How can we ensure our "house" remains filled with God's presence and truth? Our Starting Verse “On its return, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and dwell there. And the final plight of that man is worse than the first.” – Luke 11:25-26 What Jesus Teaches Here • An empty house is still vulnerable. • Order and cleanliness alone do not equal God’s presence. • Whatever fills the house determines its future condition. Key Principle A house must stay actively occupied by God’s Spirit and Word, not merely cleaned up. Why Filling Matters • Ephesians 5:18 – “Be filled with the Spirit.” • Colossians 3:16 – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” • Psalm 127:1 – “Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” Practical Ways to Keep the House Filled 1. Daily Welcome – Begin each day consciously yielding the home and everyone in it to the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6). – Speak aloud His ownership: “This house belongs to You.” 2. Saturate with Scripture – Read, recite, and display verses (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). – Encourage family members to memorize and discuss a verse together each week (Psalm 119:11). 3. Constant Prayer Atmosphere – Pray briefly over meals, departures, arrivals, bedtime (1 Thessalonians 5:17). – Invite God’s wisdom before decisions or conversations (James 1:5). 4. Spirit-Led Worship – Play Christ-centered music; sing together when possible (Psalm 34:1). – Celebrate answered prayer aloud to reinforce faith. 5. Guard the Gates – Evaluate media, conversations, and attitudes entering the home (Philippians 4:8). – When anything contrary to truth appears, reject it immediately (2 Corinthians 10:5). 6. Practicing Hospitality – Open the home to believers and seekers (Acts 2:42). Fellowship multiplies God’s presence. 7. Confession & Cleansing – Keep short accounts with God and one another (1 John 1:9; Ephesians 4:26-27). – Repent quickly; unforgiveness leaves doors ajar. 8. Bold Resistance – Stand on James 4:7: “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” – Speak Scripture aloud when sensing oppression (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10). Promises for a Filled House • Joshua 24:15 – “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” • John 14:23 – “We will come to him and make Our home with him.” • Romans 15:13 – He fills us “with all joy and peace in believing.” Closing Reminder A swept-clean house is only stage one; continual occupation by the Holy Spirit and the living Word keeps darkness out and God’s light blazing within. |
    |