Hello Church, Grace and peace be with you all and welcome this morning, to our visitors we are glad you are here to worship with us.
Just in case someone is not quite familiar, we are in the season of Pentecost, 50 days after Easter and is when we remember the gift of the Holy Spirit. Our Father God, His Beloved Only Son Jesus and Holy Spirit is three in one. We cannot cease giving thanks to our Holy Trinity God who sends us the Holy Spirit. The Spirit helps Christian understand God. The Holy Spirit is operating actively in our lives on earth.
What Does it Mean to be Filled with the Spirit?
To be filled with the Spirit means to be empowered as a follower of Jesus to live out the life God intended by submitting to the presence, power, and purpose of the Holy Spirit. It involves allowing the Holy Spirit to influence and control one’s life, enabling them to do things supernaturally that they couldn’t do naturally. Being filled with the Spirit leads to loving supernaturally, experiencing joy in all circumstances, growing deeper in love with Jesus, boldly sharing about Him, and joyfully worshiping among other manifestations. If these are happening in your life then be thankful to God.
Ephesians 5:15-20 highlights the importance of being filled with the Spirit as opposed to being drunk with wine. Both substances have an influencing effect on individuals, but while alcohol leads to excess and enslavement, the Holy Spirit brings freedom and empowerment. Being filled with the Spirit involves engaging in practices that enhance spiritual growth, such as worship, thanksgiving, and mutual encouragement among believers.
The Journey of God’s Presence Among His People
Throughout history, God has sought closer relationships with humanity. Initially dwelling with Adam and Eve in perfect fellowship, sin disrupted this closeness. Subsequently, God moved from temporary shelters like the tabernacle to living among His people in a temple. However, due to rebellion, His Spirit departed. With Jesus’ birth as “Immanuel” God dwelt among His people again but desired an even closer connection through His Spirit residing within believers.
The Indwelling and Filling of the Holy Spirit
When a person believes in Jesus, they are sealed with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of their inheritance. While believers are fully indwelt by the Spirit upon belief, they are also commanded to be filled with the Spirit continually. This filling signifies giving more of oneself to the Spirit rather than receiving more of Him. Acts 2 illustrates this filling as allowing the Spirit’s presence to permeate every aspect of one’s life.
Living Out a Christ-Centered Life
A life centered on Christ involves placing Him at the core of every decision and aspect of life. Such individuals experience spiritual growth and rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance and empowerment daily. They prioritize serving Jesus above all else and quickly realign their lives when they stray from this focus through confession and seeking God’s forgiveness.
Being filled with the Spirit entails surrendering to His influence and allowing His presence to permeate every area of one’s life. It leads to supernatural living characterized by love, joy, boldness in faith-sharing, and deepening intimacy with Jesus.Being Filled with the Spirit: A Daily Pursuit. Amen!
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