Christ In You
Introduction
Ephesians 5:18-21
Ian Thomas revealed that God had spoken the following to Him, "You see, for seven years, with utmost sincerity, you have been trying to live for me, on my behalf, the life that I have been waiting for seven years to live through you." Later Thomas penned, "I found that it is anything but inactivity (standing back and saying, I thank thee, Lord, this is thy situation!). It is not inactivity, it is simply His activity, and that is what makes the difference."
If you would be filled with the Holy Spirit and you know of anything in your life which is contrary to the Word of God, if you are tolerating anything in your private life which is contrary to the Word of God, if there is anything in your outward associations, in your behavior before the world that is contrary to His Word, go into His presence, confess your sins, deal with it before God. This is the only way to be truly surrendered to Him and to have Him live His powerful, pure life through you.
I. Our Fullness From Christ v.l8
A. Contrast 18a - Wine Versus Spirit
Out of Control - Self-control
Depression - Joy
Makes Fool of Self - Fool for Christ's Sake
Attention to Self - Witness for Christ
B. Comparison 18a
Under Control By Another
- Both See Differently
- Both Speak Differently
- Both Act Differently
C. Control 18b
"Excess" - riot; outrageous conduct; violence
D. Command 18C
"Filled" - imperative mood
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Continuing Action - "Be filled" - present tense verb; be being filled
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Collective Command - Plural - all; includes everyone
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Conditional - Passive voice - the subject is acted upon; full surrender
"Can God use a half-man?" A half-man wholly committed is better than a whole-man only half committed.
II. Our Joyfulness With Christ v.l9
Colossians 3:4 tells us that Christ is my life. I don't get Christ's blessings, I have Christ the Blesser. Saints are to speak to one another; let others know of joy. James 5:13.
"Psalms" - songs from O.T.; Ps. l26 "Hymn" - songs of praise to God; "Holy, Holy, Holy" Exaltation
"Spiritual Songs" - expressions of Bible truth Edification
"Melody In Your Heart" - as Spirit of God breathes over the heart-strings, melody goes up to the ear of God.
III. Our Gratefulness Through Christ v.20
An admonition to the saints - Christ our example Colossians 1:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:8 Anything short of hell is grace.
IV. Our Submissiveness For Christ v.2l
Acts 8:32 Philippians 2:5-8
Under - to obey; a sweet reasonableness of attitude. (Esteeming others better than yourself). Philippians 2:3