You cannot control yourself and be controlled by the Spirit at the same time. Christ cannot be in control if you are on the throne of your life.
“Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:5, 6
The Christian life promises:
“He who believes in me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go to the Father. And whatever you ask in my name, that will I do.” John 14:12,13
We cannot do this in our own strength. Only through the resurrection power of Christ Himself living through us.
Who is the Holy Spirit?
“Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.” Acts 5:3-4
The Holy Spirit came to bring:
- Eternal life John 3:5
- Truth John 16:13
- Glorify Jesus John 16:14
- Power Acts 1:8
What is being empowered by the Spirit,(abiding in Christ) to live in dependance upon Him for?
- His Life
- His Wisdom
- His Resources
- His Strength and Ability
- To live according to His will
Jesus does NOT want you to live a Christian life. He wants to live the Christian Life THROUGH you. A life of abiding in Christ will result in bearing abundant fruit.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” John 15:1-8
What is the fruit that will result? (Galatians 2:22,23)
- Joy that overflows
- Patience that endures
- Kindness in action
- A life full of virtue
- Faith that prevails
- Gentleness of heart
- Strength of spirit
- Power to fulfill God’s will
What does life in the Flesh look like? (Galatians 5:19-21)
- Sexual immorality
- Lustful thoughts
- Pornography
- Chasing after things, not God.
- Manipulating others
- Hatred of those in the way
- Senseless arguments
- Resentment when others are favored
- Temper tantrums
- Angry quarrels
- Selfishness
- Being in love with your own opinions
- Being envious of other’s blessings
- Murder
- Uncontrolled addictions
- Wild parties
Prayer to be filled with the Holy Spirit (comes by faith alone)
“Dear Heavenly Father,
I need you. I acknowledge I have been in control of my life; and that, as a result, I have sinned against You. I thank you for forgiving my sins through Christ’s death on the cross for me. I now invite Christ to take the throne of my life. Cleanse my heart and fill me with the Holy Spirit as you commanded me to be filled. You promised in your word that you would do it if I asked in faith. I pray this in the name of Jesus. As an expression of my faith, I now thank you for taking control of my life and filling me with the Holy Spirit.”
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.”1 John 5:14-15
“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” Romans 10:17
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
How do we stay filled with the Holy Spirit?
Practice spiritual breathing as a way of life.
- Exhale=Confess your sin (1 John 1:9)
- Inhale=Claim by faith the fullness of the Spirit in your life which means surrender control of your life to God. (Psalm 139:23-24 His spirit will reveal sin)
Confession looks like:
-Acknowledging your sin.
-Changing your wrong thinking. (repentance)
-Ask for forgiveness.
-Receive forgiveness.
-Ask for the Holy Spirit to empower you as you move forward in obedience.
Tips for effectiveness:
-Exhale only when the Spirit reveals sin.
-Don’t be overly introspective, probing within yourself, looking for sin to confess.
-Believe in God and His word. Do not seek for an emotional experience.
-If you genuinely hunger and thirst after God and His righteousness, have surrendered the control of your life to Christ and asked Him to fill you, believe you are filled by faith on the basis of His promise. God will be fruitful to His promise.
Your relationship with the Spirit is both crucial and progressive.
Although you have no power in yourself to walk in the Spirit, you do have the ability to choose to have the spirit do the walking.
Personal Application:
Begin each day by asking God to cleanse your life according to 1 John 1:9
Present your body to the Holy Spirit according to Romans 12:1-2
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12: 1-2
