The Filling of the Holy Spirit: Part 2
Memory Passage
Those who live according to the sinful
nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in
accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The
mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and
peace.
Romans 8:5-6
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 5:15-21
Be very careful, then, how you live -- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Insights
"His help, His grace, His power, His guidance are permanently at His people's
disposal." - F.F. Bruce, source unknown
Consider this!
Do we truly believe that His grace and power are at our disposal? Sometimes
the filling of the Holy Spirit can seem illusive. We read about it or see it in
others, but perhaps we haven't experienced it for ourselves. Yet, somewhat
like the negative example of getting drunk with alcohol, the positive command
to be filled with the Spirit is to be all consuming for us. It is to affect our
thinking, our behavior, our relationships, our worship, our whole lives. God's
promises about the Spirit are true for every believer. We can have a vibrant
relationship with the Spirit as we, by faith, believe God's Word about the filling
of the Holy Spirit and develop an open and seeking heart which desires to know
the Spirit's presence in our daily lives.
Personal Reflection
- Have I understood that it is actually "God's will" for me to pursue being "filled"
frequently with the Holy Spirit? What does that pursuit mean to me?
- It is important for me to be filled with the Spirit. What does that look like as I
relate to my spouse? My child? My co-workers?
- What relationship is there to my being filled with the Spirit and my ability to
worship God effectively?
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