Connect:
- Share about a person who has influenced you who embodies Godly wisdom.
Discuss:
- Ask Holy Spirit to illuminate the reading of Scripture, then read Ephesians 5:15-20.
- How is Godly wisdom different than worldly wisdom? Share a time in your life where you did something that you felt God was leading you to do but looked foolish in the eyes of the world.
- Why would Paul compare and contrast being drunk on wine and being filled with Holy Spirit? What area(s) of your life are hardest to surrender control to Holy Spirit?
- Why does Paul instruct us to sing songs of worship?
- Read Ephesians 5:15-20 one more time. Ask your group if there is anyone who needs to surrender something to Jesus (if there is something in your life, go first to show it is ok to do so). Pray for each person as God leads you. Ask your group if there is anyone who would like to be filled with Holy Spirit. Follow these instructions.
How to receive the filling of Holy Spirit
Hunger and thirst – Be desperate for God
Scripture: “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me…” John 7:37 Question: Are you hungry for more of God?
Repent – No secrets, no shame
Scripture: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Acts 3:19 Question: Is there anything you need to confess? Response: If there is confession of sin, declare Jesus’ forgiveness.
Surrender all – release control
Scripture: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship.” Romans 12:1 Question: Have you surrendered your life to Jesus? Response: If they have not, ask them if they would like to surrender their life to Jesus. If they say yes, you can use the prayer in the next section for them to pray through.
Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you – Be bold
Scripture: “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Luke 11:13 Question: Would you like to be filled with Holy Spirit? If yes, have the person pray the prayer below.
Prayer for filling of the Holy Spirit and surrender
“Dear Father, I need you, I hunger and thirst for a more vital relationship with You. I repent of sinning against you and thank you for forgiving me through Christ’s death on the cross for me. I confess that I have been in control of my life, and I now surrender my life completely to Jesus and by faith invite you to fill me with Holy Spirit. I now receive Holy Spirit as a gift and moment by moment will seek to walk in step with Him” Amen.”
This is not a pleading but a humble, confident faith-filled request! Wait, listen, and respond as Holy Spirit leads.