Scripture References: Ephesians 5:14-21 (Main Text) Proverbs 9:10, Romans 1:20, 1 Corinthians 2:14, Hebrews 2:1, Psalm 31:19
Intro: (Podcast Sermon Title Suggestion: Wake Up! Wisdom, Urgency, and Fullness)
- Greeting & opening reading: Ephesians 5:14-21.
- "Wake up, O sleeper!" - timely message (Daylight Savings anecdote).
- Connects to ongoing Lenten media fast – turning down noise, focusing on God.
- Share encouraging testimonies from the fast (e.g., runner's conversations with God).
- These stories reveal the heart of today's passage: Wisdom, Urgency, and Fullness.
Key Points:
- The Spirit-Filled Life is a Life of Wisdom (vv. 15-17)
- Warning: "Be very careful, then, how you live." Pay attention, don't drift into ungodliness.
- Contrast: Live as wise, not unwise/foolish.
- Biblical Foolishness: Not silliness, but living with disregard for God ("No God" in the heart - Ps 14:1), thinking becomes futile (Rom 1:21-22). Considers Spirit's things foolish (1 Cor 2:14).
- Beginning of Wisdom: The "fear of the Lord" (Prov 9:10) - a reverence, a fear of being without Him, leading to refuge in Him (Ps 31:19). (Jim Baker anecdote: Stopped fearing God).
- The Spirit-Filled Life is a Life of Urgency (v. 16)
- "Making the most of every opportunity (kairos - season), because the days are evil."
- Time is precious, non-refundable. Don't waste it; redeem it.
- Seize God-given opportunities in this season of life.
- Spirit-filled people overcome procrastination and act now. Don't donate time to "dumb stuff."
- The Spirit-Filled Life is a Life of Fullness (v. 18)
- Contrast: Don't be drunk on wine (debauchery) vs. Be filled with the Spirit.
- Beyond alcohol, discern subtle negative influences (fear, people-pleasing, pride) that drive us.
- Command: "Be filled" (present, passive imperative) – Let the Spirit continually fill you. It's a received gift, not earned.
- Self-reflection: What spills out when you're bumped? Aim for the Spirit to overflow.
Conclusion:
- Being filled with the Spirit isn't optional; it's commanded (Eph 5:18).
- It’s for the whole church (plural), received passively (surrender), and needs to be ongoing (repeated fillings).
- It's about receiving the Father's promised gift.
Call to Action:
- Respond actively to being filled:
- Speak/sing to one another (psalms, hymns, spiritual songs).
- Take communion – Remember His sacrifice, wake up to His work.
- Come forward for prayer/anointing – Receive the Spirit afresh.
- Engage now – don't delay. Receive cleansing, receive the Spirit.
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