We continue our sermon series entitled ‘Living the Spirit-Filled Life’. Preaching from Nathan Gordon. Service led by Beverley Sills.

Sermon Notes

Introduction

Living for Christ in this sinful and distracting world is a challenging path to walk. Trying to live the Christian life in our own strength would lead to inevitable failure. The good news is that we don’t have to rely on our own power, as the Holy Spirit resides within every believer in Jesus Christ.

Remember
– The Holy Spirit is our teacher and guide. (John 14:26 & John 16:13)

Quote Zone

Trying to do the Lord’s work in your own strength is the most confusing, exhausting, and tedious of all work. But when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, then the ministry of Jesus just flows out of you.

Corrie Ten Boom

The Situation & Complication
– The Soundtrack of the world is damaged ~ Eph 5:3-12

• The letter of Ephesians, unlike Corinthians, was not written to address a specific problem within the church. Instead, it was intended to encourage believers to continue living for Christ and walking in the freedom of the Spirit.

• In chapter 5, Paul addresses the believers’ former way of life without Christ and the Holy Spirit. He lists some of the practices of sinful desires that are part and parcel of the world’s influence.

• It’s as if the world has its own DJ, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 4:3-4.

The Resolution
– We are Spirit-filled to dance to a different beat ~ 18-20

• Paul urges the believers to allow themselves to be filled and controlled by the Holy Spirit rather than by the spirit of the world.

• He uses the example of being drunk on wine to illustrate that the influence of the spirit of the world goes beyond just alcohol.

• Without the Holy Spirit, we will lack the desire to follow the path of Christ (Romans 8:14).

Encouragement: When we are filled with the Holy Spirit we are equipped to make a beautiful sound in the earth. Our worship, lifestyles and testimonies will demonstrate to others that we are living the spirit-filled life, we will demonstrate love, mercy and grace and point others to Jesus.