Living a Spirit-Filled Life: Wisdom and Unity
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. I am Pastor Kurt, and I am grateful to see all of you here today. Before we dive into our message, I want to share a few announcements. First, a big thank you to the group of guys who organized the storage area behind me. Your generosity allowed us to buy shelves, and now we can unload the rest of the stuff from the trailer. We also need to address the shingles on the front of the building, which are missing and causing insurance issues. We need to raise $6,000 for this project, and any contributions would be greatly appreciated. You can give online or write a check to avoid processing fees. Additionally, we have some events coming up, including Ultimate Frisbee in Westfield. If you're interested, please sign up.
Now, let's turn our attention to today's scripture from Ephesians 5:15-20. We are focusing on living a Spirit-filled life. Paul wrote this letter to the Ephesians to call them back into a relationship with Christ. They were being pulled into pagan ways and needed to be reminded of their commitment to Christ. Paul emphasizes the importance of living wisely and making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. He advises against getting drunk on wine and instead encourages being filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.
Living a Spirit-filled life involves mutual encouragement and edification. We are called to build each other up, pointing one another towards Christ. This includes spontaneous, heart-generated musical praise to Jesus. Even if we can't carry a tune, our worship is a beautiful noise to God. Continual thankfulness is another mark of a Spirit-filled life. We should be thankful in all circumstances, recognizing God's hand in our lives. Finally, mutual submission is crucial. When we are Spirit-filled, we work together as one body, dropping pretenses and growing closer to Christ.
As we continue to walk in the Spirit, we must be mindful of the time. Time is fleeting, and we must make the best use of it. When the Holy Spirit prompts us to reach out to someone, we should do it, even if it feels awkward. Our obedience to God's prompting can make a significant impact. We are called to be peacemakers, shutting down gossip and seeking forgiveness. A Spirit-filled life is a refinement process, continually chipping away at our old selves and growing closer to Christ.
Daily, I spend time in God's Word and prayer to fill my spiritual fuel tank. This helps me to overflow with Christ's love as I interact with others. Our goal is sanctification, growing closer to God and reflecting His love in our lives. In the chaos of life, we must point back to the joy and peace we have in Christ. Let's pray for God's guidance and strength to live Spirit-filled lives, showing His love to everyone we encounter.
### Key Takeaways
1. Living Wisely and Making the Most of Every Opportunity: Paul urges us to live wisely, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. This means being intentional with our time and actions, ensuring that we reflect Christ in all we do. Wisdom is not just knowledge but the application of it in our daily lives. We must be vigilant and discerning, understanding what the Lord's will is and acting accordingly. [08:31]
2. Mutual Encouragement and Edification: A Spirit-filled life involves building each other up. We are called to encourage and edify one another, helping each other grow in our faith. This mutual support strengthens the body of Christ and helps us to stay focused on our spiritual journey. By pointing out both strengths and areas for improvement, we help each other to become more Christ-like. [10:04]
3. Spontaneous, Heart-Generated Musical Praise: Worship is a vital aspect of a Spirit-filled life. It goes beyond singing and includes acts of kindness and encouragement. When we worship, we give honor and glory to God, and it becomes a testimony to those around us. Even if we can't sing well, our heartfelt praise is a beautiful noise to God. Worship helps us to focus on Christ and align our hearts with His. [17:00]
4. Continual Thankfulness: Being thankful in all circumstances is a mark of a Spirit-filled life. This means recognizing God's hand in every situation, whether good or bad. Thankfulness shifts our focus from our problems to God's provision and faithfulness. It helps us to maintain a positive outlook and trust in God's plan, even when we face challenges. [18:26]
5. Mutual Submission and Unity: When we are Spirit-filled, we work together as one body, dropping pretenses and growing closer to Christ. Mutual submission means putting others' needs before our own and working together for the common good. This unity strengthens the body of Christ and helps us to reflect His love to the world. By submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ, we demonstrate the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. [19:46]
### Youtube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [01:17] - Announcements
3. [06:00] - Memorial Day Weekend
4. [07:21] - Spirit-Filled Walk
5. [08:31] - Prayer
6. [10:04] - Living Wisely
7. [11:23] - Making the Most of Time
8. [12:45] - Obedience to the Spirit
9. [14:10] - Understanding the Lord's Will
10. [15:33] - Worship and Encouragement
11. [17:00] - Characteristics of a Spirit-Filled Life
12. [18:26] - Continual Thankfulness
13. [19:46] - Mutual Submission
14. [21:17] - Spirit-Filled Attributes
15. [22:48] - Acts of Worship
16. [24:14] - Obedience and Prayer
17. [25:29] - Forgiveness and Peacemaking
18. [27:07] - Refinement Process
19. [28:34] - Daily Spiritual Practices
20. [30:15] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 5:15-20
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says to "make the most of every opportunity because the days are evil"? ([08:31])
2. How does Paul contrast being filled with wine versus being filled with the Spirit? ([08:31])
3. What are the four characteristics of a Spirit-filled life mentioned in the sermon? ([17:00])
4. How does mutual submission manifest in a Spirit-filled community according to the sermon? ([19:46])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the importance of living wisely and making the most of every opportunity? How does this relate to the urgency of the times we live in? ([11:23])
2. How does mutual encouragement and edification strengthen the body of Christ? What are some practical ways this can be done in a church setting? ([17:00])
3. What role does continual thankfulness play in a Spirit-filled life? How can recognizing God's hand in all circumstances change our perspective? ([18:26])
4. How does mutual submission reflect the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives? What are some challenges we might face in practicing mutual submission? ([19:46])
#### Application Questions
1. Paul urges us to live wisely and make the most of every opportunity. What are some specific ways you can be more intentional with your time and actions this week? ([08:31])
2. Mutual encouragement and edification are key aspects of a Spirit-filled life. Can you think of someone in your church or community who needs encouragement? How can you reach out to them this week? ([17:00])
3. Spontaneous, heart-generated musical praise is a form of worship. Even if you can't sing well, how can you incorporate more heartfelt praise into your daily routine? ([17:00])
4. Being thankful in all circumstances is a mark of a Spirit-filled life. Reflect on a recent challenging situation. How can you shift your focus to recognize God's provision and faithfulness in that situation? ([18:26])
5. Mutual submission means putting others' needs before our own. Think of a recent conflict or disagreement. How can you practice mutual submission in resolving it? ([19:46])
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of reaching out when the Holy Spirit prompts us. Have you ever felt a nudge to contact someone but hesitated? How can you act on these promptings more readily in the future? ([12:45])
7. Daily spiritual practices help fill our spiritual fuel tank. What specific steps can you take to ensure you spend time in God's Word and prayer each day this week? ([28:34])
Devotional
Day 1: Living Wisely and Making the Most of Every Opportunity
Living wisely means being intentional with our time and actions, ensuring that we reflect Christ in all we do. Paul urges us to live wisely, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. This means being vigilant and discerning, understanding what the Lord's will is and acting accordingly. Wisdom is not just knowledge but the application of it in our daily lives. We must be mindful of how we spend our time and the choices we make, ensuring they align with God's will.
In a world filled with distractions and temptations, it is easy to lose focus on what truly matters. By living wisely, we prioritize our relationship with Christ and seek to honor Him in all aspects of our lives. This involves making conscious decisions that reflect our faith and values, even when it is challenging. As we navigate through life, let us be intentional in our actions, making the most of every opportunity to glorify God and serve others. [08:31]
Ephesians 5:15-16 (ESV): "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."
Reflection: What is one specific area in your life where you can be more intentional in reflecting Christ? How can you make the most of an opportunity today to glorify God?
Day 2: Mutual Encouragement and Edification
A Spirit-filled life involves building each other up. We are called to encourage and edify one another, helping each other grow in our faith. This mutual support strengthens the body of Christ and helps us to stay focused on our spiritual journey. By pointing out both strengths and areas for improvement, we help each other to become more Christ-like.
Encouragement and edification are essential for spiritual growth. When we support one another, we create a community that fosters love, accountability, and spiritual maturity. This involves speaking truth in love, offering constructive feedback, and celebrating each other's successes. As we build each other up, we strengthen the body of Christ and create an environment where everyone can thrive in their faith. [10:04]
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV): "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."
Reflection: Think of someone in your church community who could use encouragement today. How can you reach out to them and offer words of support and edification?
Day 3: Spontaneous, Heart-Generated Musical Praise
Worship is a vital aspect of a Spirit-filled life. It goes beyond singing and includes acts of kindness and encouragement. When we worship, we give honor and glory to God, and it becomes a testimony to those around us. Even if we can't sing well, our heartfelt praise is a beautiful noise to God. Worship helps us to focus on Christ and align our hearts with His.
Spontaneous, heart-generated musical praise is an expression of our love and gratitude towards God. It is not about the quality of our voice but the sincerity of our hearts. When we engage in worship, we shift our focus from ourselves to God, acknowledging His greatness and faithfulness. This act of worship can be a powerful testimony to others, demonstrating the joy and peace that come from a relationship with Christ. [17:00]
Psalm 95:1-2 (ESV): "Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!"
Reflection: How can you incorporate spontaneous acts of worship into your daily routine? Consider singing a song of praise or performing an act of kindness as an expression of your love for God.
Day 4: Continual Thankfulness
Being thankful in all circumstances is a mark of a Spirit-filled life. This means recognizing God's hand in every situation, whether good or bad. Thankfulness shifts our focus from our problems to God's provision and faithfulness. It helps us to maintain a positive outlook and trust in God's plan, even when we face challenges.
Continual thankfulness is a powerful practice that transforms our perspective. By acknowledging God's presence and provision in every aspect of our lives, we cultivate a heart of gratitude. This attitude of thankfulness helps us to see beyond our immediate circumstances and trust in God's greater plan. It reminds us that God is always at work, even in the midst of difficulties, and encourages us to rely on His strength and guidance. [18:26]
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV): "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How can you see God's hand at work in that situation? Take a moment to thank Him for His provision and faithfulness.
Day 5: Mutual Submission and Unity
When we are Spirit-filled, we work together as one body, dropping pretenses and growing closer to Christ. Mutual submission means putting others' needs before our own and working together for the common good. This unity strengthens the body of Christ and helps us to reflect His love to the world. By submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ, we demonstrate the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Mutual submission and unity are essential for a healthy and thriving church community. When we prioritize the needs of others and work together towards a common goal, we create an environment of love, respect, and cooperation. This unity reflects the heart of Christ and serves as a powerful witness to the world. By embracing mutual submission, we demonstrate the selfless love of Christ and build a strong, united body of believers. [19:46]
Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Reflection: Think of a situation where you can practice mutual submission today. How can you put someone else's needs before your own and work towards unity in your community?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "In the chaos of life, subtle moments can be seen. Subtle moments can help us point back. And we need to point back to the joy of God. And we need to point back to the joy of God. And we need to point back to the joy and peace that we have in Christ." [28:34]
2. "Take those opportunities when the Holy Spirit says, lifts a name before you. Send a text or call that person. That is one of those things that we just need to make sure that we continue to do. Because God is prompting us to reach out. We don't know why. Or go see that person that is sitting across the room. If he's laying on you, no matter if it feels weird, just do it." [12:45]
3. "You see, a spirit-filled life is a refinement process. We haven't reached it. It's continuing chipping away. It's continuing to refine. Just like any type of precious metal, they refine it in fire. They have to chip it out in some way, shape, or form, right? They have to hammer it out to get it knocked out. That's the hammer of the Word of God. And then His Holy Spirit, the fire, will help it to melt and then get refined." [27:07]
4. "Daily I spend time in God's Word. Daily I spend time in prayer. And if I didn't do that, my sinful brokenness will come right back in, flooding it in. I spend that time filling up my fuel tank for the day ahead. So that way, I'm teetering over and filling, outfilling, and outgiving Him of Christ as I walk into rooms, as I'm interacting with people." [28:34]
### Quotes for Members
1. "I want us to be a church and a body of believers. A body that have hurts, that have had hurts, and that have hurt us in the past. I want us not to hold on to those grudges. Make sure you take time and say, I forgive you. Maybe they're not able to forgive you or accept that forgiveness, but at least take that off. You're carrying a weight that you don't need to carry." [25:29]
2. "You see, Paul gives careful attention to maintaining wisdom. We need to keep wisdom at the forefront when we're trying to acquire that. And the wisdom is actually, when we acquire it, then apply it. We don't want knowledge that just sits in. Wisdom is one that you understand it, and then you can apply it within our lives." [10:04]
3. "The four characteristics that mark a Spirit-filled life. The first one is it brings mutual encouragement and edification. And so that's, edification is that word of building one of, building another of. So you're bringing people into encouragement. You're coming together. You're helping others see where they've fallen short. You're helping others see what they're doing well. And you're pointing them towards Christ." [17:00]
4. "When you're spirit-filled, and you're walking in Christ, if you're coming along someone else that is walking in Christ, you're automatically going to be coming together. You're going to be working together as one. You're going to drop all the pretenses. You're going to continue to grow together out of the benefit of the body of Christ, which is all of us, right? And continue to come closer to him." [19:46]
5. "You see, those layers are removed, that stony, stubborn heart. I'm stubborn as all get out. But as you continue to chip away at that, you continue to grow closer and walk in the Spirit, and you continue to grow closer to Him. It's a process. It's a constant opening of your eyes and ears and minds and hearts." [27:07]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?