Kingdom Congregations: The Command with a Demand
September 23, 2007
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Text: Ephesians 5:18
Following instructions - Christian life is sometimes hard to keep straight! Keeping all the commands in this chapter seems like legalism – God - Today gives us the way to the life He has designed for us! More abundant! You’ll meet the commands when you live by the demand! Two disputable and divisive issues - Q: How do I live the blessed life? Spirit filled! How do I meet the demand?
1)The Command
”Do not…” - Alcohol is not to be abused - abuse leads to wildness!
We are to ask ourselves, “How am I to handle alcohol as a follower of Jesus?”
Understand it’s power to take control!
1) It’s a fooler - Happy hour – Norm – Cheers - creates false comfort - House of spirits - Why drunk people scare me - inhibitors are broken down
”Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.” - Proverbs 20:1
Takes control - pass your limit!! Be wise! Habit forming - develop a taste
2) It can hurt another’s walk
”Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.” - 1Corinthians 8:9
3) It can damage your Christian testimony - Perception is reality - Wedding I went to as a new deacon - If in doubt do not drink! Must be true to self - My folks and cigarettes - same as alcohol!
2) The Demand
”be filled” - We can be filled with the Spirit! How? Fire, wind, water-
1) Fire - For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. Let god cleanse you with his refiner’s fire! CONFESSION - The egg- Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Daily!!! STAND
2) Wind – WISDOM - you have God filling your sails! Guiding you
”The Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” - John 14:17
”But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.” - John 16:13
SURRENDER - Galatians 2:20
3) Water - WORD
”O Lord, the hope of Israel, all who forsake you will be put to shame. Those who turn away from you will be written in the dust because they have forsaken the Lord, the spring of living water.” - Jeremiah 17:13
Woman at the well – STUDY - meet Jesus in the word! Truth - When you are closer to Jesus you are clearer about self! John 15:5
Conclusion:
Are you living as a tavern or a temple? Do you desire the life more full? A life of passion, purpose, and joy? A life bearing the fruits of God? You can meet the demand! You can live Spirit filled! God pouring on and you pouring out.
Airplane cockpit - all the switches! Flip the right switches - Fire? Check - Wind? Check - water? Check - Then you will live as a blessed child of the King!!