Christ's Fullness: Hope and Authority in Our Lives
Summary
In the Gospel of John, chapter 1, verse 16, we are reminded of the profound truth that all fullness and grace in the Christian life come from the Lord Jesus Christ. This fullness is not just a personal experience but encompasses a grand, divine purpose that governs every aspect of our lives. As Christians, we are called to think differently, to have a new outlook shaped by the fullness we receive from Christ. This fullness is both personal and communal, impacting our individual lives and the broader Christian community.
On this Remembrance Sunday, we reflect on the significance of Christ's exaltation. After His resurrection and ascension, He was crowned with glory and honor, seated at the right hand of God. This exaltation is not just a theological concept but a source of comfort and hope for us, especially in times of turmoil and uncertainty. Christ's position as the Lord of history assures us that He is in control, even when the world seems chaotic.
The book of Revelation provides a powerful image of Christ as the only one worthy to open the book of history, symbolizing His authority over all events. Despite the apparent chaos and suffering in the world, we are reminded that Christ permits certain events to unfold as part of His divine plan. This understanding helps us navigate the complexities of life with hope and assurance.
As Christians, we are not to fear death or the uncertainties of life. Christ holds the keys to death and Hades, assuring us of eternal life with Him. This truth transforms our perspective on life and death, offering us peace and confidence in the face of adversity.
Key Takeaways:
- The fullness of Christ is both personal and communal, shaping our individual lives and the broader Christian community. It calls us to think differently and have a new outlook on life. [01:37]
- Christ's exaltation after His resurrection and ascension is a source of comfort and hope, assuring us of His control over history and the world. This truth is especially significant on Remembrance Sunday. [06:49]
- The book of Revelation depicts Christ as the only one worthy to open the book of history, symbolizing His authority over all events. This understanding helps us navigate life's complexities with hope. [26:01]
- As Christians, we are not to fear death or life's uncertainties. Christ holds the keys to death and Hades, assuring us of eternal life with Him. This truth offers peace and confidence in adversity. [43:52]
- The Christian perspective on history and life is one of hope and assurance, rooted in the understanding that Christ is the Lord of history, controlling and guiding all events for the good of His people. [28:05]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:10] - Introduction to John 1:16
[00:29] - Fullness in Christ
[01:05] - Christian Perspective on Remembrance Sunday
[02:13] - Personal and Communal Faith
[03:15] - The Danger of Exclusively Personal Faith
[04:20] - Understanding Christ's Fullness
[05:13] - Christ's Eternal Sonship
[06:16] - Christ's Exaltation
[07:24] - Gifts from Christ's Fullness
[08:27] - Encouragement in Christ's Exaltation
[09:15] - The World to Come
[10:03] - Jesus Crowned with Glory
[11:30] - Christ's Position of Honor
[12:21] - Power and Authority of Christ
[13:56] - Christ's Name Above All
[15:24] - Christ as the Lord of History
[17:38] - Christ's Authority Over the World
[19:22] - The Christian's Hope in Christ
[21:49] - Christ as the Lord of History in Revelation
[23:02] - The Book of History
[25:44] - The Lion and the Lamb
[27:35] - Christ's Control Over History
[30:32] - History Christ Permits
[34:55] - History Christ Controls
[37:10] - Christ's Power Over Evil
[39:28] - Christ's Authority Over Empires
[42:13] - Christ's Fullness and Romans 8:28
[43:04] - Christ's Keys to Death and Hades
[45:52] - Conclusion: Crown Him With Many Crowns
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. John 1:16 - "And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace."
2. Revelation 5:1-5 - The vision of the book with seven seals and the Lamb who is worthy to open it.
3. Philippians 2:9-11 - "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name."
---
Observation Questions:
1. According to John 1:16, what do we receive from Christ's fullness? How does this relate to the concept of grace? [00:10]
2. In the sermon, how is Christ's exaltation after His resurrection described, and why is it significant for Christians today? [06:49]
3. What imagery is used in Revelation 5 to describe Christ's authority over history, and what does this signify about His role? [22:02]
4. How does the sermon explain the relationship between Christ's death and His exaltation? [14:31]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the understanding of Christ's fullness as both personal and communal challenge the way Christians view their faith and community? [01:37]
2. What comfort and hope does Christ's exaltation provide to believers, especially during times of turmoil and uncertainty? [08:11]
3. How does the sermon interpret the role of Christ as the Lord of history, and what implications does this have for understanding current world events? [28:05]
4. In what ways does the assurance of Christ holding the keys to death and Hades transform a Christian's perspective on life and death? [43:52]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your personal experience of Christ's fullness. How has it shaped your outlook on life and your interactions within the Christian community? [01:37]
2. In what ways can you find comfort in Christ's exaltation during personal or global crises? How can this understanding influence your response to such events? [08:11]
3. How can the imagery of Christ as the only one worthy to open the book of history inspire you to trust in His plan for your life, even when circumstances seem chaotic? [22:02]
4. Consider a situation in your life where you feel uncertain or fearful. How does the knowledge that Christ holds the keys to death and Hades provide peace and confidence in that situation? [43:52]
5. How can you actively remind yourself of Christ's authority over history in your daily life, especially when faced with news of global unrest or personal challenges? [28:05]
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle with fear or uncertainty. What steps can you take to surrender this area to Christ's control and trust in His divine plan? [43:52]
7. How can you encourage others in your community to embrace the hope and assurance found in Christ's exaltation and authority over history? What practical actions can you take to share this message? [28:05]
Devotional
Day 1: The Fullness of Christ Transforms Our Perspective
The fullness of Christ is a profound truth that impacts both our personal lives and the broader Christian community. This fullness is not merely a personal experience but a divine purpose that governs every aspect of our lives. As Christians, we are called to think differently, to have a new outlook shaped by the fullness we receive from Christ. This transformation is both personal and communal, influencing how we live individually and how we interact within the Christian community. Embracing this fullness means allowing Christ to shape our thoughts, actions, and relationships, leading us to a life that reflects His grace and purpose. [01:37]
Colossians 2:9-10 (ESV): "For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority."
Reflection: In what specific ways can you allow the fullness of Christ to transform your perspective on a challenging situation you are currently facing?
Day 2: Christ's Exaltation Brings Comfort and Hope
Christ's exaltation after His resurrection and ascension is a source of immense comfort and hope. Seated at the right hand of God, crowned with glory and honor, Christ's position assures us of His control over history and the world. This truth is especially significant on Remembrance Sunday, as it reminds us that even in times of turmoil and uncertainty, Christ is the Lord of history. His exaltation is not just a theological concept but a reality that offers us peace and assurance, knowing that He is in control, even when the world seems chaotic. [06:49]
Hebrews 1:3 (ESV): "He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high."
Reflection: How can the truth of Christ's exaltation bring you comfort and hope in a specific area of your life where you feel uncertain or anxious?
Day 3: Christ's Authority Over History Provides Assurance
The book of Revelation provides a powerful image of Christ as the only one worthy to open the book of history, symbolizing His authority over all events. Despite the apparent chaos and suffering in the world, we are reminded that Christ permits certain events to unfold as part of His divine plan. This understanding helps us navigate the complexities of life with hope and assurance, knowing that Christ is in control. As Christians, we can find peace in the knowledge that Christ is the Lord of history, guiding all events for the good of His people. [26:01]
Revelation 5:5 (ESV): "And one of the elders said to me, 'Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to see God's plan? How can you trust in Christ's authority over history to bring you assurance in this area?
Day 4: Fear of Death is Overcome by Christ's Victory
As Christians, we are not to fear death or the uncertainties of life. Christ holds the keys to death and Hades, assuring us of eternal life with Him. This truth transforms our perspective on life and death, offering us peace and confidence in the face of adversity. Knowing that Christ has conquered death and holds authority over it allows us to live with a sense of security and hope, even in the midst of life's challenges. This assurance empowers us to face the future without fear, trusting in the promise of eternal life with Christ. [43:52]
1 Corinthians 15:55-57 (ESV): "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Reflection: How does the assurance of eternal life with Christ change your perspective on a specific fear or uncertainty you are currently facing?
Day 5: Hope and Assurance in Christ's Lordship Over History
The Christian perspective on history and life is one of hope and assurance, rooted in the understanding that Christ is the Lord of history, controlling and guiding all events for the good of His people. This perspective allows us to live with confidence, knowing that Christ is at work in the world, even when circumstances seem bleak. By trusting in His lordship, we can find peace and assurance, knowing that He is guiding all things according to His divine plan. This hope empowers us to live faithfully, trusting in His goodness and sovereignty. [28:05]
Isaiah 46:9-10 (ESV): "Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'"
Reflection: In what ways can you actively remind yourself of Christ's lordship over history when you encounter situations that seem out of control?
Quotes
The fullness that he derives from the Lord Jesus Christ manifests itself in his Outlook upon everything as it manifests itself in every other activity of the Christian and it's very important that we should always bear this in mind now the danger perhaps for most of us who are Christians and especially those of us who are Evangelical Christians is to regard our Salvation exclusively in personal and in subjective terms. [00:01:34]
The Christian faith as I say includes birth he takes up the whole men and thus it behoves us and we can do so in a very convenient manner this morning to remind ourselves of some of the more General aspects of this fullness of the Lord Jesus Christ that we may see it from our own personal individual feeling and experience but also that we may see ourselves in the setting of this great and Grand and glorious purpose of God with respect to us in and through our blessed Lord and Savior. [00:04:13]
He is the Eternal Son of God he is the Lord Of Glory Christianity is the proclamation that God has sent his only son into the world that the king of glory has been here in time we wouldn't be here this morning but for that there'd be no Christian message this morning were it not for that his fullness it's an eternal fullness he is the second person in the Blessed Holy Trinity and he has this fullness of his own right and inherently. [00:05:16]
We see him as this man crowned and crowned with Glory and Honor now this is a most tremendous statement he's already rarely said it in the first chapter and the third verse where he puts it like this oh being the brightness of his glory and the express image of his person and upholding All Things by the word of his power when he had by himself purged our sins sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. [00:11:25]
The Christian is an heir of the world to come he tells us at the end of the first chapter about the angels are they not all ministering spirits send forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of Salvation and the salvation of which we are heirs as Christians is this world to come now he says that's being prepared for us and not for Angels but then he says uh we see not yet all things put under him. [00:09:28]
The history of this world is not in the hands of men finally it's in the hands of the Lord Jesus Christ that's what we are told here he is Seated on the throne he has the kingly crown upon his head all power has been given unto him in heaven and in Earth Jesus Christ is the Lord of History that's a part of his fullness if he hadn't got this fullness he wouldn't have been strong enough to take this book and to break the seals and to open the book. [00:28:05]
There is first of all a history that he permits this is most important now I suppose there's no book that some Mis understood as This Book of Revelation that's one of the tragedies so many people have stopped reading it because of the vagaries of interpretation but you know this book of Revelation was written to comfort the first Christians the first generation of Christians and it has been meant to comfort every subsequent generation of Christians and it has done so when it has been truly interpreted. [00:30:32]
He allows these things to happen whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth he hands over as Paul teaches in the first chapter of Romans he hands people over to a reprobate mind he allows evil to flourish I believe he's doing it at this present time I believe he's going to Humble the pride of the 20th century by allowing a kind of Inferno to open before us not only of bombs but of immorality and vice and evil and sin to shock us out of our confidence in our own abilities and our own education God does that kind of thing he permits it to happen he allows it to happen. [00:34:55]
He is the king of history is the Lord of history and everything is under his power every Power that man has is only allowed he hasn't it inherently and when the Lord arises he destroys everything with a breath of his nostrils and so the Christian is never afraid of evil Tidings as Psalm 112 puts it the Christian never loses his nerve he never becomes panicky the true Christian was not alarmed by Hitler and Mussolini of course not he knew that there was a limit and that when it would come they'd go down and they'd go down in a ridiculous manner as they both went. [00:41:10]
He has the keys of death and of hell and he has them what does that mean it means this that a Christian has no need to fear death doesn't matter how it comes if it comes through old age if it comes through an accident if it comes through an illness if it comes through a bomb if it comes through War the Christian doesn't fear death why he's got the keys of death he's been through he's taken the sting out of it and to die says the Apostle Paul is gain it means to be with Jesus he's got the keys of death he controls it not the devil any longer but the Lord Jesus Christ. [00:43:52]
He not only controls death but he even controls the state and the condition of our departed Spirits after death to be with Christ Which is far better you contrast that with the vagueness of paganism all the vagueness of the elyan fields and the river sticks and so on all the uncertainty no there's nothing like that he's got the key of Hades he takes you through death which can no longer harm you because it's lost its sting and he takes you through that intermediate State you will be with him immediately to die is gain to be with Christ Which is far better. [00:45:52]
He is the Lord of History he's the Lord of death he is the Lord of Hades he is the Lord of all there's only one thing to say therefore he has been crowned with Glory and Honor by God and you and I must crown him say together Crown Him With Many Crowns the lamb upon his throne H how the Heavenly Anthem drowns all music but its own Awake My Soul and sing of him who died for thee and hail him as thy matchless King through all eternity. [00:46:52]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 25, 2017. Do you have any questions about it?