What practical steps help us live a Spirit-filled life daily? The Command and Its Contrast “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:18) • Paul pairs the influence of alcohol with the influence of the Holy Spirit. One leads to loss of control; the other produces godly control. • “Be filled” is present tense, calling for a continual, moment-by-moment experience, not a one-time event. Foundations for Daily Filling • New Birth first (John 3:5-6). Only those made alive in Christ can be filled. • Absolute surrender (Romans 12:1). The Spirit fills every area we yield. • Confidence in the promise (Luke 11:13). God delights to give His Spirit to His children. Practical Steps for a Spirit-Filled Lifestyle 1. Saturate your mind with Scripture – Let “the word of Christ richly dwell among you” (Colossians 3:16). – Memorize and meditate (Psalm 119:11) so the Spirit has material to bring to mind. 2. Maintain an open line of prayer – “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). – Conversational prayer keeps your heart tuned to His promptings. 3. Confess sin immediately – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive” (1 John 1:9). – Unconfessed sin grieves the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30) and hinders His fullness. 4. Choose obedience in the small things – “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). – Each act of obedience deepens sensitivity to His voice. 5. Cultivate worship and gratitude – “Speaking to one another with psalms… singing and making music to the Lord, always giving thanks” (Ephesians 5:19-20). – A worshipful heart is an open vessel. 6. Stay in fellowship with other believers – The Spirit often speaks through the body (Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 4:31). – Mutual encouragement guards against drift. 7. Serve in dependence on Him – Spiritual gifts operate by His power (1 Peter 4:10-11). – Step out in ministry; He supplies what you lack. Signs You’re Walking in the Spirit • Growing love, joy, peace… the fruit listed in Galatians 5:22-23. • Increasing victory over fleshly habits (Romans 8:13). • A consistent desire to exalt Christ (John 16:14). • Readiness to bear witness (Acts 1:8). Common Hindrances to Address • Unforgiveness or bitterness (Ephesians 4:31-32). • Neglect of Scripture intake. • Over-busy schedules that crowd out quiet time. • Compromise with known sin. • Quenching His promptings (1 Thessalonians 5:19). Daily Rhythm to Keep In Step Morning: Present yourself anew—“Lord, fill me today.” Throughout the day: • Pause to thank, praise, and ask for guidance. • Speak Scripture to yourself whenever anxiety, temptation, or decision points arise. • Obey the next clear step He shows. Evening: Review the day, confess where needed, rejoice in His faithfulness, rest in His control. Encouraging Perspective Living Spirit-filled is not about achieving a spiritual high but about ongoing reliance on the indwelling Helper. As we yield, trust, and obey, He produces in us what we could never manufacture: a life that looks and sounds like Jesus, every single day. |
    |