Experiencing God's Fullness Together in Community

Summary

The fullness of God, which once dwelled bodily in Jesus Christ, is now present among us as his gathered people. This is a bold and mysterious truth that Paul proclaims: everything that is true of God’s character—his grace, truth, love, and life—was made visible in Jesus, and now, through Christ, is poured into the church. This fullness is not something we achieve individually, but something we experience together as a community. When we gather, serve, and love one another, the very presence and power of God is made visible in our midst.

Jesus is the clearest, most complete revelation of God. There is nothing lacking in him; to know Jesus is to know God. And yet, Paul insists that the church, as Christ’s body, is now the place where God’s fullness dwells on earth. This is not a static reality, but a dynamic, relational one. As we apprentice ourselves to Jesus, and as we use our gifts to build each other up, we are being formed into his likeness. God’s power works in us not by dominating from the outside, but by filling us from within—transforming us, connecting us, and enabling us to love as he loves.

The story of Paul himself is a living testimony to this truth. Once an enemy of God, Paul was overwhelmed not by wrath, but by kindness and mercy. God’s fullness is not just about saving individuals, but about welcoming us into a new family, empowering us to serve, and making his love visible through us. The journey is not just from sinner to saved, but from isolation to belonging, and from being loved to becoming agents of that love for others.

This transformation unfolds in the context of community. It is here, among imperfect people, that we learn to love, forgive, hope, and grow. The fullness of Christ is not a private possession, but a shared reality. As we gather, we become the place where others can encounter God’s grace and truth. Our lives together are the living evidence that God’s fullness has come to dwell among us.

Key Takeaways

- The fullness of God is revealed in Jesus, and now, astonishingly, in the gathered church. This means that everything God wants us to know about himself—his grace, truth, love, and life—is not only seen in Christ but is now present among us as we live in community. This is a reality to be received together, not achieved alone. [04:55]

- To know Jesus is to know God; there is no clearer picture of the divine. In a world of competing worldviews and spiritual claims, the claim that Jesus is the deepest well of truth and life is both radically inclusive and exclusive. We are invited to draw from this well, trusting that in Christ we see the fullness of God’s heart. [10:16]

- The church is not merely a collection of individuals, but the living body of Christ, filled with his presence. Our unity, maturity, and service to one another are the means by which God’s fullness becomes visible in the world. Spiritual gifts are not for personal status, but for building up the whole, so that together we reflect Christ. [12:48]

- God’s power is not like the world’s power, which dominates and controls. Instead, it is a power that fills, transforms, and gives life from within. This power is most clearly seen in God’s kindness to his enemies, in his ability to redeem even the most broken, and in his gentle, preserving love that steps over us in our weakness rather than crushing us. [28:20]

- Transformation into Christlikeness happens in the context of community. As we experience God’s unconditional love and are surrounded by others who know they are loved, we are changed—growing in love, patience, grace, hope, gratitude, and freedom. The fullness of God is not a private treasure, but a shared life that overflows to bless others. [36:50]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:39] - Introduction and Handout Overview
[04:55] - God’s Fullness in Christ and the Church
[06:10] - John’s Witness to Christ’s Fullness
[07:22] - The Already/Not Yet Tension
[08:25] - Colossians 1: The Fullness of God in Jesus
[10:16] - Implications: Jesus as the Full Image of God
[11:44] - God’s Fullness Now in the Church
[12:48] - Spiritual Gifts and the Fullness of Christ
[14:10] - Relational Apprenticeship to Christ
[15:55] - Prayers for the Church: Colossians and Ephesians
[18:55] - Rooted in Love, Filled with Fullness
[22:30] - God’s Power vs. Worldly Power
[24:07] - Paul’s Story: From Enemy to Apostle
[28:20] - The Kindness of God to His Enemies
[29:23] - From Sinner to Belonging and Service
[32:38] - Maturity and Transformation in Community
[36:50] - Living in the Fullness of God Together

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Fullness of God in Christ and the Church

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### Bible Reading

Colossians 1:15-20 (ESV)
> 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.
> 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.
> 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
> 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.
> 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,
> 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Ephesians 3:16-19 (ESV)
> 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,
> 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
> 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
> 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Colossians 2:9-10 (ESV)
> 9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily,
> 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Colossians 1:19, what does it mean that “all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell” in Jesus?
2. In Ephesians 3:16-19, what are the two main things Paul prays for believers to experience?
3. The sermon says, “the fullness of God comes down to be near us, here with us in Jesus. And then as people like you and I decide to follow him... that fullness is here.” What does the speaker say is the evidence of this fullness among us? [[04:55]]
4. In Colossians 2:10, Paul says, “you have been filled in him.” Is this addressed to individuals or to the church as a whole? How does the sermon explain this? [[04:55]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon describes Jesus as “the clearest, most complete revelation of God.” Why is it important that we look to Jesus to understand God’s character, rather than looking elsewhere? [[10:16]]
2. The speaker says, “the fullness of Christ is not a private possession, but a shared reality.” What does this mean for how we experience God’s presence? [[31:51]]
3. Paul’s story is used as an example of God’s kindness and transformation. How does Paul’s experience challenge our assumptions about who can be included in God’s family? [[24:07]]
4. The sermon contrasts God’s power with worldly power, saying God’s power “fills, transforms, and gives life from within.” How is this different from how we usually think about power? [[22:30]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon says, “the fullness of God is not something we achieve individually, but something we experience together as a community.” In what ways have you experienced God’s presence more deeply when gathered with others, rather than alone? [[04:55]]
2. The speaker shares how being surrounded by others who know they are loved by God has helped him grow in love, patience, grace, hope, gratitude, and freedom. Which of these qualities do you most want to see grow in your life, and how could community help with that? [[33:27]]
3. Paul’s story shows that God’s kindness can reach even those who seem farthest away. Is there someone in your life who you find hard to love or forgive? What would it look like to show them the same kindness God showed to Paul? [[24:07]]
4. The sermon says, “spiritual gifts are not for personal status, but for building up the whole, so that together we reflect Christ.” What is one gift or ability you have that you could use to serve others in the church this month? [[12:48]]
5. The speaker describes God’s power as something that “fills us from within—transforming us, connecting us, and enabling us to love as he loves.” Is there an area of your life where you need God’s transforming power right now? How can the group pray for you in this? [[22:30]]
6. The sermon says, “the journey is not just from sinner to saved, but from isolation to belonging, and from being loved to becoming agents of that love for others.” Where do you feel a sense of belonging in the church? Where do you still feel isolated? [[29:23]]
7. The speaker shares about overcoming personal struggles and addictions through the support of Christian community. Is there a struggle you are facing that you would be willing to share with the group, so that others can walk with you? [[36:50]]

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Close in prayer, asking God to fill your group with his fullness, to help you love one another, and to make his presence visible among you.

Devotional

Day 1: The Fullness of God Revealed in Jesus

Everything that God wants us to know about Himself is made visible in Jesus Christ. There is nothing missing or lacking in Him; Jesus is the complete image of the invisible God, the one through whom all things were created and in whom all things hold together. When we look to Jesus—His words, His actions, His love—we see the clearest, fullest, and best picture of God. There is no need to look elsewhere for a deeper understanding or a greater source of light, love, or life. If you know Jesus, you are drinking from the deepest well, seeing the best version of God, and encountering the fullness of the divine. [10:16]

Colossians 1:15-20 (ESV)
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Reflection: Where in your life are you tempted to look for a clearer picture of God than what you see in Jesus? How can you intentionally turn your focus to Christ as the fullest revelation of God today?


Day 2: Christ’s Fullness Now Fills the Church

The astonishing truth is that the fullness of God that dwelled in Jesus now fills us, the church, as we gather together. This is not just an individual experience but a communal reality—together, as one body, we are brought into the fullness of Christ. Through the gifts God gives each of us, we build one another up, grow in unity and maturity, and make God visible to the world. The fullness that was in Jesus is now present in us, and as we serve and love one another, others can come and see God’s grace, truth, love, and life in our midst. [12:48]

Ephesians 1:22-23 (ESV)
And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Reflection: What is one way you can use your gifts to build up someone in your church community this week, making God’s fullness visible through your actions?


Day 3: Rooted and Established in God’s Transforming Love

God’s love is so wide, long, high, and deep that it surpasses knowledge, and He desires for us to be rooted and established in this love. As Christ dwells in our hearts through faith, we are strengthened by His Spirit and filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. This love is not just for us to receive but to overflow to others, transforming us from the inside out and enabling us to love beyond what is humanly possible. When we truly grasp how deeply we are loved, it changes everything—our relationships, our hope, our ability to forgive, and our capacity to serve. [20:12]

Ephesians 3:16-19 (ESV)
That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you most need to experience God’s love today, and how might being rooted in that love change the way you relate to others?


Day 4: God’s Kindness to the Undeserving

God’s fullness is not reserved for the worthy but is poured out on the undeserving, the ungrateful, and even His enemies. Just as Saul, who persecuted the church, was met with kindness and transformed into Paul, God meets us in our brokenness and sin with grace and mercy. He does not crush us in our failure but steps carefully over us, preserving and restoring us. This radical kindness is at the heart of the gospel: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and His love is always greater than our sin. [28:20]

Luke 6:35-36 (ESV)
But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.

Reflection: Who in your life do you find it hardest to show kindness or mercy to? How can you take one step today to reflect God’s kindness to them, even if they don’t deserve it?


Day 5: Maturity and Transformation in Community

The journey of faith is not meant to be walked alone; it is in the context of Christian community that we experience the fullness of God and are transformed. As we gather, love wells up for those we struggle with, patience grows for those who frustrate us, and humility softens our hearts. We find grace to forgive, hope in suffering, gratitude in abundance, and freedom from the chains of addiction. This transformation unfolds as we are known and loved by God and by one another, and as we intentionally invest in each other’s growth, we become Christ’s hands and feet to the world. [36:50]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Reflection: Who in your church community has helped you grow in maturity or experience God’s love more deeply? How can you encourage or thank them this week, or intentionally invest in someone else’s growth?

Quotes

``Everything that God wants us to know about himself is visible in Jesus. There is nothing missing. Jesus was the whole thing. When you know Jesus, you know God. Everything that Jesus said and did. Everything that Jesus was reflects God to us, so there's nothing wrong. There's nothing falling short. There's nothing that you sort of have to imagine anymore. If you know Jesus, you know the Father. [00:10:05] (29 seconds)  #KnowJesusKnowGod Edit Clip

There's no need to look anywhere else for a clearer picture of God. If you know Jesus, you are seeing the clearest, fullest, best picture of God. And given the number of worldviews and the major religions that human beings practice on this planet, this is a pretty bold claim. They're saying, if you know Jesus, you're drinking from the deepest well. you're drinking from the deepest well. you're watching the best version. This is it. He's the one. [00:10:36] (36 seconds)  #JesusTheClearestRevelation Edit Clip

So there is no other source of light or love or life that we need to seek. If you're seeking Jesus, you're drawing from the deepest well. And finally, Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to God except through him. Now, Jesus is remarkably inclusive, right? He draws in all sorts of people like me who are not worthy, who are undeserving. But in other ways, there's an exclusiveness to this. There is only one best picture of God, one fullest understanding. And Paul is saying, and believers agree, that clear picture is Jesus. [00:11:14] (45 seconds)  #OneSourceOneWay Edit Clip

It's not just a believing in him. It's a receiving this deity to come and live in us. And then that spirit strengthens us with his power. And God establishes us in this love so that we can know how much he loves us and then overflow with that fullness, his fullness, the grace, the truth, the love, and the life for others. So it's a coming to be in us that then causes us to overflow. This is what we do when we gather. [00:20:43] (32 seconds)  #SpiritEmpowersAndOverflows Edit Clip

So going above and beyond anything that's humanly possible. This is us walking on water. This is us offering loaves and fish and finding ourselves able to feed a crowd of 5 ,000. This is what we want to be expecting as we gather here. This is what we want to be expecting when we gather. two or three in his name, or when you meet with your small group throughout the week. Nothing less than the fullness of God that came down to earth in Christ, still being here in us. [00:21:42] (31 seconds)  #ExpectMiraclesInGathering Edit Clip

I was trying so hard, getting it so wrong, failing so badly. And when Jesus meets me, he doesn't blast me to pieces. He saves me, draws me into the fellowship of the other followers, the disciples, and then, you won't believe this, actually sends me out, equips me to go and serve him. This is what Jesus does. [00:25:38] (27 seconds)  #SavedAndSentToServe Edit Clip

We start off as a sinner, then we are saved, then we are welcomed into the Christ community, and we are empowered to serve. I'll do that one more time. We start off as a sinner, then we are saved, which is the moment where I know that I am unconditionally loved. What I am is unworthy, and what I find myself is unconditionally loved. I am welcomed into a Christ community where I belong, and I experience that unconditional love. I know not every church is perfect, but I've been a part of a church since the day I came to faith, and I've been receiving that unconditional love from him internally and from people like you externally. It has made me who I am today. Today, you have made me who I am today. We have made you who you are today. The last step is that we're empowered to serve. We are given gifts, unworthy as we are, undeserving. We are nevertheless given gifts, spirit gifts, which enable us to bless each other. That is incredible. We can be Christ's hands and feet to each other. [00:30:15] (87 seconds)  #SinnerSavedWelcomedEmpowered Edit Clip

Paul insists that the fullness of Christ continues to be present on earth today through the church. But honestly, very few of us experience this consistently in our lives as individual believers. So, don't look individually. Look communally. The fullness of God's grace and truth and love and life is experienced in our lives together. Our lives together as a faith community. We live together in this fullness. [00:31:51] (33 seconds)  #FullnessExperiencedTogether Edit Clip

I find love welling up inside me for people I don't like. I'm looking down right now just so I don't. Patience for people who frustrate me. And as I unpack this, it feels like a softening. I can't be hard against them. I see myself as one with them. I have this humility. I'm not that great either. And a God -given security that helps me to appreciate and even celebrate people who are different from me. This is the one body, many parts that Petra reminded us of last week. I really can be one with people. And this has been unfolding here. [00:34:17] (40 seconds)  #LoveUnitesDifferences Edit Clip

Finding a connection with God and others, which is strong enough to help me overcome my addictions. Yes, addictions. There are many, the ones I share, sugar, sex, shopping, acquiring stuff. They hold me. I learned these as a child. They comfort me and they enchain me. Walking with others who don't struggle shines light on the path. This is how you can do it. You will be okay. And we're here for you. We're going to go through this together. Can you feel it? [00:36:17] (35 seconds)  #CommunityOvercomesAddiction Edit Clip