24-1201a - Detailed Summary

The speaker extends greetings to both the attendees at the venue and those participating via conference line.

A prayer is offered for those who are sick or caring for the sick, wishing for their well-being and relief from anxiety.

The lesson titled "Being Filled" is introduced, aligning with the theme from the scripture readings.

Acknowledgement is given to those who read the scriptures.

Reference to Luke 1:15 where the angel announces to Zacharias that his barren and elderly wife Elizabeth will bear a son.

The angel informs Zacharias during his priestly duties that the child will be named John and will be great in the Lord’s sight.

Discussion on being filled with the Holy Spirit and the confusion between being filled and baptism by the Holy Spirit.

Other forms of being filled are introduced, like the hunger and thirst for righteousness mentioned in Matthew 5:6.

Jesus' promise that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled is explained.

Psalms 119:172 is cited to equate God’s commandments with righteousness.

The importance of speaking and praising with the Word of God, where commandments are righteousness.

2 Timothy 2:15 advises to study to show oneself approved, with variations in translation (study vs. give diligence).

Emphasis on diligence in studying and handling the Word of God correctly.

1 Peter 2:2 and Hebrews 5:12-14 underline the need for spiritual growth through the Word, comparing it to milk for infants and solid food for the mature.

The passage from Hebrews continues, discussing the difference between the spiritually immature (needing milk) and mature believers who discern good and evil.

The Word of God is likened to spiritual food, essential for being filled spiritually.

Being filled with the Word leads to pleasing God.

Colossians 1:9-10 is used to highlight praying for knowledge of God’s will, wisdom, and spiritual understanding to walk worthily and be fruitful.

Discussion on the role of good works, clarifying that they do not earn salvation but are a response to grace.

Emphasis on salvation being by grace, not works.

Philippians 1:9-11 speaks of being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which glorify God.

Mention of Galatians 5’s list of the fruit of the Spirit, linking it to righteousness.

Righteousness defined as right doing.

Ephesians 3:14-19: Paul prays for spiritual strength, the indwelling of Christ through faith, and being filled with the fullness of God.

Explanation of the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) as mentioned in the scriptures.

Paul’s consistent practice of praying for the congregations to continue in truth.

The church is described as the family named after Christ, singular in nature.

The significance of the name "Christian" from biblical times, linked to Christ.

Reference to Acts 13 and King Agrippa’s interaction with Paul, underscoring the importance of the Christian identity.

Critique of a notion that disbelief in Christ could still lead to salvation, contrasting with Jesus' words in scripture.

John 17:20-23 where Jesus prays for unity among believers, reflecting the unity within the Godhead.

Explication on how believers should be one as the Father and Son are one, indicating distinct beings within the Godhead.

Revisiting Ephesians 5:18, the command not to be drunk with wine but to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Further discussion on the scripture’s admonition against drunkenness with wine, contrasting with being filled with the Spirit.

Discussion on the meaning of dissipation, as defined by Webster’s English Dictionary, equating it to squandering for pleasure.

It’s explained that people seek this kind of pleasure when they get drunk with wine, which leads to a waste of righteous living.

The story of the prodigal son is referenced to illustrate dissipation:

The misconception that "prodigal" means return is corrected; it actually means waste.

The son wasted his inheritance on dissolute living, only to repent when he reached his lowest point.

The speaker emphasizes the choice between being drunk with wine, which leads to dissipation, and being filled with the Holy Spirit.

Recap of what one should be filled with:

Knowledge of God’s will

Fruits of righteousness

The fullness of God

The Holy Spirit

The speaker extends an invitation:

Encourages baptism for those wishing to accept Christ for salvation and forgiveness of sins.

Offers restoration to those who have strayed.

Invites anyone with any other spiritual need or concern to come forward for prayer and support.

A call for individuals to come forward while the congregation stands and sings, indicating the end of the sermon.