How to maintain a spirit-filled life. 

One key is found in Ephesians 5:15-21

I. The directions of these verses are written to each of us. There are
seven instructions that are very plain.

1. Redeeming the time (Buying up moments that others throw away)
2. Understand the will of the Lord.
3. Be filled with the spirit.
4. Be not drunk with wine.
5. Speak to yourself in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.
6. Give thanks allways for all things.
7. Submit to one another.

1.Redeemind the time, depends on doing the other 6 instructions.

2.Understanding the will of God, depends on being filled with the Spirit.

3.Be not drunk with wine, but be ye filled........
a. A drunkard has no problems.
b. He doesn't worry about tommorrow.
c. He has no burden or cares.
d. These things are only an illusion. His troubles will be back, only
multiplied.
e. The person drunk in the spirit is truly care-free.

II. Christians who are not filled with the Spirit.

1. Are opt to keep themselves rigid, perfect and exact.
2. The tense of the verb in verse 18, "Be filled," means, "Be constantly in
the process of being filled."
3. Being filled, and never refilled, is like taking a drink of water.
4. We have to keep on drinking. It is a daily process to satisfy the thirst
of the spirit. He that hungers and thirst after righteousness shall be
filled!

III. The early disciples just kept on being filled.

     They just kept on drinking.

     How did they do it. Verses 19-21 tell us. 

1. Singing
2. Giving thanks
3. Submitting

This sermon was preached by Rev. David Smith, Pastor of Trenton Church of
God in Trenton, Ga. It was preached at a county-wide rally, with 8
different denominations represented.