1. Pursuing the Promptings of the Spirit

2. S.W.A.P Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: “He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us?” But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Submit therefore to God (SURRENDER). Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you (WAIT IN PRAYER).

3. S.W.A.P Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded (AVOID SIN). Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you (PURSUE PROMPTINGS). James 4:5-10 (NASB)

4. All believers have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. (Titus 3:5,6)
At Pentecost in Acts 2:4 we see that the disciples are filled with the Holy Spirit. The same apostles, along with many of Christ’s disciples were praying and were then filled again by the Holy Spirit!
“And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” (Acts 4:31)

5. I. We are to Ask for the Filling of God’s Spirit Often Ex
I. We are to Ask for the Filling of God’s Spirit Often Ex. – Church Revival “…how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:13b) II. We are to Walk with the Spirit a. Jesus was routinely led by the Spirit of God Mark 1:12; Luke 4:14; Luke 4:17-21; Luke 10:21 b. There are more than 50 references in the book of ACTS concerning the Holy Spirit’s work in Christians in the early church.

6. Tabletalk – Take 3-4 minutes and work as a team at your table to discover and list as many of the references as you can and report how many you were able to find. (no concordances please)
The emphasis of the Book of Acts is that you cannot live the life God has called you to without the guiding power of the Spirit!
Self sufficiency is in direct opposition to the work of God’s Spirit in the believer.

7. III. We are to Live for His Mission and Purpose (Filled with the Spirit)
a. To overcome sin
b. To navigate trials (particularly suffering)
c. To grow in Christ-likeness
d. To be fruitful in ministry
Be filled by the Spirit means listening to and obeying the Spirit.

8. Galatians 3:4 - “How foolish can you be
Galatians 3:4 - “How foolish can you be? After starting your new lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort?” Paul is flabbergasted!
Examples of the Prompting of God’s Spirit

9. Tabletalk – Around your table share some specific personal experiences you have had that you believe was the prompting of the Holy Spirit. After everyone who wants to has had an opportunity, take a few minutes to pray and ask for the fresh filling of the Holy Spirit in your life now. Ask for the power to walk in the Spirit and to hear the Spirit’s promptings for your part of the ministry in Christ’s Name. If there is time pray also for First Presbyterian Church as we seek the Lord’s guidance for our next senior pastor and for the future role we will have in Chattanooga for Christ.