HANDOUT FOR SERMON: LEARN HOW TO FILL YOUR CUP. August 27, 2023, 9:30 a.m. Manchester, Tn

INTRODUCTION: Last Sunday we looked at the concept of “Getting Yourself Out of the Way.” We all struggle with the denying self. If we are honest, we all tend to be selfish. Jesus taught we are to deny self, Matthew 16:24-25. For every experience we go through, we are at the center of it in life. As Christians we are taught to not be the center of everything but rather deny self. God describes us as vessels or cups which must be filled with Him after we have emptied ourselves of self!
Scripture: Ephesians 4:22 When we first become a Christian, we are told to “put off” the old man with its former conduct (verse 22), be renewed in the spirit of our mind (verse 23), and to put on the new man according to God, (verse 24). We are to move the “old man” out completely! Unfortunately, we are not good at doing this. We may think we have emptied ourselves of the old man but a percentage of “him” remains. God warns us about being blind!

Scripture: Matthew 23:23-25 We are told to clean the inside and the outside.
Scripture: James 4:1-4 When things are not going well in our lives, we need to stop and ask ourselves this question: WHY?? Where is this coming from? What is the source of this? Married couples should ask this about their relationship. Elders should ask this of members. Co-workers and fellow Christians should ask this question of others.

James gives us the answer:
• Your pleasure, verse 1.
• Your lust and envy, verse 2.
• Wrong motives, verse 3.
• Jealousy and selfish ambitions, (James 3:16)

Once again God is telling us it is self! We must stop blaming things on others and look inwardly at ourselves. What we should be doing is “focusing on the Lord’s will!” We should be filled with the Spirit, Ephesians 5:18-22. We want the spirit to affect us.
Have you wondered what is “looks like” to be filled with the Spirit?
• You will definitely be singing, (verse 19).
• You will be giving thanks to the Lord, (verse 20).
• Submit yourselves to one another, (verse 22).
• Everything good that God wants us to do.

Scripture: Romans 7 Paul is having a difficult time. He wanted to do the right things but often did the wrong things. Most likely Paul is describing his life under the Old Law as a Jew, a faithful follower of the Law. (Neither Christ nor the Spirit of God are mentioned in Romans 7. So, I lean toward the view that Paul is describing his life under the old law, before becoming a Christian.)

Scripture: Romans 7:14-15, 21-24. Christians, in fighting the flesh, need the help of God the father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit Scripture: Romans 8:1-8 & Romans 8:9-13, Luke 18:22-25
Scripture: Galatians 5:16-18, 2 Timothy 2:19-26 (We find 2 lists given by God that we are to be filled with.)

WHAT WE NEED AS GOD’S PEOPLE: 2 Timothy 2:20-21
1. We Need Faith. Hebrews 11:1-3, John 3:16, John 20:30-31
2. We Need Love. John 13:34-35, 1 John 3:21-24
3. We Need Peace. Matthew 5:9, Romans 12:18, Philippians 4:4-7
4. We Need to be Gentle towards all. Philippians 4:5, Colossians 3:12, 1 Peter 3:15
5. We Must be Able to Teach. Hebrews 5:11-14, Matthew 28:18-20, Philippians 2:15.
6. We need to be Patient. Romans 15:1, 2 Timothy 4:2, 1 Timothy 1;16, Colossians 1:10-12
7. We need Humility. Ephesians 4:1-3, Philippians 2:3-4, James 4:10, Romans 12:3 & 16, 1 Peter 5:6-7
This scripture is NOT about ME. This passage is about me emptying myself and inviting God to fill me, His vessel. With just me it is impossible but with God all things are possible.

1) Let God fill your cup. 2) Be sanctified and useful for the Master’s use. 3) Be prepared for every good work. If we humble ourselves and allow ourselves to be led by the Spirit, we will change. Trust in God and let the Spirit replace your insecurities. What are YOU filled with?