LIVING IN THE FULLNESS OF THE SPIRIT – A Lifestyle Of Continuous Renewal
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Ephesians 5:18-19
Key Verse: “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:18-19)
Supporting Texts: John 7:37-39, Acts 4:31, Galatians 5:16, Romans 8:14, Isaiah 40:31
INTRODUCTION:
The Christian life was never meant to be lived in human strength alone. God designed us to live and walk in the power of His Spirit, constantly refreshed, renewed, and empowered to face life’s challenges. Just as a car cannot run without fuel, a believer cannot function effectively without the continuous supply of the Spirit.
The fullness of the Spirit is not a one-time experience but a daily lifestyle. To be filled with the Spirit means to allow His presence to saturate every aspect of our lives—our thoughts, emotions, decisions, and actions. It means living in a constant state of surrender, yielding, and dependence on Him.
Continuous renewal in the Spirit is what keeps us spiritually alive, vibrant, and fruitful. Without renewal, a believer becomes dry, weary, and vulnerable to temptation. But when the Spirit fills us daily, we walk in strength, wisdom, and victory, becoming instruments in God’s hands for His glory.
1. THE CALL TO BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT
God commands every believer to live a Spirit-filled life, not as an option but as a necessity for victorious Christian living.
a) A divine command, not a suggestion (Ephesians 5:18)
Being filled with the Spirit is not a request but a command from God for all believers.
b) Continuous infilling, not a one-time event (Acts 4:31)
The disciples were filled on the day of Pentecost, yet they were filled again later, showing it must be continuous.
c) Spirit-filled life empowers holy living (Galatians 5:16)
Walking in the Spirit enables believers to overcome the desires of the flesh.
d) A Spirit-filled life brings joy and worship (Ephesians 5:19)
When we are filled with the Spirit, our hearts overflow in songs, praise, and thanksgiving.
Biblical Example: On the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4), the apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit, and this empowered them for boldness, miracles, and effective witness.
2. THE EVIDENCE OF A SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE
When someone is filled with the Spirit, there will be clear and visible manifestations in their life.
a) Boldness in witness (Acts 4:13)
The Spirit-filled believer speaks the Word of God with courage and conviction.
b) Transformation of character (Galatians 5:22-23)
The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—will manifest.
c) Spiritual discernment (Romans 8:14)
The Spirit leads and directs the steps of the believer, guiding them into God’s perfect will.
d) A life of supernatural power (Mark 16:17-18)
The Spirit enables believers to operate in the gifts of the Spirit, bringing healing, deliverance, and miracles.
Biblical Example: Stephen, full of the Holy Ghost (Acts 6:8-10), displayed wisdom, grace, power, and boldness, even in the face of persecution.
3. HOW TO LIVE IN CONTINUOUS RENEWAL OF THE SPIRIT
To remain fresh in the Spirit, there must be a lifestyle that constantly invites His presence and power.
a) Daily fellowship with God (Isaiah 40:31)
Spending time in prayer, worship, and the Word renews spiritual strength.
b) Obedience and surrender (Romans 8:5-6)
Living in submission to the Spirit ensures continual renewal and peace.
c) Constant hunger and thirst (John 7:37-39)
The more we desire Him, the more of His fullness we will experience.
d) Avoiding sin and spiritual compromise (Ephesians 4:30)
Sin grieves the Spirit and quenches His flow, but holiness keeps us refreshed.
Biblical Example: David prayed in Psalm 51:10-12 for God to renew a right spirit within him and not to take the Holy Spirit away, showing the importance of renewal for sustained fellowship with God.
4. THE BENEFITS OF LIVING IN THE FULLNESS OF THE SPIRIT
Living continuously filled with the Spirit has profound blessings that affect every area of life.
a) Victory over sin and temptation (Romans 8:13)
The Spirit empowers us to crucify the flesh and live victoriously.
b) Access to divine wisdom and direction (Isaiah 11:2)
The Spirit grants supernatural understanding, counsel, and guidance.
c) Fruitfulness in life and ministry (John 15:5)
A Spirit-filled life ensures lasting results in the kingdom of God.
d) Fresh anointing for exploits (Acts 10:38)
The Spirit empowers us to do good, heal the oppressed, and carry out God’s work effectively.
Biblical Example: Joseph, filled with the Spirit of wisdom (Genesis 41:38-39), became an answer to Pharaoh’s problems and rose to prominence.
CONCLUSION:
Living in the fullness of the Spirit is the key to a victorious Christian life. It is not enough to have one encounter with the Spirit; we must continually seek His presence and allow Him to renew us daily. The more we yield to Him, the more we are transformed and empowered for exploits.
God is calling us to deeper fellowship and continuous renewal. This is the pathway to unending strength, fresh anointing, and a life that glorifies Him. A Spirit-filled believer is an unstoppable believer, full of power, wisdom, and grace to impact the world.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Holy Spirit, fill me afresh today and every day of my life.
2. Lord, renew my spirit daily with Your strength and power.
3. Holy Spirit, help me to walk in continuous fellowship with You.
4. Father, let my life be marked by the fruit of the Spirit.
5. Lord, baptise me with fresh fire for service and witness.
6. Holy Spirit, give me wisdom and discernment for daily living.
7. Lord, remove every hindrance that quenches Your presence in my life.
8. Holy Spirit, let my heart always thirst and hunger for You.
9. Lord, empower me to overcome sin and temptation by Your Spirit.
10. Holy Spirit, make me an instrument of renewal and blessing to others.
