Filled With the Spirit
Key Takeaways
We imitate God by knowing ourselves as beloved children, not by performing for his approval
Walking in love means natural, consistent love, not “cartwheels” of performance
Walking in light requires exposing our darkness to Christ
Walking in wisdom means holding our schedules loosely for divine appointments
Being filled with the Spirit makes us more aware of our resources, not less aware of our problems
Study Questions
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John mentioned someone who said, "I don't think Jesus would say yes to me because of what's in me." Have you ever felt this way? What makes it difficult to believe you're a beloved child of God?
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What is the difference between 'performing' acts of love and 'walking' in love, and how can you identify which one is showing up more your spiritual life right now?
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Are you regularly in the practice of exposing your hidden darkness to the light (1 John 1:5-9)? What do you notice is different about your life when you are walking in the light?
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How does Jesus' response to the bleeding woman in Mark 5 challenge your approach to interruptions and unexpected demands on your time?
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What would it look like for you to 'wake up' from spiritual sleepiness this week and allow Christ to shine more fully into your daily life?
Seeking God’s Face Devotional
This year, we’ll be using the devotional “Seeking God’s Face” for our personal daily discipleship. Also, please join us for our Sunday Morning Class, “Whole-Life Discipleship,” every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. following the 9 a.m. worship service.
This Week’s Liturgy
Call to worship
Psalm 36:5-7
Leader: Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; your judgments are like the great deep; man and beast you save, O Lord.
All: How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
Confession of FAITH
New City Catechism Q & A #21
Q: What sort of Redeemer is needed to bring us back to God?
A: One who is truly human and also truly God.
Confession of sin
Heavenly Father, We confess that we call you Father and act like orphans. We have not walked in love but have preferred darkness to light, using others for our own ends. We have walked in foolishness, protecting our plans and missing your holy interruptions. Forgive us. Restore us. Fill us. All for Christ's sake. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Romans 8:1-2
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.
This Week’s Playlist
Looking Ahead
Invite a friend and join us next week as we continue our sermon series with Ephesians 5:22-33.