SPIRIT-FILLED, a crucial choice

What would it take for us to be used to change our world? Really? What would it take to see sweeping revival in our nation that would bring about a clear course correction for the future?

God uses revived men and women God who have abandoned a self-centered life and live under the power of the Holy Spirit to change the world.

Ephesians 5:15-21—15Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

What is the Spirit-filled life? The filling of the Holy Spirit is the continual control of God over my life. It is the issue of who controls my life—self or God?

You have all of the Holy Spirit in you that you will ever have. The question now is not how much of the Spirit of God you have, but how much of you and your life HE HAS!

Why is this filling and control so important? Without this control, all I have and all that others have from me and all God has are my limited resources and sinful responses . . . and a wasted life!

This control leads to an incredibly productive life. A self-controlled person is careless, foolish, wastes time, and is ignorant of God’s will; while a Spirit-controlled person is careful, wise, productive, and understands God’s will.

Is this difference important to you? How would this control and the ensuing difference change your relationships? Your family? Your business? Your school? Your thought life? Your habits? Are you interested in this change occurring?

How can I experience this Spirit-control?

The filling of the Holy Spirit is appropriated by a simple choice of faith, made possible by the grace of God. To be filled with Him you must continually acknowledge His presence, humbly repent of your self-centered life, deliberately yield control of your life to the Holy Spirit within, and consistently obey God’s leadership through His Word and Spirit.

There are two things that can abort God’s control. First is grieving the Spirit. Ephesians 4:30-31— 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

This happens when we choose to do things that displease Him. Such a choice causes the Lord to withdraw from control because we are doing what displeases Him.

Second is quenching the Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22—19Do not put out the Spirit's fire; 20do not treat prophecies with contempt. 21Test everything. Hold on to the good. 22Avoid every kind of evil.

This happens when we choose NOT to do things He asks. We can quench the Spirit when He is moving and calling us to take a step, and we simply don’t do what He says; we quench His leadership like quenching the hot embers of a fire.

What is preventing you from letting Him have control right now?

Imagine what it would like to be able to place Tiger Woods inside of you, with all of his wisdom and ability, and then yield your body to him for his use on the golf course. Do you think you would be a better golfer?

Now imagine placing the GOD OF THE UNIVERSE inside of you, and yielding your body to Him for His use.

Why is this filling so important? It’s the difference in life between YOU and GOD!

What does it all mean? If you will abandon your self-centered life and live under the power of the Holy Spirit, God will use you to change the world starting right in your own community!