We had the privilege of being joined by Dr. Crawford Loritts, as he reminds us of the importance of the Holy Spirit in our walk of faith. Diving into the book of Acts, we are taught that demonstrating the power of God and living a supernatural life is a commandment. As the Spirit of God structurally changes us, we must model it ourselves by obeying His command and continually submitting to His control.
Key Takeaway
We are able to live completely transformed lives if we will yield and embrace the power of the Holy Spirit. Our lives are too precious to waste on repeating cycles of sin that we were never called to.
We often struggle because we don't see transformation in our lives. We are doing all the right things by reading the Bible, having time in prayer, and going to church, but none of these good things equal transformation. What we are really struggling with is an absence of power.
In Ephesians 5:18, Paul says not to get drunk on wine but to be filled with the Holy Spirit. He takes power and expands our understanding even further. It's not just the necessity of this power; it's that experiencing the power is an objective command. The verse in the imperative command literally means to "be filled with the Holy Spirit." Any follower of Jesus Christ who has not knowingly, willingly submitted to the control of the Holy Spirit is living in sinful disobedience to God. We were born for transformation, to experience His power.
To walk and live with Jesus means a life that's been transformed, a supernatural lifestyle, a life that has been empowered by the 3rd person of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit is not just an influence, He's a person that lives inside of us and can change us. No Christian should ever shrug off sin struggles as "that's just the way I am" because the Holy Spirit can change you just the way you are.
There is a sense of urgency and continuance that is present in Ephesians 5:18. Being filled means that it happens constantly, not just once. The filling of the Spirit doesn't mean you get more of the Holy Spirit; it means you yield fully to the Spirit of God that is inside of you. We surrender to Him. Your life is too important not to experience the transforming power of our Savior. Since we "leak" throughout the day and sin, we must continually yield and be filled again.
What does it look like for us to be consistently controlled by the Holy Spirit? The answer is found in Galatians 5:19-23. Paul contrasts the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. Neither list he gives is exhaustive, but what Paul is giving with the fruit of the Spirit is a profile for Christ-likeness. Stay away from Christians who use Spirit-filled language but want to use the Spirit to position themselves, their own power, and control over others. Pride is insidious and subtle and can wear many disguises, including false spirituality. To be authentically filled with the HS, you will exalt Christ and look like Him.
In Galatians 5:22-23, it says the fruit of the Spirit, not works of the Spirit or products of the Spirit. Fruit is singular. These characteristics are a manifestation of one thing: Christ-likeness. It is developed and demonstrated over time.
Who produces the fruit? The Spirit. You cannot do it on your own. It presupposes submission, yielding, humility, and coming under the control of the Spirit of God. Apple trees naturally bear apples. They don't strain to make it happen. Factories produce a product, but they can't produce fruit. Fruit is the product of life. The fruit of the Spirit is what is developed when you have life in Christ. If you want fruit in your life, you have to yield to the Spirit because He is the only One who can produce it.
All transformation in the Christian life is the product of three steps. It's especially true when it comes to being filled with the Holy Spirit.
1) Repent. We often think that we need to do more in order to be a better Christian, but that's pushing the accelerator to go faster in the wrong direction. Stop. Search your heart. What is hindering you from being under the control of the Holy Spirit? 1 John 1:9 says if we confess, He will forgive. Confess that you've been self-serving, had bad thoughts, made bad choices. The Holy Spirit will not control us when we're holding on to stuff that's wrong.
2) Yield. Confess: "I yield to you, Lord Jesus." Success and freedom in the Christian life mean dependence. You were born to live for someone else. Take the second position.
3) Believe. God wants you to be controlled by the Holy Spirit. You don't have to beg Him. Stop the self-incrimination. Get up! Believe that He's controlling you. Be careful about letting your emotions be your spiritual barometer. Know what you believe.
Do this multiple times during the day. Every time you miss the mark, confess and repent, yield to the Spirit, and believe that He is in charge.
Quote
"The filling of the Spirit doesn't mean you get more of the Holy Spirit, it means you yield fully to the Spirit of God that's inside of us."
Dr. Crawford Loritts
Discussion Questions