Series: Practicalities                                                            August 21, 2005

           “How to Stay Filled with the Spirit”                                           I John 1:9

 

           Big Idea: Being filled with the Spirit is essential to spiritual growth.

           Confession of sin is essential to being filled with the Spirit.

 

                    

           

               I.  REVIEW: THE FILLING OF THE SPIRIT

                    A.  WHAT does it mean to be filled with the Spirit?        CONTROL                 

                    

                    B.  WHEN should I be filled with the Spirit?                    ALWAYS

             

                    C.  HOW can I be filled with the Spirit?                       OBEDIENCE

 

                    D.  WHAT happens when I’m filled with the Spirit?

 

                                    WORSHIP   

                                    THANKFULNESS

                                    SUBMISSION

                                    FRUITFULNESS

 

              II.  HOW DO I STAY FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT?

 

                    A.  ATTITUDES toward the Holy Spirit

 

                          1.  YIELD to the Spirit   Ephesians 5:18

                  

                          2.  GRIEVE the Spirit   Ephesians 4:30

 

                          3.  QUENCH the Spirit    I Thessalonians 5:19                           

 

                    B.  SIN, CONFESSION and FORGIVENESS

 

                          1.  Sin by its nature SEPARATES

 

                          2.  Confession by its nature involves AGREEMENT

 

                               a.  Confession involves BELIEF

 

                               b.  Confession involves a recognition of NEED

 

                               c.  Confession involves a RELATIONSHIP

             

                          3.  Forgiveness by its nature RESTORES                   

 

            III.  APPLICATION – STAYING FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT

 

                   A.  Regular exposure to and application of the Word of God

 

                   B.  A humble and contrite heart

 

                   C.  Confession of sin