THE HOLY
SPIRIT - STAY FULL!
Session 8
Intro. Think of adverts that you’ve seen for, say, exercise
equipment. They often show a person
before and after using the equipment, and there’s always a difference!
Ephesians is a book
about before and after becoming a Christian and Someone made the
difference. Paul summarises the ‘before’
and ‘after’ in ch.5:8a, “For you were once
darkness, but now you are light in the Lord”.
The problem is staying in the
‘after’ state! And for those who have
changed their lifestyle, as Christians, it’s not always easy. That lifestyle is summarised in 5:8b-17.
Paul’s prescription. We have the way to stay in the
‘after’ state clearly laid out in
How can we bear the fruit of the
Spirit that we learnt about last week?
Obviously by staying full of the Holy Spirit.
So, how do I stay full? Simple
answer – by sealing the leaks! Ephesians
5:19-21 tell us 4 ways to seal the leaks:-
Ø Fellowship of humility (v.21). We need to have submissive spirits
and a submissive attitude to others. Ask
yourself, “What can I learn from this/that person?” (See Psalm 51:17; I Peter 5:5,6; James 4:4-6)
Ø Holy chatter (v.19a). Most of
our conversations, even amongst Christians, are about things other than
Jesus. Sometimes we stray into forbidden
territory (5:4;
Ø Dial Heaven (v.19b). This
verse is absolutely clear – spend time chatting and singing to God. This is not primarily about those special
times we set aside, but about those many moments during the day.
Ø Quit moaning (v.20). How easy
to grumble & moan! We are admonished
here to be constant in our thankfulness.
What a difference positive speech makes!
Firstly, ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit.
M.o.T. Check
Points:
23 - Have I ever known a filling of the Holy Spirit?
24 - Am I full now?
25 - Do I have a submissive attitude?
26 - How often, in my conversation with friends, is Jesus the topic?
27 – How often, during the day, do I give thanks to God?
An exercise:
During
each day consciously sing or speak to the Lord several times.