“…Be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.” 
Ephesians 5:18-21 

What are the effects of the Spirit of God leading and controlling a life? 

In this text, I see three effects of the Spirit of God at work in a believer’s life: 

1. WORSHIP
Ephesians 5:18-19 – “…be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.” 

We sing as an act of worship, living in response to the gift of God’s love and grace at work in our lives. We don’t sing because it fills time or because we want to hear pretty music. A life led by the spirit of God will be a life that sings out in worship. 

2. GRATITUDE
Ephesians 5:2 – “Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 

There is an attitude of gratitude in the life of one led by the Spirit. Here’s what I know about your life (and I can promise you this is true in my life as well): We complain too much! We have more to be grateful for than to complain about, yet far too often, we spend more time complaining than we do being grateful. Invite the Spirit of God to open your eyes to all you have to be thankful for! 

3. HUMILITY(submission)
Ephesians 5:21 – “Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.” 

The word “submit” literally means “to arrange under.” In a military context, it refers to soldiers who are willing to fall in line and listen to their leaders. They understand they are under authority and willingly follow the commands of their superiors.  

This is an act of humility that does not come naturally. It comes as the Spirit leads our life. To submit means to let go of selfish agendas for the good of others. This is the way of Christ for the church, and this is the call of Christ for the Christian. 

If the Spirit has never led you, your life has been about following the flesh. 

Today, you can experience a life of worship, gratitude, and humility in Jesus Christ. 

Being filled with the Spirit means you must relinquish control of your life. Will you?

Will you trust Jesus as a good and kind Lord? 

He is eager to welcome you and share the Spirit with you! 

Taken from a sermon by George Wright, Senior Pastor, Shades Mountain Baptist Church, Birmingham, AL

DIG DEEPER
Read “Let the Holy Spirit Lead You” by Bryant Wright