by Dr. Jerry Kirk, Guest Pastor

Series: HEALTHY FAMILIES IN HECTIC TIMES

Message: The Spirit-Filled Life
“Rivers of living water or just a little trickle?”


I.    The Spirit-filled life is God’s plan and provision for the normal Christian life.

A.    It is the life Jesus proclaimed.  John 7:37-39


B.    It is the life experienced at Pentecost and throughout the book of Acts.


C.    It is the life God commands through the Apostle Paul. Ephesians 5:18


D.    It is a life filled with praise, music and thanksgiving.  “A cup running over.”

II.    Humility and brokenness before God provide the soil in which the Spirit-filled life flourishes.

A.    Jesus’ first words in His first recorded sermon.  Matt. 5:3


B.    It was Jesus’ theme to the self-seeking apostles.  Matt. 18:1-4


C.    It was Jesus’ repeated theme to the Pharisees.  Luke 18:9-14


D.    Brokenness defined:  Nancy Leigh DeMoss

1.    Brokenness before God is the shattering of our self-will to Jesus’ will so that the Spirit can be released.


2.    Brokenness is the stripping of self-reliance and independence from God.


3.    Brokenness is the softening of the soil of my heart.


4.    Brokenness before God leads us to humility and a teachable spirit before one another.


5.    “Am I a proud or a broken person?”

III.    The Spirit-filled life is the result of believing Jesus.
 

A.    The Spirit-filled life is the fruit of coming to Jesus, and believing Jesus.


B.    The Spirit-filled life is the fruit of believing prayer.


C.    The Spirit-filled life is the fruit of Jesus’ authority in our lives. (Obedience)


D.    The promise of God is “rivers of living water,” not just “a little trickle.”  John 16:7, Acts 2:32 and 33

E.    Conclusion:  Bill Bright’s message on spiritual breathing.  I John 1:9, Eph. 5:18