Living a Spirit-Filled Life: Ongoing Transformation and Obedience

 

Summary

In today's exploration of Ephesians 5:18-21, we delve into the profound concept of being filled with the Holy Spirit. This passage calls us to a life of continuous filling, not as a one-time experience, but as an ongoing journey of faithfulness. The Holy Spirit is not a fleeting high but a constant presence that transforms our daily lives. This transformation is evidenced by our speaking, singing, thanking, and submitting, as outlined in the text.

The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, is integral to our understanding of God from Genesis to Revelation. His presence is not just about salvation but encompasses intellect, will, and emotion. To be filled with the Spirit is to embrace His intellect, aligning our minds with the mind of Christ. It is to submit to His will, allowing Him to direct and sometimes prohibit our actions, as seen in Acts 16. Moreover, it involves engaging our emotions, experiencing joy even amidst affliction, as described in 1 Thessalonians 1.

Remaining filled with the Spirit requires us to set our minds on things above, as instructed in Colossians 3:2. It involves a conscious effort to align our thoughts, will, and emotions with God's desires. This alignment leads to a life marked by gratitude, humility, and a decreasing frequency of sin. It compels us to speak boldly, sing joyfully, and give generously, reflecting the Spirit's work within us.

Being filled with the Spirit is not about a dramatic one-time event but a daily submission to God's will. It is a command and a responsibility for believers, conditioned upon obedience and the application of God's Word. As we grow in our understanding and practice of God's Word, we experience an ongoing increase in obedience, gratitude, and humility.

Key Takeaways:

- Intellect, Will, and Emotion of the Spirit: The Holy Spirit encompasses intellect, will, and emotion. To be filled with the Spirit is to align our minds with His intellect, submit to His will, and engage our emotions in worship and service. This alignment transforms our daily lives and deepens our relationship with God. [06:15]

- Continuous Filling and Obedience: Being filled with the Spirit is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. It requires continuous obedience and application of God's Word. As we align our lives with His will, we experience a deeper sense of His presence and guidance. [27:49]

- Evidence of the Spirit's Filling: The evidence of being filled with the Spirit includes speaking, singing, and thanking. These actions reflect a heart transformed by the Spirit, overflowing with gratitude and joy, even in difficult circumstances. [49:52]

- Gratitude and Humility: A Spirit-filled life is marked by gratitude and humility. As we decrease in pride and increase in thankfulness, we reflect the Spirit's work within us, drawing others to Christ through our words and actions. [29:47]

- Compelled to Share and Serve: The Spirit compels us to share the gospel and serve others. This compulsion is a natural outflow of a Spirit-filled life, driving us to speak boldly and live out our faith through good deeds and acts of service. [36:29]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[03:09] - Evidence of Being Filled
[06:15] - Intellect, Will, and Emotion of the Spirit
[09:23] - The Spirit's Will and Direction
[12:29] - Joy in Affliction
[14:59] - Grieving the Holy Spirit
[17:37] - Engaging Intellect and Emotion
[19:34] - Discernment and Peace
[21:22] - Yielding to the Spirit
[25:04] - What Being Filled Is Not
[26:37] - Submission and Obedience
[29:05] - Verification of Being Filled
[31:03] - Decreasing Pride and Sin
[34:16] - Increased Desire to Worship
[36:29] - Compelled to Share and Serve
[39:05] - Speaking Boldly
[41:35] - Singing from the Heart
[43:36] - Authentic Worship
[47:02] - Avoiding Secular Influence
[49:52] - Gratitude and Thankfulness
[52:20] - Communicative Gratitude
[56:50] - Stop and Go: Spirit vs. Flesh
[58:40] - Prayer and Conclusion

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Being Filled with the Holy Spirit

Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 5:18-21

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Ephesians 5:18-21, what are the specific actions that demonstrate being filled with the Holy Spirit? [03:09]

2. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in directing and prohibiting actions, as illustrated in Acts 16? [09:23]

3. What does the sermon say about the relationship between being filled with the Spirit and the intellect, will, and emotion of the Holy Spirit? [06:15]

4. How does the sermon explain the concept of "remaining filled" with the Holy Spirit as opposed to a one-time experience? [25:04]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does it mean to align one's intellect, will, and emotions with the Holy Spirit, and how might this alignment manifest in a believer's life? [06:15]

2. The sermon emphasizes continuous obedience and application of God's Word. How does this relate to the process of being filled with the Holy Spirit? [27:49]

3. How does the sermon interpret the evidence of being filled with the Spirit, such as speaking, singing, and thanking, in the context of daily life? [49:52]

4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that gratitude and humility are indicators of a Spirit-filled life? [29:47]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your daily routine. How can you intentionally set your mind on things above, as instructed in Colossians 3:2, to remain filled with the Spirit? [14:59]

2. Consider a recent decision you made. How did you discern the Holy Spirit's guidance, and what role did peace play in your decision-making process? [21:22]

3. Identify a situation where you struggled to express gratitude. How can you cultivate a habit of verbalizing thankfulness in your daily interactions? [49:52]

4. Think of a time when you felt compelled to share your faith or serve others. How did the Holy Spirit influence your actions, and what was the outcome? [36:29]

5. Evaluate your current level of engagement in worship. How can you deepen your worship experience, both personally and corporately, to reflect a Spirit-filled life? [43:36]

6. Reflect on a recent conflict or challenge. How did you respond emotionally, and how might aligning your emotions with the Holy Spirit change your response in the future? [12:29]

7. Consider your interactions with others. How can you decrease pride and increase humility in your relationships, as evidence of being filled with the Spirit? [29:47]

Devotional

Day 1: Aligning with the Spirit's Intellect, Will, and Emotion
The Holy Spirit is not just a passive presence but an active force that encompasses intellect, will, and emotion. To be filled with the Spirit means to align our minds with His intellect, submit to His will, and engage our emotions in worship and service. This alignment transforms our daily lives and deepens our relationship with God. By embracing the Spirit's intellect, we align our thoughts with the mind of Christ, allowing His wisdom to guide our decisions. Submitting to His will means allowing Him to direct our paths, even when it means saying no to certain actions, as seen in Acts 16. Engaging our emotions involves experiencing joy and peace, even amidst trials, as described in 1 Thessalonians 1. [06:15]

Ephesians 1:17-18 (ESV): "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints."

Reflection: In what ways can you align your thoughts, decisions, and emotions with the Holy Spirit today? Consider one specific area where you can invite His guidance.


Day 2: The Journey of Continuous Filling and Obedience
Being filled with the Spirit is not a one-time event but an ongoing process that requires continuous obedience and application of God's Word. As believers, we are called to a life of continuous filling, where the Spirit's presence is a constant guide and comfort. This journey involves setting our minds on things above, as instructed in Colossians 3:2, and making a conscious effort to align our lives with God's desires. As we grow in our understanding and practice of God's Word, we experience a deeper sense of His presence and guidance, leading to a life marked by gratitude, humility, and a decreasing frequency of sin. [27:49]

2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."

Reflection: What is one specific area of your life where you can practice greater obedience to God's Word today? How can you make this a daily habit?


Day 3: Evidence of the Spirit's Filling
The evidence of being filled with the Spirit is seen in our actions—speaking, singing, and thanking. These actions reflect a heart transformed by the Spirit, overflowing with gratitude and joy, even in difficult circumstances. When we are filled with the Spirit, our words become a testimony of His work within us, our songs become expressions of joy and worship, and our hearts overflow with thankfulness. This transformation is not just for our benefit but serves as a witness to others, drawing them to Christ through our words and actions. [49:52]

Colossians 3:16 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: How can you use your words and actions today to reflect the Spirit's work in your life? Think of one specific way to express gratitude or joy.


Day 4: Cultivating Gratitude and Humility
A Spirit-filled life is marked by gratitude and humility. As we decrease in pride and increase in thankfulness, we reflect the Spirit's work within us. This transformation draws others to Christ, as they see the evidence of His presence in our lives. Gratitude shifts our focus from ourselves to God, acknowledging His goodness and provision. Humility allows us to serve others selflessly, putting their needs above our own. Together, these qualities create a powerful testimony of God's love and grace. [29:47]

James 4:10 (ESV): "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."

Reflection: In what ways can you practice gratitude and humility today? Consider one specific action you can take to serve someone else selflessly.


Day 5: Compelled to Share and Serve
The Spirit compels us to share the gospel and serve others. This compulsion is a natural outflow of a Spirit-filled life, driving us to speak boldly and live out our faith through good deeds and acts of service. When we are filled with the Spirit, we are empowered to share the message of Christ with others, not out of obligation, but out of a genuine desire to see others experience His love and grace. Serving others becomes a joy, as we reflect the heart of Christ in our actions. [36:29]

1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ."

Reflection: Who is one person you can share the gospel with or serve today? How can you take a step towards doing this with boldness and love?

Quotes



"The Holy Spirit of God has a will, and that will is working in and through you. And so to be filled with the Holy Spirit is to be, at heart, filled with His will. To have something placed upon you that is not only heavy, whether it be conviction, but also the conviction and the willpower to achieve great commission type stuff, to achieve the sharing of the gospel, to achieve studying the Bible, to achieve memorization, to achieve memorizing Scripture, to achieve, man, sometimes it's even just getting to church, the will of God in your life." [00:09:42] (45 seconds)


"And so if you were to be remaining filled, if you stay with the Lord, I could summarize it for you in that the goal of the Christian life is just the title of today's sermon, remain faithful. Remain faithful continue in the word John 8 31 says if you continue in my word then you are truly disciples of mine just remain faithful just keep taking the right steps remain faithful continue in the word do what the Holy Spirit would be willing you to do you have the mind of Christ the Holy Spirit is inside of you there's intellect there you know the scriptures you know what it's right you know what is wrong you know how to talk you know what to sing you know not you know what not to sing you know what not to say you know where not to go you know how to not grieve the Holy Spirit so remain filled means to keep the mind filled with the things of the Spirit keep your mind dwelling on the things above Colossians 3 tooses set your mind on things of above and not on things of the earth." [00:15:23] (72 seconds)


"Verification of being filled with the Spirit is also an increased humility. Thinking of yourself as unworthy and others better than yourself is verification that you are filled with the Holy Spirit. If you truly, from a humble heart, love and serve others and think of them more than you think of yourself, a servitude attitude, an attitude of servitude, then you are truly one who is filled with the Holy Spirit." [00:30:19] (29 seconds)


"Verification that you are filled with the Spirit is that gratefulness to God. It is coming out of your lips despite difficulties. That's being filled with the Spirit. Nobody who is not filled with the Holy Spirit is going to thank the Lord for anything difficult. It is a byproduct of being filled with the Holy Spirit. Gratefulness." [00:29:29] (23 seconds)


"Sharing the gospel is a result of you obeying, being compelled by the Spirit's will. The Spirit is who draws lost people under Christ, right? And faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. And so as you are an agent, to a means, a vessel to spread the Word, the Holy Spirit of God compels you to want to speak. It is because the Spirit of God wants to draw the lost person into salvation." [00:35:55] (34 seconds)


"And so we are to be filled with the Holy Spirit of God to be able to speak and to sing and to fulfill God's will for which He wants to work in and through you. And the exact opposite direction of that is to sing songs that are not spiritual. And so spiritual songs, the Bible says. And number three, the Spirit-filled people are thankful. They're thankful people." [00:49:22] (26 seconds)


"Testify to the goodness of God. Thank Him. What if everything that you have not verbally expressed gratitude for was removed from your life tomorrow? There goes a lot in your life that you really enjoy, including some of the very precious things. We ought to be ones whom are overflowing with gratitude and thankfulness because when we reflect upon the fact that we have received mercy and not judgment, for which we deserve, it produces gratitude." [00:50:08] (35 seconds)


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Transcript
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