A SPIRIT FILLED LIFE
1 Corinthians 12:1-7
Dr. Mark Taylor
Most people tend to focus only on the physical nature of their lives We tell ourselves that this life is all there is.
However, we have a built-in spiritual vacuum that must be filled. This is why all cultures primitive or civilized, have developed some system of theology. It is in our nature to long for something more, something spiritual. We ask ourselves, what is our purpose for being here?
Paul said, "if this world is all there is, then Christians are fools and should be pitied above all others." (1 Corinthians 15)
Today, we are going to talk about how to find that "which is missing" in life. The secret is in living a Spirit-filled life. We are spiritually awakened through the Holy Spirit It is the Holy Spirit that transforms us from being merely religious to being truly spiritual.
Today, we're going to talk about how to experience the Spirit-filled life. First of all, Paul commands us...
I. LEARN ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT
(v. 1) Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant.
Paul is saying, "Don't overlook the spiritual side of life. Don't be ignorant of the role the Holy Spirit plays in your life."
Most religious folks think that because they can't see the Holy Spirit, then He is not at work in their lives. Others tend to spiritualize every area of their life. We need to learn from the scriptures so that we will have some type of balance in our mind. This is the reason Paul says, "Do not be ignorant."
The Holy Spirit is personal and should be referred to as "he" not "it." The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit speaks to us and gives us direction for living each day. We learn how not to grieve the Spirit, and how to pray through the Spirit. So take Paul's advice. Do not be ignorant about spiritual things. If you want to make your life count for Christ—if you want to live in the fullness of the Spirit—it begins with a commitment to learn about the Holy Spirit's work in your life.
Secondly...
II. BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
Paul said...
(v. 13) For we all baptized by one Spirit into one body...and were all given on Spirit to drink.
When you are saved you receive the Holy Spirit—all of the Holy Spirit. When you are filled with the Holy Spirit, that doesn't mean you get more of the Spirit. It means that the Spirit gets more of you. "Being filled" with the Holy Spirit means "being led by" or "controlled by" the Holy Spirit. This is the key to victorious living. Paul said...
So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. (Galatians 5:16)
The obvious question, then, is "How do I get filled with the Holy Spirit?" Simply Ask !
That's it. If you want to be filled with the Holy Spirit, you must ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit. That's all it takes. You receive the Holy Spirit the same way you receive salvation—through asking. Paul said...
Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? (Galatians 3:2)
Making your life count for Christ means being filled with the Spirit
Thirdly...
III. DISCOVER YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFT AND USE IT.
(v. 7) Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
Paul mentions several gifts of the Spirit, including wisdom, knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, discernment of spirits, speaking in tongues, interpreting tongues. Many times we get so distracted by the "sign gifts" and start arguing until we miss the point. Paul is saying that everyone has been given a spiritual gift that can be used to serve others.
The characteristic of all spiritual gifts is they build up others. Paul said...
(v. 7)...the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
Ask yourself "What gift (or gifts) has God given me that I can use to help others?"
Discover your spiritual gift and put it to use—it will help you make your life a masterpiece.
CONCLUSION
Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit. He told about the work the Spirit would perform in our lives. The Spirit is our comforter, our counselor, our teacher. He convicts us of sin and righteousness. He directs us to a closer walk with Jesus and helps us glorify God with our lives. And he gives us power to live holy, to witness, and do what God has called to do.
The Holy Spirit does all of these things, but only if we let him. He will not force His way into your life. He waits for an invitation. Ask God today to fill you with the Holy Spirit so that you can use the gifts he has given you to build up others and glorify the name of Jesus. This is what makes your life count for Christ.
