Ever struggle to live carefully? You want to do right, change a bad habit, or treat someone more loving, but you just can seem to be careful?! That can be a struggle for me. I addressed this in my sermon yesterday on Ephesians 5:15-21. You can find the video HERE.
At times I’m not careful with my words and actions…
It might be that I talk without listening first
Speaking about things in front of the kids that I shouldn’t mention
Even at this stage in my life I might wonder if I spoke to my mom, dad, or siblings the right way? When I was a teenager I was def not careful with my words or actions w/my parents. That def made life harder than it had to be for all of us.
The Spirit-Filled Life
God knew we would struggle to live carefully. The core of His solution can be found in Ephesians 5… the Spirit-filled life!
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. (Eph 5:15-21 NIV)
Three observations about the Spirit-filled life…
(v. 19)
We have different preferences about the style of music we like. But Spirit-filled people already have a song in their heart and will sing it out.
Notice who the church sings to… ONE ANOTHER! The music we make TOGETHER is to the Lord. We don’t come together for individual or personal experience with God only. We come together to praise and worship God TOGETHER. (in community, as a family).
We sing TO one another and we sing TO God.
Have you ever been in a service and heard someone singing their heart out? That can be so inspirational and draw us to God. This is an important ministry we have with one another.
(v. 20)
It’s frustrating to be in a meeting with Christians, especially leaders, and have a lack of things to praise God for. Giving of thanks emanates from Spirit-filled people.
It’s not hard to find things to give thanks for when we recognize that God is at work in our lives for OUR GOOD and HIS GLORY… ALWAYS!
(v. 21)
When God is in control we can submit to one another even when we disagree. We recognize the work of God in our lives to shape and mold us through others. Ephesians 5:22ff applies this to nearly every human relationship.
If you don’t learn to submit to others you will never learn to submit to God. You’ll miss so much!
Three Things You can do to grow your Spirit-Filled life
This is not three easy quick steps. It’s about earning and growing in these areas one day at a time.
1. Marinate on Ephesians 5:15-21.
Like a good piece of meat, your brain soaks up tasty sauce! The promises of God are like the sauce that gives our lives taste.
TIP: Review this passage every morning/afternoon/evening for a week. Pray through it. Ask God to drill it into your soul and help you apply it. Even a brief review makes a different.
2. You CAN’T do this ALONE!
There is no such thing as an independent, solo, on your own Spirit-filled person! This passage is applied in the context of a church body. There is no other way to experience the Spirit-filled life. Don’t be fooled.
Find at least one person to be part of a prayer or accountability group. Commit to grow in your relationship with Jesus for a specific time, like through the summer. Be patient. Stay committed. Don’t give up. See what God does.
3. Apply Ephesians 5:19-21 w/your prayer-accountability-small group
- Sing songs regularly together. Or listen to songs that facilitate praise. (v. 19)
- Share praises and things you’re thankful for. (v. 20)
- Practice submitting to one another. (. 21)
Imagine…
…what would happen in your church, your community, and through our world if the Christians that filled your church services were Spirit-filled? Imagine the impact Spirit-filled Christians would make living, playing, working, and worshiping?