1. The "one Spirit" is one of the 7 unique subjects listed in Ephesians 4:4-6. 2. This morning we examined a number of passages that relate to: a. the identity of the "one Spirit" [the Holy Spirit, a member of the eternal Godhead] b. the way that the "one Spirit" speaks [through God's Word] c. the blessings provided to Christians by the "one Spirit." 3. This evening we are covering a number of responsibilities given to Christians that relate to the "one Spirit."
Discussion:
I. POSITIVE RESPONSIBILITIES
A. According to Ephesians 5:18, Christians are to "be filled with the Spirit." 1. The Bible provides examples of people who were full of the Spirit, including: a. Stephen (Acts 6:5; 7:55) b. Barnabas (Acts 11:24) c. the disciples in Iconium (Acts 13:51-52). 2. Being full of the Spirit affected these people in a powerful way. 3. "Being filled with the Spirit" requires effort and action. B. Additional responsibilities will enable us to "be filled with the Spirit." 1. (Romans 8:13) "Through the Spirit" we are to "mortify the deeds of the body." 2. (1 Corinthians 6:18-20) We are to "glorify God" in our bodies and in our spirits. 3. (Galatians 5:16-17) We are to "walk in the Spirit." 4. (Galatians 5:22-23) We are to bear "the fruit of the Spirit." 5. (Galatians 5:25) We are to "live in the Spirit." 6. (Galatians 6:7-8) We are to sow "to the Spirit" -- our eternal destiny is at stake.
II. ACTIVITIES THAT MUST BE AVOIDED
A. Keep in mind that God's people are to "be filled with the Spirit." B. To fulfill this responsibility we must avoid certain activities that involve the Spirit. 1. We must avoid resisting the Spirit (Acts 7:51-54). 2. We must avoid grieving the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). 3. We must avoid quenching the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19). 4. We must avoid "doing despite unto" [insulting] the Spirit (Hebrews 10:29).
Conclusion:
1. Can it be said that you are "filled with the Spirit?" 2. If not, you need to begin fulfilling these responsibilities by: a. practicing the positive instructions we covered b. avoiding the negative activities we covered.
