Title: Spirit-filled life / Ephesians 5:15-21
Contents Life filled with the Holy Spirit / Ephesians 5:15-21
Key Verse: “Do not get drunk with wine, for this is debauchery, but be filled with the Holy Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18)
Verse 17 of today's text says, “Only understand what the will of the Lord is.” Then, in verse 18, he said, “Only be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
One of the important things in God's will for the saints is the filling of the Holy Spirit. It is often said that Jesus prophesied four things. It is a prophecy about the resurrection that He told His disciples that He would rise again the third day after He died on the cross ．
The second is a prophecy about the birth of the church, that is, “on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (Matthew 16:18). This is a prophecy of the coming: “He will give you another Comforter, that he may be with you forever” (John 14:16).
Jonathan Edwards said that there are several signs that the filling of the Holy Spirit is manifested outwardly. First, when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, you exalt Jesus Christ with your body, mind, and deeds. Second, when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, you will love God and people. Third, if you are filled with the Holy Spirit, you will respect the Bible and long for and seek the Word like a deer looking for a stream. Fourth, you will boldly fight the spiritual battle against Satan, the forces of darkness, and the forces of sin.
Today's message is mainly speaking on the level of personal faith. First, “Sing to the Lord with your heart… ” It is the faith that sings to God, and the next is “Always give thanks to God the Father… ” That is, it is a faith that gives thanks for everything, and lastly, it is a faith of mutual submission to each other, “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
How can we live a life of faith that is filled with the Holy Spirit? First, we must strive to gather together. One of the characteristics of believers' life of faith is to gather. The Holy Spirit is with us when we meditate and pray alone, but works strongly when we pray together. .Second is the earnest longing for the power that comes from above. A holy desire is necessary to do God's work. It is a zeal for God. The people of God must long for something that comes from God. All gifts and perfect gifts come down from above, from the Father of lights, who does not change, and there is no turning shadow.” (James 1:17) God satisfies those who yearn for him with grace, power, and good things.
The last thing is to pray earnestly. Aspiration is expressed through prayer. “If any of you have a son and ask for a fish, will you have a father who will give you a snake instead of a fish or a father who will give you a scorpion if you ask for an egg? How much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask for it?” (Luke 11:13) The filling of the Holy Spirit is God's command and is the prayer topic of all believers who want to live a good life of faith and work hard.
Prayer: Please fill us with the Holy Spirit so that we can play the role of light and salt in this society. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Lord's Prayer