Scripture References: Ephesians 5:15-21; John 4:7-26
Sermon Notes:
Intro: Welcome! We're continuing our "Summer of the Spirit" series, focusing today on Spirit-filled worship. Worship isn't just singing; it's glorifying (making much of) and enjoying (savoring) God, awakened, energized, and sustained by His Spirit. Everyone worships something (sports, food, nature); the question is who and how. Our aim is Spirit-filled worship reflecting God's nature.
Key Points:
- True Worship: Spirit and Truth (John 4):
- Jesus' encounter with the woman at the well shifts worship from location to relationship.
- He declares true worshipers must worship the Father "in spirit and in truth" (v. 23-24).
- This requires engaging both our hearts/affections (Spirit) and our minds/understanding/doctrine (Truth). Avoiding dead orthodoxy (truth without emotion) and empty frenzy (emotion without truth) is key. God seeks this balanced, wholehearted worship.
- Gathered Worship: Being Spirit-Filled (Eph 5:15-21):
- Command: Be Filled (v. 18): Contrasted with drunkenness (negative influence), being filled with the Spirit (positive influence) is commanded. This filling is:
- Powerful: Transforms desires, character, behavior like Christ.
- Continuous: An ongoing reality ("keep being filled"), not a one-time event. Ask daily!
- Command: Not optional; essential for abundant life God desires for us.
- Effects of Being Filled (v. 19-21): When believers gather filled with the Spirit:
- Mutual Submission: We yield to one another (leaders' choices, others' needs) enabling corporate worship.
- Gratitude: Thankfulness overflows in words, actions, songs, replacing complaint.
- Addressing One Another in Song: Corporate singing includes:
- Psalms: Inspired Scripture shaping our worship.
- Hymns: Composed songs uniting us in truth and praise.
- Spiritual Songs: Spontaneous, personal expressions of worship bubbling up.
- Command: Be Filled (v. 18): Contrasted with drunkenness (negative influence), being filled with the Spirit (positive influence) is commanded. This filling is:
- Embracing the Experience: Spirit-filled worship might feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable (personality, background). Acknowledge the awkwardness but be encouraged to stretch. Stepping out in faith allows the Spirit to meet, energize, and deepen worship (personal testimony).
Conclusion: Spirit-filled worship engages our whole being – spirit and truth, heart and mind. It flows from being continually filled with the Holy Spirit and manifests in gathered community through mutual submission, gratitude, and diverse musical expressions (psalms, hymns, spiritual songs). It's God's invitation to life, connection, and glorifying Him together.
Call to Action:
- Ask to Be Filled: Pray daily, "Holy Spirit, fill me afresh."
- Engage Fully: Participate wholeheartedly in gathered worship – submit, thank, sing.
- Stretch: Step beyond your comfort zone. Try lifting hands, singing spontaneously (even quietly), or focusing deeply on the Psalms. Trust the Spirit to meet you.
- Prepare: Ready your heart to respond in extended worship time now.
*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
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