraged to be open to correction and guidance from spiritual leaders and peers. Additionally, tithing is an important aspect of living a full life, as it sanctifies finances and invites God's blessings. By giving to God, believers demonstrate their trust in His provision and experience His abundance. [30:46]
"Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid." (Proverbs 12:1, ESV)
Reflection: Who can you invite into your life to hold you accountable in your spiritual journey, and how can you demonstrate faithfulness in your finances today?
Day 5: Embrace the Fullness of Life in God's Presence
By repenting and turning away from hidden sins, believers can experience the joy and power of living in God's presence. In His presence, there is fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore. Embracing the abundant life God offers requires stepping out of empty places and into the richness of His love and purpose. This transformation leads to a life marked by joy, peace, and fulfillment that only God can provide. [38:14]
"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." (Psalm 16:11, ESV)
Reflection: What hidden sins do you need to repent of today to fully embrace the abundant life God has for you, and how can you actively seek His presence in your daily life?
Quotes
there's some things that you have to do and I want to cover a few basic things today that I believe will encourage you that will help you get where you need to go because here's the truth here's the bottom line for every person in this room for every one of you that are here those that are watching online right now those that will watch later online or television every one of you God has a plan for your life God has a purpose for you for your life and you know it if you know it raise your hand you know God has a plan for your life so if that's the case if that's the truth aren't you tired of living empty I'm talking to somebody aren't you sick and tired of living empty in your life knowing that God has a plan for you knowing that you have a purpose knowing you have a destiny knowing that you've heard from the Lord you've met the Lord but aren't you tired of living empty searching in the wrong places for the wrong things to get what God's already provided aren't you tired aren't you sick and tired of living empty [00:02:47] (88 seconds)
Ephesians 5 .18. Write it down. It says, be filled with the Spirit. Be filled with the Spirit. And it's just that easy. Be filled with the Spirit. Yet, we got people in this house. You just raised your hand in testimony. That run around on empty. And if you'll do it with your gas tank. If you'll do it in one area of your life, it's likely that you'll do it in another area of your life. And the truth is, there are a lot of people in this world that are living empty. If you live, if you live empty spiritually, it will bring sudden destruction. You may think all your gauges are working good. You may think they're fine. [00:07:30] (72 seconds)
When you don't have spiritual fuel in your tanks, the engine won't run. A couple weeks later, I was home for the holidays, for Christmas, and we went for a trip. We came back in. I said, Dad, just for the fun of it, when we pull up to the tanks, we always pull up to the gas tanks, and we would top the fuel tanks off before we put it back in the hangar. I said, before you shut the engine down, let's do what you did a couple weeks ago. Let's turn it off and see what happens, and I want to time it. Let's turn it off and see what happens. [00:12:13] (33 seconds)
but he wants you to live in wisdom as a matter of fact the Bible says if you lack wisdom look at your neighbor and say he's talking to you right here now if you lack wisdom the Bible says ask of God that gives to all people all men liberally and upbraith not so if you need wisdom ask God for wisdom God give me wisdom I need wisdom you might need to ask God for wisdom for the person you're living with you get that later but I'm going to talk about living on empty 2nd Timothy chapter 3 verses 2 through 5 well verse 1 is not up here but verse 1 says in the last days somebody say last days we're living in the last days in the last days men will be lovers of themselves look at your neighbor and say could we get a selfie [00:13:32] (65 seconds)
run from people like that people that have a form of godliness but they really depict all these other characteristics that is the age that we are living in that is the day that we are living in and so many people they have a form of godliness but they are living on empty you are living on empty if you refuse to become a student of the word we must become students of the word second timothy 2 15 says study and do your best to present yourself to god approved a workman tested by trial who has no reason to be ashamed accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of god let me tell you how to study the word of god study the word of god study the word of god as if you had to teach it Thank you. [00:16:59] (52 seconds)
When you want to understand the scripture, study it, read it, read the verses before it, read the verses after it, read it in context, read it and understand it so that you can explain it to somebody else, so you can teach it to somebody else. Don't just casually read it and go over it. Read it as if you had to teach it. If you would listen to these three messages that I just gave you during this week and listen to them and open your Bible and make notes as you read it, read it and listen to it and understand it so that you can teach the message. [00:17:01] (34 seconds)
But yet people have a form of godliness and they deny the power thereof. We need to read the Bible. If you are sick and tired of living on empty, if you are tired of going through the motions, if you are tired of having a form of godliness but denying his power, get into the word of God and read his word. It will change your life. It will take you to another level. It will put you on another plane. It will give you revelation and insight for living. You will understand prophecy. You will understand prophetic where you will receive prophetic words for your life. You might even give a prophetic word if you get into his word. You're living on empty if you don't pray. [00:17:56] (40 seconds)
Aren't you tired, though, of living empty when you could pray? Aren't you tired of living empty when you could worship? If you don't worship, you're going to find yourself empty. Worship takes you to another level, to another plane. You've heard me say it a thousand times or more. Miracles come on the wings of your praise. Miracles come on the wings of your praise. Praise is the key. Praise is the password. Psalm 89, 15 through 18 says, Blessed are the people who know the passwords of praise. [00:23:16] (46 seconds)
Not empty, but fullness of joy. In His presence is fullness of joy. So when you get in His presence, you get full of His joy. And the joy of the Lord is our strength. How do we get in His presence? We enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. And we are thankful unto Him. If you are a praiser, just take a moment right now and close out everybody and everything and just praise Him. And just bless Him. And just make a joyful noise to Him. Because He inhabits the praises of His people. You didn't hear me. I said, the Bible says God inhabits the praises of His people. Father, we bless You and we praise You. We honor You and we adore You. We know You are our soon coming King. We lift up Your name. Holy, holy is Your name. We are tired of living on empty. We are tired of living empty. We're tired of chasing empty. Oh God, we lift up Your name. We bless Your name. Baptize us with Your Holy Ghost. Baptize us fresh and new. Baptize us with Your touch. Baptize us fresh and new today. Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah. [00:24:59] (75 seconds)
We started in 2 Timothy 3, in the last days, perilous times will come. We are seeing the day approaching. We are getting there. So we need to exhort one another. And if we've ever needed to come to the Lord's house and consider one another. If we've ever needed to be in church, if we've ever needed to come and worship, if we've ever needed to come and pray, if we've ever needed to come together, now is the time to come together. We need to pray. We need to fast. We need to worship. We need revival. We need an outpouring of His Spirit. We need to be the church. People all over the world are dying. They're on their way to hell and they need you and they need me to be the church. They need us to come alive. They need us to be living on full and not living empty so we can help them get saved and make it to heaven. Somebody say hallelujah. [00:29:07] (55 seconds)
If you ignore his command to tithe, you're going to live on empty. I saw Greg Kane posted something this week. I thought it was really good. He said, I couldn't, I may not have it just right, but he said, I can't pay tithes until I pay tithes. Can't afford to pay tithes until you pay tithes. See, if you think you can't afford to pay tithes, you can't until you pay tithes. And then when you start paying tithes, you can afford to pay tithes. [00:34:36] (38 seconds)
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