To be Filled with the Spirit, We Must Empty Ourselves 9-6-24
Have you ever heard someone say “So and So is full of it” I am sure you know they were not saying the person was full of something good. Since I don’t use that kind of language anymore (it slips out sometimes), I won’t say what the word is.
On the other hand, it is awesome when others recognize the Spirit of God in His children.
How to empty ourselves and be filled with the Spirit
Scriptures
· He must increase, but I must decrease (John 3:30).
· I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me (Galatians 2:20).
· Become a living sacrifice; knowing that it’s not about you, but everything hinges on Christ. I beseech [urger] you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And 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 (Romans 12:1-3).
We must change our way of thinking
· As a man thinks in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7a).
· Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
· Think on good things- Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things (Philippians 4:8).
· Let this mind be in you Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5a). It takes being humble.
Lastly, to be filled with the Spirit, do not quench the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19).This means to restrict the Spirit of God from doing what needs to be done in our lives. We have been empowered to do great things to glorify our Father.
An example is not accepting and functioning in the gifts He has given to us. It’s like having a fire that is necessary to keep us from getting cold. He’s representing the fire that ignites us to keep the flowing gracefully in our gifts, ministry, or assignment.
When the Holy Spirit is restricted, it grieves Him. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30).
Why not try decreasing and allowing Him to increase. Our lives will be different, because we will be worshiping God by surrendering to His Spirit.
His handmaiden, Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org
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