The Helper
“Living Full, Not Running on Empty”
Ephesians 5:15-20

God doesn’t want you running on spiritual fumes. He wants you full of power!

Where is God’s power?

The greatest need in the Church is the power of the Spirit.

“Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? … For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple.” –1 Corinthians 3:16-17

God’s temple
The Holy Spirit isn’t a guest who visits; He’s a resident.
Holiness isn’t optional when God is the designer.
God examines, and God rewards.
Through the Holy Spirit, by His presence and power, we are to be holy.

“…You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.” –Leviticus 19:2 (also 1 Peter 1:13-16)

As God’s temple, He wants us to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 5:15-20

“… be filled with the Spirit …” –Ephesians 5:18

How?
Keep your life under constant review (Ephesians 5:1-15)
Make the most of every chance you get (Ephesians 5:16)
Don’t live carelessly (Ephesians 5:17a)
Make sure you understand what God wants (Ephesians 5:17b)

“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit…” –Ephesians 5:18

Alcohol causes us to be …
Uninhibited and unrestrained 
Influenced heavily by something that can destroy you
Driven toward behavior that often is regrettable 

Proof of being filled …
The way you speak (Ephesians 5:19a)
Joy that survives every storm (Ephesians 5:19b)
Gratitude as a lifestyle (Ephesians 5:20)
Constant submission (Ephesians 5:21)

“Filled” = plural, passive, present

As God’s temple, being holy is not getting more of the Holy Spirit, but Him getting more of us!