I. Being Filled with the Spirit is Being Controlled by the Word of the Spirit of Truth resulting in godliness

Eph 5:18 be not drunk with wine…but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking…singing…thanks for all things…submitting…in the fear of God

A. Fill = Control Eph 1:23; 3:19; 4:10; Phil 1:11; Col 1:9    B. Spirit = Spirit of Truth Jn 14:17; 15:26; 16:13 Col 3:16 Let the Word…

Ezek 36:27 I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and you shall keep my judgments, and do them.

Our ideas of what’s good/bad right/wrong need to be based upon God’s Revelation. When we respond appropriately, we’re worshipping.

II. Walking by the Spirit Pleases God by Fruitful Victory over the Flesh (desire for Temporal: Power/Pleasure/Possessions)  Rm 8:1,8

A. 5:16 Walk in/by the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 flesh lusts against Spirit, & Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.19  Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are:

1. Evil thoughts:  incorrect actions are always preceded by incorrect thinking (dia logos almost always used negatively, frequently with doubt {Plan B} when we don’t want to accept the truth in front of us {God’s Plan A})  (Js 2:4 partiality for gain)

2. Adulteries: sex with a married person violating one’s covenant of faithfulness and loyalty, because of a lack of a fulfilling relationship with God and one’s spouse; used metaphorically of seeking power (security/significance), pleasure and possessions outside one’s dependent relationship with God;

3. Fornications: sex between unmarried people, seeking immediate/temporal gratification, arising from a lack of self-control and trust in God’s wisdom and strength, because of a lack of a fulfilling relationship with God 1Th 4:3 will of God; Col 3:5 mortify; 1Co5 6:18 flee

Used in Mt of unfaithfulness during the betrothal period (Jewish cultural practice) distinct from adultery. (See divorce outline)

4. Murders: a desire to harm someone because of the way they make us feel (insecure/inadequate/embarrassed/guilty) and/or we perceive them to be standing in the way of what we think will make us temporally happy or at least feel better. (Mt 5:21-22)

5. Thefts: taking something that is not rightfully ours which we believe in necessary for our happiness, doubting God’s wisdom and provision

6. Covetousness: the desire to have something that is not rightfully ours resulting in neglect of our obligations before God and others Col 3:5

7. Wickedness: desires and purposes contrary to God’s influenced by demons (Eph 6:12) from which God will turn us (Ac 3:26) as we submit to Him (Js 4:7)

8. Deceit: an attempt to portray reality inaccurately so we can achieve our temporal goals, frequently by making ourselves look too good 1Pe 2:1

9. Lewdness: acknowledging of no restraints (Lordship), the insolent doing of whatever one’s caprice may suggest to gratify desires. 1Pe 4:3

10. Evil eye: a self-centered perspective on life (purpose) that colors both perception and actions Mt 6:21-23 Cf Lu 11:34 

11. Blasphemy: speech designed to harm the reputation of another for the sake of preserving or boosting one’s own worth 1Ti 6:4

12. False witness: saying things that aren’t in accord with reality for the sake of temporal power, pleasure, or possessions. Eph 4:15,25

13. Pride: an improper view of self, appearing superior to others (even God) resulting in a lack of submission and teachableness and eventual harm 2Ti 3:2;Js 4:6

14. Foolishness: choosing the wrong (temporal) objectives or the wrong way of achieving them (opposite of wisdom, no Fear of the Lord) Eph 5:17 

…and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as…in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

B. Fruit of the Spirit is the Result of Submitting to God’s work in us producing the Desiring & Doing of His good pleasure Phil 2:13

1. Gal 5:22 Love is a decision to sacrifice yourself for another’s best interest (Jn 3:16);

2. Joy is the resulting of choosing what is best (see series on Philippians) which implies a discernment of what is best from God’s perspective;

3. Peace is an absence of anxiety and resultant contentment & security which comes from recognizing the sovereign promises and  purposes of God in the events and irritations He permits in our lives; Isa 26:3-4

4. Patience (long-suffering) is the ability to limit or inhibit our natural desires (esp revenge) in the process of persevering for a God-glorifying objective;

5. Kindness is a usefulness to the Master sourced in integrity and expressed in a neighborliness toward others;

6. Goodness is a capacity to do what’s in another’s best interest (Gal 6:10) arising from a purification of deadly desires, and an embracing of God’s value system;

7. Faithfulness is a loyalty to God’s command and responsibilities for us, sourced in the fear of God and expressing itself in unwavering obedience;

8. Gentleness/meekness is a humility that expresses itself in submissiveness to an offense without malice or desire for revenge;

9. Self-control is virtue of power under control, gained from mastery of one’s passions and resulting in being able to exhibit a godly impulse (the sensual ones having been subdued). This trait is gained only as a result of a transformed value system (Rom 12) see TOYL values {next week}.

Eph 5:2  walk in love, 8…Walk as children of light  9… fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth 10  finding out pleases the Lord 18 wisdom

III. Those Led by the Spirit develop transformed values w/ a victorious dependent sensitivity to God’s Guidance & Will 

Gal 5:24 those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Rm 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Cf Gal 5:18

A. The Spirit of God uses the Word of God to produce in us the Mind of Christ & Will of God Rom 12:2 do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

B. Change of Values Rm 8:5…according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh,  those who live acc the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.

C. Dependence Lk 22:42…not My will, but Yours, be done. Phil 1:19…deliverance thru…the supply of the Spirit 4:19 supply all need

D. Guidance Pr 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths  Isa 48:17-19 says the LORD, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you should go.18 If only…

Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:

1. Can one know God’s subjective Will when ignoring His objective Will? What role do others play? (Word/Input/Logic/Leading)

2. If Jesus is our Lord, how should He affect our motivations, goals/needs, and decisions?  If we’re not conscious of Him are we missing the boat?

3. What can thwart His will? How can we distinguish a prompting by the HS from our habits, desires or demonic influence?

4. What does having the wrong reaction to circumstances or people, indicate about our submission, dependent trust, values or habits?

5. What can you do to walk though this week in the power and guidance of the HS to transformed victory? What will change?