“be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18) is to be controlled by the Holy Spirit. This is a present continuous action and requires a believer to be (a) daily yielded to God, (b) daily in repentance with confession with godly sorrow, (c) daily allowing the word of God to richly indwell the inner man. Being controlled by the Holy Spirit empowers a believer (a) daily in spiritual battle (Spirit versus flesh) and, (b) daily in living out the person and character and conduct of Christ and in being obedient to the will of God.
Committed to Maturity
No one can go to the gym and get in shape FOR you. If you want to get fit, you have to exercise yourself. The same is true when it comes to your spiritual growth. You will never become spiritually mature simply by listening to the pastor teach every Sunday. If you want to grow in Christ, you MUST pursue God yourself by regularly spending time reading His Word. The reward will be that you will hear God speak directly to you, and you will begin to grow spiritually mature.
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