“Empty Before Filling” (Ephesians 5:15-21)

Entering 2026, let’s consider this passage as a sequel or second part to either Pastor Sean's sermon from three weeks ago (December 14; using the same text), or Kyle Ferguson’s sermon last week (December 28; Mark 4:21-25) which showed Christ as our measure of all things. Either way, you are invited to see for yourself how this passage speaks to the way to be filled with the Holy Spirit by considering two principles (see outline below. The beginning of a new year is a great opportunity to evaluate your progress and to seek the LORD to begin anew. Additionally, consider using the bulletin insert for your own personal study through the week. 1. To be filled, you must be emptied. (Ephesians 5:15-18a) 2. To be filled, you must be seeking. (Ephesians 5:18b-21) Q. 97. What special use is there of the moral law to the regenerate? A. Although they that are regenerate, and believe in Christ, be delivered from the moral law as a covenant of works, so as thereby they are neither justified nor condemned: yet, beside the general uses thereof common to them with all men, it is of special use to show them how much they are bound to Christ for his fulfilling it, and enduring the curse thereof in their stead and for their good; and thereby to provoke them to more thankfulness, and to express the same in their greater care to conform themselves thereunto as the rule of their obedience. Rom. 6:14; Rom. 7:4, 6; Gal. 4:4-5; Rom. 3:20; Gal. 5:2