The Spirit Filled Life: When God Moves In, p2

When God truly moves into a life, everything changes. The transformation that comes from being filled with the Spirit is not just a one-time event, but a continual, daily reality that shapes every aspect of who we are. Ephesians 5:18-21 paints a picture of what it means to live a Spirit-filled life, and it’s clear that this is not about perfection, but about a new direction—a life that cannot remain the same after encountering Jesus.

First, the Spirit-filled life is marked by an attitude of worship. This isn’t limited to Sunday mornings or the songs we sing in church, but is a melody that fills our hearts throughout the week. True worship is about adoration—giving to God what He deserves, not just seeking what we can get from Him. Whether through psalms, hymns, or spontaneous spiritual songs, our hearts become instruments of praise, making music to the Lord regardless of our musical ability. Worship is not about us; it’s about Jesus, and our focus is on whether He is pleased and glorified by our praise.

Second, a Spirit-filled life overflows with thanksgiving. Gratitude is not just a feeling that comes and goes, but a discipline and a mark of obedience. Paul calls us to give thanks always and for everything, even when it’s hard. This spirit of appreciation transforms our outlook, piercing through the gloom of difficult days and reminding us that God is always at work, even in our pain. Jesus Himself modeled this, enduring loneliness and suffering, yet always in communion with the Father. The good that God works in our lives is not just for our comfort, but to shape us more into the likeness of Christ.

Finally, the Spirit-filled life is characterized by an attitude of accommodation—submitting to one another in the fear of Christ. This is not about losing our value or rights, but about willingly placing ourselves under others out of reverence for Jesus. The early church thrived because believers submitted to one another, served each other, and didn’t want to miss what God was doing in their midst. When we serve, we reflect the very heart of Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve. This mutual submission and service is the aroma that pleases God and brings His presence into our community.

So as we move into this season of thanksgiving and beyond, the question is: What is the aroma of your life? Is it one of worship, gratitude, and humble service? If not, the invitation is open—Jesus stands ready to transform any heart that will yield to Him.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Worship is a lifestyle, not an event Worship flows from a heart transformed by the Spirit, not just from singing on Sundays. True worship is about adoring Jesus, making melody with our hearts, and focusing on His pleasure rather than our preferences. When our hearts are tuned to Him, every moment becomes an opportunity to give Him glory. [42:00]
• 2. Gratitude transforms even the hardest days A spirit of appreciation is a mark of the Spirit-filled life. Giving thanks always and for everything is not easy, especially in pain or confusion, but it is the pathway to deeper transformation. God uses our gratitude to shape us into the likeness of Christ, even through suffering, and to remind us that we are never alone. [49:08]
• 3. Submission is the heart of Christian community Submitting to one another in the fear of Christ is not about losing our worth, but about reflecting Jesus’ own humility and service. When we willingly place ourselves under others, we open ourselves to God’s work in and through us, and we experience the beauty of mutual care and support. This is the foundation of a healthy, Spirit-filled church. [56:29]
• 4. The Spirit-filled life is Christ living through us Living by the Spirit means surrendering our rights and allowing Christ to live His life through us. It’s not about our strength or ability, but about yielding to His presence and power. When we do, we experience God’s best—His joy, His peace, and His purpose—far beyond what the world can offer. [63:23]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [36:49] - Introduction: Spirit-Filled Living
• [37:29] - The Reality of Transformation
• [38:46] - The Temple Filled with God’s Presence
• [39:23] - Life as a Rehearsal for Heaven
• [40:04] - Ephesians 5:18-21 Read
• [42:00] - Attitude of Worship
• [43:20] - Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs
• [45:15] - Worship as Adoration, Not Preference
• [46:33] - Spontaneous Songs and Joy
• [47:47] - Worship Directed to Jesus
• [49:08] - Attitude of Thanksgiving
• [51:40] - The Power of Appreciation
• [53:28] - Thankfulness in Hard Times
• [56:29] - Attitude of Accommodation
• [58:22] - Submitting to One Another
• [62:11] - Serving Like Jesus
• [63:23] - The Spirit-Filled Life: Christ in Us
• [65:11] - Invitation and Response
• [69:06] - Closing Song and Blessing

Bible Reading

Ephesians 5:18-21 (ESV) — > 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, 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.

Observation Questions

1. According to Ephesians 5:18-21, what are the three main characteristics of a Spirit-filled life that Paul mentions? ([40:04])
2. In the sermon, what does the pastor say is the difference between worship as an event and worship as a lifestyle? ([42:00])
3. What does Paul say about the frequency and scope of our thanksgiving in verse 20? ([49:08])
4. How does the pastor describe the meaning of “submitting to one another in the fear of Christ”? ([56:29])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Paul connects being filled with the Spirit to singing, giving thanks, and submitting to one another? What does this reveal about the Spirit’s work in our daily lives? ([40:04])
2. The pastor says that worship is about adoration, not preference. How does this challenge the way people often approach worship in church? ([44:38])
3. The sermon mentions that gratitude is a discipline and an act of obedience, not just a feeling. Why might it be important to practice thankfulness even when we don’t feel like it? ([51:40])
4. What does it look like, practically, to “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” in a church community? ([58:22])

Application Questions

1. The pastor said, “Worship is not about us; it’s about Jesus.” Think about your own approach to worship—do you focus more on your preferences or on pleasing Jesus? What is one way you could shift your focus this week? ([44:38])
2. The sermon describes worship as a melody that fills our hearts throughout the week, not just on Sundays. Is there a way you can intentionally bring worship into your daily routine outside of church? What would that look like for you? ([42:00])
3. Paul calls us to “give thanks always and for everything.” Can you recall a recent difficult situation where it was hard to be thankful? How might you look for God’s work in that situation now? ([53:28])
4. The pastor said that a spirit of appreciation can transform a gloomy day. Who is someone in your life you could intentionally thank or encourage this week? How will you do it? ([51:02])
5. The sermon talks about submitting to one another, not as losing value, but as reflecting Jesus’ humility. Is there a relationship in your life where you struggle to serve or submit? What is one step you could take to practice humble service this week? ([58:22])
6. The pastor asked, “What is the aroma of your life?” If you were to honestly assess your life right now, would it be marked by worship, gratitude, and humble service? What is one area you feel God inviting you to grow in? ([01:03:59])
7. The Spirit-filled life is described as Christ living through us. Is there an area where you are holding onto your own rights or preferences instead of surrendering to Jesus? What would it look like to yield that area to Him? ([01:00:20])