May 28
Why You Need the Spirit (Part One) Ephesians 5:18
And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit.
Most Christians agree that the Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Trinity. We referred to Him as the Holy Ghost when I was a little boy growing up in a church that strictly used the King James Version of the Bible. And for a long time I could only imagine something like the cartoon character, Casper the Ghost-floating through walls like a puff of smoke. For years I referred to the Holy Ghost as an "it." But the Holy Ghost Jesus talks about is a Person. He was sent not only to glorify Christ, but also to be our Counselor, Advisor, Advocate, Defender, Director and Guide.
In short, if you are interested in living the abundant life Jesus promised, the Holy Spirit is vital. Just think of all the sermons you've heard on the Christian life. Think of all the books you've read about marriage.
If you try in your own power to obey God and follow all that advice, you will fail...period. It's impossible. You need God's power that He promises when we are so yielded to the Holy Spirit.
Look at Ephesians 5:18 (above). Have you ever wondered why Paul put being drunk on wine in opposition to being filled with the Spirit? Because he wanted to help his readers understand what being filled means. When you are drunk on wine, you are controlled by alcohol. The same is true in a positive sense when you are filled with the Spirit. You are allowing the Spirit to control you.
No relationship, marriage or family will ever be all that God intends unless its members are experiencing God at work in their lives through the enabling work of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer: Together that God would help you learn how to allow the Holy Spirit to control your lives.
Discuss: Think back over your married life and family. How has the Holy Spirit been a Counselor, Advisor, Advocate, Defender, Director and Guide?
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