Living a Spirit-Filled Life: Dependence and Transformation
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound theme of being filled with the Spirit, a concept that is both a command and a gift from God. This duality of dependent responsibility is crucial for living a life that reflects Christ's teachings. We delved into Ephesians 5, where Paul contrasts being filled with the Spirit to drunkenness, emphasizing the transformative power of the Spirit in our lives. This filling is not about a one-time experience but a continual process of yielding to the Spirit's influence, allowing it to permeate every aspect of our lives, much like wind filling the sails of a ship, propelling it forward.
We also discussed the difference between the baptism of the Spirit, which occurs at conversion, and the filling of the Spirit, which is an ongoing process. The baptism of the Spirit is a one-time event that signifies the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers, while the filling of the Spirit is about living under the Spirit's influence daily. This involves a partnership where we depend on God for strength and guidance while actively pursuing holiness and obedience.
The results of being filled with the Spirit are evident in our lives through our speech, singing, gratitude, and humility. When we are Spirit-filled, we naturally want to talk about God, sing His praises, and live with a grateful heart. This Spirit-led life is essential for our worship, unity, and ability to love God, love people, and serve the world effectively.
As we concluded, we were reminded of the importance of the Lord's Table, a symbol of our gratitude for Christ's sacrifice and a call to live Spirit-filled lives. This table is a tangible reminder of the grace we have received and the life we are called to live in response.
Key Takeaways:
- Dependent Responsibility: Living a Spirit-filled life requires a balance of dependence on God and personal responsibility. We must actively pursue holiness while relying on the Spirit for strength and guidance. This partnership is essential for spiritual growth and effective Christian living. [49:33]
- Difference Between Baptism and Filling of the Spirit: Baptism of the Spirit occurs at conversion, signifying the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, while the filling of the Spirit is an ongoing process of yielding to the Spirit's influence. Understanding this distinction helps us live a life empowered by the Spirit. [40:33]
- Results of Being Filled with the Spirit: A Spirit-filled life is marked by a desire to speak about God, sing His praises, and live with gratitude and humility. These characteristics are evidence of the Spirit's influence and are crucial for our worship and unity. [01:10:09]
- The Role of Scripture: Being filled with the Spirit is closely tied to our engagement with Scripture. As we let the Word of God dwell in us richly, the Spirit uses it to transform us and guide us in living a life that honors God. [01:07:51]
- The Lord's Table as a Reminder: The Lord's Table is a powerful reminder of Christ's sacrifice and our call to live Spirit-filled lives. It is an opportunity to recalibrate our hearts and minds, focusing on the grace we have received and the life we are called to live in response. [01:18:28]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[08:57] - Announcements and Events
[10:51] - Church Directory Project
[14:22] - Depending on the Spirit
[32:08] - Introduction to Ephesians 5
[34:03] - Walking in Wisdom
[35:07] - Filling of the Spirit Explained
[40:33] - Baptism vs. Filling of the Spirit
[43:00] - Word Pictures of Being Filled
[49:31] - Dependent Responsibility
[50:46] - Active and Passive Aspects
[53:24] - Walking in the Spirit
[55:15] - Invitation to Follow Christ
[56:53] - Paul's Example of Dependence
[58:29] - Dependent Responsibility in Ministry
[01:00:37] - Practical Steps for Spirit-Filled Living
[01:03:13] - The Prodigal Son's Return
[01:07:51] - Connection to the Word
[01:10:09] - Results of Being Filled with the Spirit
[01:13:30] - Humility and Submission
[01:14:39] - Importance for Church Unity
[01:15:57] - Empowerment for Everyday Life
[01:17:52] - The Lord's Table and Gratitude
[01:18:28] - Invitation to the Table
[01:20:36] - Prayer and Reflection
[01:28:45] - Closing and Benediction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Being Filled with the Spirit
Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 5:15-21
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the three contrasts Paul makes in Ephesians 5:15-18, and how do they relate to living a Spirit-filled life? [34:03]
2. According to the sermon, what is the difference between the baptism of the Spirit and the filling of the Spirit? [40:33]
3. How does the sermon describe the process of being filled with the Spirit using the analogy of wind and sails? [43:00]
4. What are the results of being filled with the Spirit as mentioned in Ephesians 5:19-21? [01:10:09]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "dependent responsibility" help us understand our role in being filled with the Spirit? [49:31]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that being filled with the Spirit is similar to and different from being drunk with wine? [43:00]
3. How does the sermon explain the role of Scripture in the process of being filled with the Spirit? [01:07:51]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between being filled with the Spirit and the unity of the church? [01:14:39]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your daily life: Are there areas where you are not yielding to the Spirit's influence? What steps can you take to allow the Spirit to permeate those areas? [43:00]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of gratitude as a result of being filled with the Spirit. How can you cultivate a more grateful heart in your daily interactions? [01:13:30]
3. Consider the concept of "dependent responsibility." How can you actively pursue holiness while relying on the Spirit for strength and guidance in your current circumstances? [49:31]
4. Singing and speaking about God are results of being filled with the Spirit. How can you incorporate more worship and conversation about God into your daily routine? [01:10:09]
5. The sermon discusses the importance of the Lord's Table as a reminder of Christ's sacrifice. How can participating in communion deepen your understanding and practice of living a Spirit-filled life? [01:18:28]
6. Think about a recent situation where you struggled to submit to authority. How might being filled with the Spirit change your perspective and actions in similar situations in the future? [01:13:30]
7. Identify one specific way you can engage more deeply with Scripture this week to allow the Word of God to dwell in you richly, as suggested in the sermon. [01:07:51]
Devotional
Day 1: Dependent Responsibility in Spiritual Growth
Living a Spirit-filled life involves a delicate balance between relying on God and taking personal responsibility for our spiritual growth. This concept of "dependent responsibility" means that while we depend on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance, we must also actively pursue holiness and obedience. It is a partnership where we are called to yield to the Spirit's influence, allowing it to transform us and guide us in our daily lives. This ongoing process is essential for effective Christian living and spiritual maturity. [49:33]
"For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:13, ESV)
Reflection: In what specific area of your life do you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength today? How can you actively pursue holiness in that area?
Day 2: Understanding the Spirit's Baptism and Filling
The distinction between the baptism and filling of the Spirit is crucial for living an empowered Christian life. Baptism of the Spirit occurs at conversion, marking the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers. In contrast, the filling of the Spirit is an ongoing process where we continually yield to the Spirit's influence. This understanding helps us recognize the importance of living under the Spirit's guidance daily, allowing it to permeate every aspect of our lives and transform us into Christ's likeness. [40:33]
"And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit." (Ephesians 5:18, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your daily routine. How can you create space for the Holy Spirit to fill and guide you throughout your day?
Day 3: Evidence of a Spirit-Filled Life
A life filled with the Spirit is characterized by a desire to speak about God, sing His praises, and live with gratitude and humility. These traits are evidence of the Spirit's influence in our lives and are crucial for our worship, unity, and ability to love and serve others effectively. When we are Spirit-filled, our actions and attitudes naturally reflect Christ's teachings, drawing others to Him and fostering a sense of community and unity within the church. [01:10:09]
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." (Colossians 3:16, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent interaction where you could have demonstrated more gratitude or humility. How can you approach similar situations differently in the future?
Day 4: The Transformative Power of Scripture
Engagement with Scripture is closely tied to being filled with the Spirit. As we immerse ourselves in the Word of God, the Spirit uses it to transform us and guide us in living a life that honors God. The Bible serves as a foundation for our faith, providing wisdom and direction as we navigate the challenges of life. By allowing Scripture to dwell in us richly, we open ourselves to the Spirit's transformative power, enabling us to live in alignment with God's will. [01:07:51]
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate more Scripture into your daily routine to allow the Holy Spirit to guide and transform you?
Day 5: The Lord's Table as a Call to Spirit-Filled Living
The Lord's Table is a powerful reminder of Christ's sacrifice and our call to live Spirit-filled lives. It serves as a tangible symbol of the grace we have received and the life we are called to live in response. As we partake in communion, we are invited to recalibrate our hearts and minds, focusing on the transformative power of the Spirit and our commitment to live in gratitude and obedience. This sacred practice encourages us to reflect on our spiritual journey and renew our dedication to following Christ. [01:18:28]
"For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." (1 Corinthians 11:26, ESV)
Reflection: As you prepare to partake in the Lord's Table, what specific area of your life do you need to surrender to the Holy Spirit's guidance and transformation?
Quotes
"Being filled with the Spirit is crucial to unity in the church. If we're not filled with the Spirit, then we're going to be more tempted to fight the church. We're going to be more tempted to gossip and all the things that are just that break down churches." [01:14:39] (15 seconds)
"Dependent responsibility for our sanctification, our spiritual growth, will result in, first of all, we see speaking here in the text here. It says back in Ephesians chapter 5 is that we're speaking or addressing one another. It says in Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs." [01:10:09] (18 seconds)
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