Finding True Fulfillment Through Christ and Obedience

Devotional

Day 1: Misconceptions of Fulfillment

Many people, including myself, have sought fulfillment in money, possessions, power, and even family. These pursuits often leave us feeling like a dog chasing its tail—exhausted and unfulfilled. True fulfillment cannot be found in these temporal things. [02:24]

In our quest for a fulfilled life, we often turn to material possessions, career achievements, and even relationships, believing that these will bring us lasting happiness. However, these pursuits can leave us feeling empty and constantly striving for more. The allure of wealth, power, and status is strong, but they are fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying. The Bible warns us against placing our trust in these temporal things, as they can never truly satisfy the deep longings of our hearts.

Instead, we are called to seek fulfillment in something greater and more enduring. True fulfillment comes from a relationship with God, who alone can meet our deepest needs and desires. When we prioritize our relationship with Him and align our lives with His purposes, we find a sense of peace and contentment that transcends our circumstances. By shifting our focus from earthly pursuits to heavenly treasures, we can experience the true fulfillment that God intends for us.

Ecclesiastes 5:10 (ESV): "He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity."

Reflection: What are some areas in your life where you have been seeking fulfillment in temporal things? How can you begin to shift your focus towards finding fulfillment in your relationship with God?

Day 2: Solomon's Wisdom

King Solomon, despite his unparalleled wisdom and accomplishments, concluded that all his pursuits were vanity and chasing after the wind. He advised that true fulfillment comes from fearing God and keeping His commandments. This is the whole duty of man. [03:55]

King Solomon, known for his immense wisdom and wealth, embarked on a journey to find meaning and fulfillment in life. He pursued knowledge, pleasure, and material wealth, yet he ultimately found these pursuits to be empty and meaningless. In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon reflects on his experiences and concludes that everything under the sun is vanity—a chasing after the wind. Despite his accomplishments, he realized that true fulfillment could not be found in earthly pursuits.

Solomon's wisdom led him to the understanding that true fulfillment comes from fearing God and keeping His commandments. This is the essence of a meaningful life. By revering God and living according to His will, we align ourselves with His divine purpose and experience a sense of completeness and satisfaction. Solomon's advice serves as a timeless reminder that our ultimate fulfillment is found in our relationship with God and our obedience to His Word.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 (ESV): "The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man."

Reflection: In what ways can you prioritize fearing God and keeping His commandments in your daily life? How might this shift in focus impact your sense of fulfillment?

Day 3: Fulfillment in Christ

The Hebrew and Greek words for "fulfill" mean to complete or render perfect. Jesus Christ exemplified this by fulfilling the law and the prophets through His death on the cross, declaring "It is finished." Our fulfillment can only be found in Christ. [05:16]

The concept of fulfillment in the Bible carries the idea of completion and perfection. Jesus Christ perfectly exemplified this by fulfilling the law and the prophets through His sacrificial death on the cross. When He declared, "It is finished," He signified that His mission was complete and that He had accomplished the work of redemption. Through His obedience and sacrifice, Jesus rendered everything perfect and complete in Him.

As believers, our fulfillment is found in Christ alone. When we abide in Him and seek His glory, we experience a sense of completeness and purpose. Jesus invites us to find our identity and worth in Him, rather than in the fleeting pursuits of this world. By embracing our relationship with Christ and living in alignment with His teachings, we can experience the true fulfillment that comes from being made whole in Him.

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 deepen your relationship with Christ and find your fulfillment in Him? What steps can you take to abide in Him and seek His glory in your daily life?

Day 4: Eternal Perspective

Scripture teaches us to lay up treasures in heaven, where they are eternal and incorruptible. Our earthly pursuits should glorify God, and our works built on the foundation of the gospel will be rewarded. Fulfillment is a heart issue—do we serve ourselves or the Lord? [06:48]

The Bible encourages us to adopt an eternal perspective, focusing on treasures that are imperishable and everlasting. Earthly possessions and achievements are temporary and can be easily lost or destroyed. In contrast, treasures laid up in heaven are eternal and incorruptible. This perspective shifts our focus from self-serving pursuits to actions that glorify God and advance His kingdom.

Our works, when built on the foundation of the gospel, will be rewarded by God. This means that our efforts to serve others, share the gospel, and live out our faith have eternal significance. Fulfillment is ultimately a matter of the heart—whether we are serving ourselves or the Lord. By prioritizing God's glory and aligning our actions with His will, we can experience a deeper sense of fulfillment that transcends our earthly circumstances.

Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV): "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Reflection: What are some ways you can shift your focus from earthly pursuits to laying up treasures in heaven? How can you ensure that your actions glorify God and have eternal significance?

Day 5: Intimacy with God

True fulfillment comes from an intimate relationship with God through Jesus Christ, putting Him first in everything. Reflecting on my own life, I realized that many of my pursuits were self-serving. Only by delighting in Him can we live a truly fulfilled, complete, and perfect life. [08:31]

True fulfillment is found in an intimate relationship with God through Jesus Christ. This relationship requires us to put Him first in every aspect of our lives. When we prioritize our relationship with God, we experience a sense of peace, joy, and contentment that cannot be found in worldly pursuits. Reflecting on our own lives, we may realize that many of our pursuits have been self-serving and have not brought us the fulfillment we desire.

Delighting in God means finding our greatest joy and satisfaction in Him. It involves spending time in His presence, seeking His will, and aligning our lives with His purposes. As we grow in our intimacy with God, we begin to experience the fullness of life that He promises. This deep and abiding relationship with God is the key to living a truly fulfilled, complete, and perfect life.

Psalm 37:4 (ESV): "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper intimacy with God in your daily life? What steps can you take to put Him first and delight in Him above all else?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

In today's sermon, we explored the profound question of what it means to live a fulfilled life. Drawing from personal experiences and biblical wisdom, we examined the common misconceptions that fulfillment can be found in money, possessions, power, or even family. These pursuits often leave us feeling like a dog chasing its tail—exhausted and unfulfilled. King Solomon, despite his unparalleled wisdom and accomplishments, concluded that all his pursuits were vanity and chasing after the wind. He advised that true fulfillment comes from fearing God and keeping His commandments.

We delved into the Hebrew and Greek words for "fulfill," which mean to complete or render perfect. Jesus Christ exemplified this by fulfilling the law and the prophets through His death on the cross, declaring "It is finished." This act of ultimate sacrifice and obedience rendered everything perfect and complete in Him. Therefore, our fulfillment can only be found in Christ. When we abide in Him and seek His glory, we bear much fruit and prove to be His disciples.

Scripture teaches us to lay up treasures in heaven, where they are eternal and incorruptible. Our earthly pursuits should glorify God, and our works built on the foundation of the gospel will be rewarded. Fulfillment is a heart issue—do we serve ourselves or the Lord? True fulfillment comes from an intimate relationship with God through Jesus Christ, putting Him first in everything. Reflecting on my own life, I realized that many of my pursuits were self-serving. Solomon's advice to remember our Creator in our youth is a timeless truth. Only by delighting in Him can we live a truly fulfilled, complete, and perfect life.

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Key Takeaways

1. serving. Only by delighting in Him can we live a truly fulfilled, complete, and perfect life. [08:31]
### [08:31]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - Introduction: What is a Fulfilled Life?
[02:24] - Chasing Our Tails: Misconceptions of Fulfillment
[03:55] - Solomon's Wisdom: Vanity and Chasing the Wind
[05:16] - Fulfillment in Christ: Hebrew and Greek Insights
[06:48] - Eternal Perspective: Laying Up Treasures in Heaven
[08:31] - Intimacy with God: True Fulfillment
[09:45] - Reflecting on Personal Pursuits
[10:30] - Solomon's Advice: Remember Your Creator
[11:15] - Living a Complete Life in Christ
[12:00] - Group Discussion: Barriers to Fulfillment
[12:45] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does King Solomon conclude about his pursuits in Ecclesiastes 12:13? How does this relate to the idea of fulfillment? [03:55]
According to John 15:8, what is the result of abiding in Christ and seeking His glory? [06:48]
In Matthew 6:20, what does Jesus teach about where we should lay up our treasures? How does this contrast with earthly pursuits? [06:48]
How did the pastor describe the feeling of chasing after fulfillment in money, possessions, power, or family? [02:24]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Solomon describe his life's pursuits as "vanity" and "chasing after the wind"? What does this teach us about the nature of earthly achievements? [03:55]
How does Jesus' fulfillment of the law and the prophets through His death on the cross provide a model for true fulfillment? [05:16]
What does it mean to lay up treasures in heaven, and how does this perspective change our approach to daily life and decisions? [06:48]
Reflecting on the pastor's personal story, how can self-serving pursuits hinder our experience of a fulfilled life? [08:31]

Application Questions

Have you ever felt like you were "chasing your tail" in pursuit of fulfillment? What were you chasing, and how did it leave you feeling? [02:24]
Solomon advises us to "fear God and keep His commandments." How can you practically implement this advice in your daily routine? [03:55]
Jesus said, "It is finished" on the cross, signifying the completion of His work. How does this statement impact your understanding of fulfillment in Christ? [05:16]
What are some ways you can start laying up treasures in heaven rather than focusing on earthly gains? Identify one specific change you can make this week. [06:48]
The pastor mentioned that true fulfillment comes from an intimate relationship with God. What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with God this month? [08:31]
Reflect on a time when your pursuits were self-serving. How did this affect your sense of fulfillment? What changes can you make to ensure your pursuits glorify God? [08:31]
Solomon's advice to "remember your Creator in your youth" is a timeless truth. How can you apply this advice regardless of your age? What specific actions can you take to prioritize God in your life? [08:31]

Sermon Clips

1. "When I'm asked, how do you live a fulfilled life? You know, in all honesty, most of my life, I didn't even know what that meant. If you go ask a hundred people, what does it mean for you to live a fulfilled life? You're going to get a hundred different answers. You're going to get a hundred different perspectives. Most of them were probably blessings. Most of them probably could glorify the Lord. But sadly, you know, if you ask, how do you live a fulfilled life? You're going to hear, well, money, possessions, power, prestige, position, family." [00:10] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "I think a lot of people, including me, sought a fulfilled life through my, through my family. And, you know, my wife went home to be with the Lord in 2020, and I thought she fulfilled my life, but I was wrong. And I think, you know, I think a lot of people, I think a lot of people, I think a lot of people, I think a lot of people, I think that all of the different secular reasons and things that we pursue to fulfill our life, I equate it to, have you ever watched a dog chase their tail?" [01:00] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "King Solomon was given supernatural wisdom. He prayed for it and asked for it. God granted him wisdom like no other man had had. And he accomplished more than any person in his time, and probably anybody in creation. He had more beautiful wives. He had more palaces. He had more land. He had written more books. He created more scientific discoveries. He did more than any human had ever done. In the latter part of his life, he wrote an Ecclesiastes to his son. He said, son, the end of the matter, when all's been heard, when all's been said, it was all vanity. It was all a wasted life. He wasn't fulfilled. He didn't live a fulfilled life. He chased the wind, is what he calls it. You can't catch the wind any more than a dog can catch his tail." [03:00] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "He said, fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. That's what we're created for. That was our purpose. Relationship with him. We are here to glorify him, not here to glorify me. So when we start looking at how to live a fulfilled life, let's go to scripture. We've looked at sexual reasons for how we possibly could fulfill our life, but let's go to scripture." [04:00] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Jesus said in Matthew 5, he was being chastised by the Pharisees for not keeping the law. And he said, I came to fulfill the law and the prophets. Jesus fulfilled the law and the prophets. He pleraoued. He rendered them perfect. See, Jesus fulfilled the penalty of the law and the prophets for us by his death on the cross. When Jesus died on that cross, it was the pinnacle of all creation. Everything that was created up to that point was prophesied as this coming Messiah who would die for the salvation of the world, restore man back to him. And on that cross, all time led up to that moment on the cross when Jesus said it is finished. He fulfilled the law and the prophecy at that point." [05:16] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Whenever he died, he said it is finished. The word is, it was complete. So that we know at that point, because of what Jesus Christ did on the cross, that to live a fulfilled life, all the prophecies that are to happen are true and dependable. And we know that what God said will happen. Jesus said when he died, it is finished. All things are complete, fulfilled. Made perfect in Christ. Therefore, we can only be fulfilled and have a fulfilled life when we are in Christ. We're only fulfilled in Christ whenever we put him first, when we seek his glory." [06:00] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "According to Matthew 6, 20, he said, lay for yourself treasures in heaven where moth nor rust destroys, where feasts do not just break in and steal, but where your treasure is, your heart will be open. So if we look at this from eternal perspective, everything that we do here on earth, everything that we do on here, earth should glorify him. First Corinthians 3, 14 through 15, Paul said, if the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, the foundation is the gospel of Jesus Christ. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation of the gospel survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, your pursuits, your deeds, the things that you seek to fulfill your life, if they are burned up, you'll suffer loss, though himself will be saved, but only through fire." [07:00] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "So you see, fulfillment in life is really a hard issue. Do I serve me or I serve the Lord? We need to embrace this eternal truth that our relationship, with God, through Jesus Christ, is the only way that we can live a fulfilled life. I'll repeat that. Our intimacy, our relationship, by putting the Lord first in everything in our life the only way that you can live a fulfilled life, a complete life, a perfect life." [08:00] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "Looking back on my life, I look at all the things that I had passion for, the things that I was hungry for. I wanted to promote. I wanted to be the fire chief. I wanted to be the best firefighter. I wanted to be a great dad. I wanted to... I cherished my... my life with Deanna. And all of those things, I probably did not live as a fulfilled life as I could have because a lot of them were self-serving. As Solomon said to his son, he said that, remember your creator and your youth. Remember that the only fulfillment, the only completion, the only perfection is whenever we live for him in everything we do. We only come complete in Christ when we delight in him first in everything. He will take our desires. He will take our passions. He will take everything that we desire and he'll make them his passions and desires for us. Then we can truly live a fulfilled, complete life." [08:31] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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