Experiencing the Transformative Fullness of Christ
Summary
In the Gospel of John, chapter 1, verse 16, we find a profound declaration: "And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace." This statement encapsulates the essence of Christianity, revealing the purpose of Christ's coming into the world. The fullness of Christ is not merely a theological concept but a living reality that transforms believers. It is the culmination of the Incarnation, the crucifixion, the resurrection, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. This fullness is essential for salvation and is the foundation of our Christian identity.
To be a Christian is not just to intellectually assent to certain doctrines but to experience the transformative power of Christ's fullness. This fullness is not theoretical; it is a vital, living experience that manifests in our lives. It is the difference between a formal religion and a vibrant faith. The New Testament pulsates with this life, as seen in the Acts of the Apostles, where the early Christians, filled with the Holy Spirit, lived out this fullness.
The Apostle Paul provides a personal glimpse into what it means to receive this fullness. In Philippians 1:21, he declares, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." This statement reflects a life wholly centered on Christ, where self, the world, and personal ambitions are no longer the driving forces. Instead, Christ becomes the all-encompassing reality, influencing every aspect of life—thoughts, emotions, desires, and actions.
Receiving Christ's fullness means that our lives are dominated by Him. Our thinking is transformed, aligning with the mind of Christ. Our emotions and desires are governed by His presence, and our actions are motivated by a desire to glorify Him. This is not a theoretical exercise but a practical reality that should be evident in our daily lives.
As we examine ourselves in light of this truth, we must ask: Have we truly received of His fullness? Is Christ the center of our lives, the source of our joy, and the object of our deepest desires? May we, like the Apostle Paul, be able to say with conviction, "To me, to live is Christ."
Key Takeaways:
1. The Fullness of Christ: The fullness of Christ is not just a theological concept but a transformative reality that defines true Christianity. It is the culmination of Christ's work and the foundation of our salvation. This fullness is essential for a vibrant faith that goes beyond mere intellectual belief. [02:12]
2. Experiencing Christ's Fullness: To be a Christian is to experience the fullness of Christ in a living, vital way. This experience is the difference between formal religion and a dynamic faith. It is a reality that should be evident in our lives, as seen in the early church. [07:43]
3. Christ-Centered Living: The Apostle Paul's declaration, "For to me to live is Christ," reflects a life wholly centered on Christ. This means that self, the world, and personal ambitions are no longer the driving forces. Instead, Christ becomes the all-encompassing reality. [12:15]
4. Transformation of Thought and Emotion: Receiving Christ's fullness transforms our thinking and emotions. Our thoughts align with the mind of Christ, and our emotions are governed by His presence. This transformation is a practical reality that should be evident in our daily lives. [29:58]
5. Examining Our Lives: We must examine ourselves to see if we have truly received of Christ's fullness. Is Christ the center of our lives, the source of our joy, and the object of our deepest desires? This self-examination is crucial for a genuine Christian experience. [18:24]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to John 1:16
- [01:15] - Purpose of Christ's Coming
- [02:12] - Receiving Christ's Fullness
- [03:04] - The Necessity of the Incarnation
- [04:13] - Christ's Ongoing Work
- [05:24] - Beyond Intellectual Belief
- [06:54] - Self-Examination
- [08:43] - Evidence of Fullness
- [10:14] - Paul's Personal Glimpse
- [12:15] - To Live is Christ
- [14:32] - Christ-Centered Life
- [18:24] - Examining Our Lives
- [29:58] - Transformation of Thought
- [33:22] - Emotional Transformation
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. Philippians 1:21 - "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
3. Galatians 2:20 - "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me."
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Observation Questions:
1. What does John 1:16 mean when it says, "of his fullness have all we received"? How does this relate to the purpose of Christ's coming into the world? [01:15]
2. In Philippians 1:21, Paul states, "For to me to live is Christ." What circumstances was Paul facing when he made this declaration, and how does it reflect his understanding of receiving Christ's fullness? [12:15]
3. How does Galatians 2:20 describe the transformation that occurs when one receives Christ's fullness? What does it mean for Christ to live in us? [20:33]
4. According to the sermon, what is the difference between formal religion and a vibrant faith as seen in the early church? [07:43]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of receiving "grace for grace" in John 1:16 deepen our understanding of the continuous nature of God's grace in our lives? [00:37]
2. What does it mean for a Christian to have a life "wholly centered on Christ," as Paul describes in Philippians 1:21? How does this affect one's priorities and daily decisions? [12:15]
3. In what ways does the transformation described in Galatians 2:20 challenge the notion of self-centered living? How does this transformation manifest in a believer's life? [20:33]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of self-examination in light of Christ's fullness. What are some practical ways believers can assess whether Christ is truly the center of their lives? [18:24]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Is Christ the center of your thoughts, emotions, and actions? What specific changes can you make to ensure He is the focal point of your daily life? [18:24]
2. Consider the statement, "To me, to live is Christ." How does this perspective influence your approach to challenges and opportunities? Can you identify a recent situation where this mindset could have changed your response? [12:15]
3. The sermon discusses the transformation of thought and emotion through receiving Christ's fullness. Identify one area of your thought life or emotional response that needs alignment with the mind of Christ. What steps can you take to address this? [29:58]
4. How can you cultivate a vibrant faith that goes beyond intellectual belief? What practices or habits can you incorporate into your life to experience the fullness of Christ more deeply? [07:43]
5. The sermon highlights the importance of examining our desires. What is currently the object of your deepest desires, and how can you shift your focus to align with Christ's desires for you? [39:27]
6. Identify one person in your life who may not have experienced the fullness of Christ. How can you share this transformative reality with them in a meaningful way? [07:43]
7. Reflect on the Apostle Paul's life and his Christ-centered living. What aspects of his life inspire you, and how can you emulate his dedication to Christ in your own context? [12:15]
Devotional
Day 1: The Transformative Fullness of Christ
The fullness of Christ is not just a theological concept but a transformative reality that defines true Christianity. It is the culmination of Christ's work and the foundation of our salvation. This fullness is essential for a vibrant faith that goes beyond mere intellectual belief. The Incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit all contribute to this fullness, which is a living reality that transforms believers. It is not enough to simply understand these events intellectually; they must be experienced as a vital part of one's faith journey. This fullness is what differentiates a formal religion from a vibrant, living faith. [02:12]
Ephesians 3:19 (ESV): "and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
Reflection: In what ways have you experienced the fullness of Christ in your life, and how has it transformed your faith beyond intellectual belief?
Day 2: Experiencing Christ's Fullness in Daily Life
To be a Christian is to experience the fullness of Christ in a living, vital way. This experience is the difference between formal religion and a dynamic faith. The early church, as depicted in the Acts of the Apostles, exemplifies this vibrant faith, where believers, filled with the Holy Spirit, lived out the fullness of Christ. This fullness should be evident in our lives, influencing our thoughts, emotions, and actions. It is not a theoretical exercise but a practical reality that should be evident in our daily lives. [07:43]
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: How can you make the experience of Christ's fullness more evident in your daily life, and what practical steps can you take to live out this dynamic faith?
Day 3: Christ-Centered Living
The Apostle Paul's declaration, "For to me to live is Christ," reflects a life wholly centered on Christ. This means that self, the world, and personal ambitions are no longer the driving forces. Instead, Christ becomes the all-encompassing reality, influencing every aspect of life—thoughts, emotions, desires, and actions. This Christ-centered living is not just an ideal but a practical reality that should be evident in our daily lives. It requires a conscious decision to make Christ the center of our lives, the source of our joy, and the object of our deepest desires. [12:15]
Galatians 2:20 (ESV): "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Reflection: What specific areas of your life are not yet fully centered on Christ, and how can you begin to make Him the all-encompassing reality in those areas?
Day 4: Transformation of Thought and Emotion
Receiving Christ's fullness transforms our thinking and emotions. Our thoughts align with the mind of Christ, and our emotions are governed by His presence. This transformation is a practical reality that should be evident in our daily lives. It is not just about changing our behavior but about a deep, inner transformation that affects every aspect of our being. This transformation is a sign of a vibrant faith that goes beyond mere intellectual belief and is a living reality that should be evident in our lives. [29:58]
Romans 12:2 (ESV): "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: In what ways do your thoughts and emotions need to be transformed to align with the mind of Christ, and what steps can you take to allow His presence to govern them?
Day 5: Examining Our Lives for Christ's Fullness
We must examine ourselves to see if we have truly received of Christ's fullness. Is Christ the center of our lives, the source of our joy, and the object of our deepest desires? This self-examination is crucial for a genuine Christian experience. It requires honesty and a willingness to confront areas of our lives that may not be fully surrendered to Christ. By examining our lives in light of this truth, we can ensure that we are living a vibrant, Christ-centered faith that goes beyond mere intellectual belief. [18:24]
2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV): "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!"
Reflection: As you examine your life, what areas do you find are not fully surrendered to Christ, and how can you begin to make Him the center of those areas today?
Quotes
"To be a Christian does not merely mean that you believe these things—that's the beginning, that's the minimum. Without a true belief, there's nothing. But it is equally important to emphasize that belief alone is not enough. The Christian is one who actually does receive of this fullness. It isn't merely intellectual; it is a vital process. It is something that literally happens. Christ is formed in us. We are engrafted into Christ. We are in him." [00:05:19]
"Receiving Christ's fullness transforms our thinking and emotions. Our thoughts align with the mind of Christ, and our emotions are governed by His presence. This transformation is a practical reality that should be evident in our daily lives. It is not a theoretical exercise but a practical reality that should be evident in our daily lives." [00:29:58]
"Have we received of this fullness? John takes it for granted with regard to all Christians: of his fullness have we all received, all of us. You can't be a Christian without having received of it. So we ask ourselves the question: have we received of this fullness? This isn't, I say again, the theoretical matter. This is essential, true Christianity. This is the difference between formal religion and a living faith." [00:07:11]
"To me, to live is Christ. Now, this is, I say, an essential part of the Christian experience. This is the first thing a man says who is able to say with any honesty, 'I have received of his fullness and grace upon grace.' Notice the way the Apostle puts it: 'To me.' He puts that in the beginning. That's emphatic." [00:13:34]
"Christ is the first and the last, the beginning, the end. He's the center; he's the circumference. He's enveloped in Christ. Christ is all. He can't get away from him. He's a Christ-intoxicated man. He's a Christ-dominated man. What does this mean in practice? Well, let me just divide it up. What is our conscious life? Well, first of all, it's thinking, isn't it?" [00:28:02]
"Let nothing please nor pain me apart, O Lord, from thee. Is your happiness controlled by Christ? What is it that makes us happy? What is it that gives us joy? What is it that really gives us bliss? This is a fundamental test of our whole position this morning." [00:34:20]
"To me, to live is Christ. He means by that that his whole life is dominated by the Lord Jesus Christ. His whole life is centered in him. Christ is the first and the last, the beginning, the end. He's the center; he's the circumference. He's enveloped in Christ. Christ is all. He can't get away from him." [00:28:02]
"Christ is all and in all. There are those who have described the Apostle Paul as being Christ-intoxicated. I think it's a good term. He was Christ-intoxicated. People talk about mysticism. This is the true mysticism, the Christ mysticism, this knowledge of this blessed person which makes a man say that he's everything, he's all and in all." [00:16:15]
"To me, to live is Christ. What do we mean by that? Well, let's look at a few negatives which will probably help us. When a man says that Christ is life to him, he means that self is no longer life to him. Self—we all by nature live to ourselves, and the whole universe is something that revolves around us." [00:19:48]
"To me, to live is Christ. What is life to us? There's no more important question than that, and this, in the last analysis, proclaims what we are. What is life to me? What is it that makes life life to me? What is it I live by? What is the thing that keeps me going and makes me what I am?" [00:18:24]
"To me, to live is Christ. He means by that that his whole life is dominated by the Lord Jesus Christ. His whole life is centered in him. Christ is the first and the last, the beginning, the end. He's the center; he's the circumference. He's enveloped in Christ. Christ is all. He can't get away from him." [00:28:02]
"To me, to live is Christ. What is life to us? There's no more important question than that, and this, in the last analysis, proclaims what we are. What is life to me? What is it that makes life life to me? What is it I live by? What is the thing that keeps me going and makes me what I am?" [00:18:24]
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