Living in the Fullness of Christ and the Spirit

 

Summary

In the Gospel of John, chapter 1, verse 16, we find a profound statement: "Of his fullness have we all received, and grace upon grace." This verse encapsulates the essence of the blessings available to those who believe in Jesus Christ. It serves as a summary of the manifold blessings that unfold throughout John's Gospel. The fullness of Christ is not just a theological concept but a practical reality that should be evident in the life of every believer. This fullness is the source of all spiritual blessings and is essential for our salvation and sanctification.

The fullness of Christ is manifested in various ways, including His work on the cross, His resurrection, ascension, and His ongoing intercession for us. One of the most significant aspects of this fullness is the sending of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit's coming is a fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies and the promise of the Father. It is through the Holy Spirit that we can truly receive and manifest the fullness of Christ in our lives.

The early church, as depicted in the book of Acts, is a testament to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. The disciples, who were once timid and unsure, became bold witnesses for Christ after receiving the Holy Spirit. This transformation is not just historical but is available to us today. The church's role is to be the custodian of this truth and to manifest it to the world. The world cannot change itself; it is the church's responsibility to present the gospel in its fullness.

The baptism of the Holy Spirit is not about regeneration, as the disciples were already believers before Pentecost. It is about receiving the Spirit in a new measure, a profusion that empowers believers to live out their faith with boldness and joy. This fullness is a matter of degree, and it is available to all who seek it. The question we must ask ourselves is whether we are living in this fullness and whether it is evident to those around us.

Key Takeaways:

- The fullness of Christ is the source of all spiritual blessings and is essential for our salvation and sanctification. It is not just a theological concept but a practical reality that should be evident in the life of every believer. [02:12]

- The sending of the Holy Spirit is a fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies and the promise of the Father. It is through the Holy Spirit that we can truly receive and manifest the fullness of Christ in our lives. [07:26]

- The early church is a testament to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. The disciples became bold witnesses for Christ after receiving the Holy Spirit, and this transformation is available to us today. [14:56]

- The baptism of the Holy Spirit is about receiving the Spirit in a new measure, a profusion that empowers believers to live out their faith with boldness and joy. This fullness is a matter of degree and is available to all who seek it. [38:21]

- The church's role is to be the custodian of the truth and to manifest it to the world. The world cannot change itself; it is the church's responsibility to present the gospel in its fullness. [09:12]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to John's Gospel
- [01:07] - The Fullness of Christ
- [02:28] - Receiving His Fullness
- [03:14] - Christ's Work on Our Behalf
- [04:51] - The Lord of History
- [06:11] - The Sending of the Holy Spirit
- [08:26] - The Church's Role
- [10:46] - The Early Church's Witness
- [12:21] - Advertising the Church
- [14:56] - The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
- [19:31] - Old Testament Prophecies
- [22:32] - John the Baptist's Testimony
- [27:22] - Jesus' Teaching on the Spirit
- [31:27] - The Day of Pentecost
- [35:00] - Understanding the Baptism of the Spirit
- [41:56] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
- [46:05] - Living in His Fullness

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 1:16 - "Of his fullness have we all received, and grace upon grace."
2. Acts 2:1-4 - The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
3. Joel 2:28-29 - The prophecy of the outpouring of the Spirit.

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Observation Questions:

1. According to John 1:16, what have we received from Christ's fullness? How does this relate to the concept of "grace upon grace"? [00:12]

2. In Acts 2:1-4, what significant event took place, and how did it transform the disciples? [14:56]

3. How does the prophecy in Joel 2:28-29 relate to the events described in Acts 2? What does this suggest about the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies? [21:13]

4. What role does the Holy Spirit play in manifesting the fullness of Christ in believers' lives, according to the sermon? [07:26]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of "fullness" in John 1:16 challenge our understanding of spiritual blessings and their availability to believers? [02:12]

2. What does the transformation of the disciples at Pentecost suggest about the power and purpose of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer? [14:56]

3. How does the sermon describe the church's responsibility in presenting the gospel in its fullness to the world? What implications does this have for individual believers? [09:12]

4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is a matter of degree? How does this affect our understanding of spiritual empowerment? [38:21]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where the fullness of Christ is not evident? What steps can you take to allow His fullness to manifest more clearly? [02:12]

2. The early church was transformed by the Holy Spirit and became bold witnesses. How can you seek a similar transformation in your own life? What practical steps can you take to be a more effective witness for Christ? [14:56]

3. The sermon emphasizes the church's role as the custodian of truth. How can you contribute to this mission in your local church community? [09:12]

4. Consider the degree to which you have experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit. What actions can you take to seek a greater measure of the Spirit's empowerment in your life? [38:21]

5. The sermon challenges us to examine whether the fullness of Christ is evident to those around us. How can you ensure that your life reflects the grace and power of Christ to others? [46:54]

6. Identify one specific way you can rely on the Holy Spirit to overcome a personal challenge or area of weakness this week. How will you invite the Spirit's guidance and strength in this area? [05:24]

7. Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually dry or disconnected. How can the promise of the Holy Spirit's outpouring, as prophesied in Joel, encourage you to seek renewal and refreshment in your faith journey? [21:13]

Devotional

Day 1: The Fullness of Christ as Our Source of Blessings
The fullness of Christ is the wellspring of all spiritual blessings, essential for both our salvation and sanctification. This concept is not merely theological but should be a practical reality in the life of every believer. The fullness of Christ encompasses His work on the cross, His resurrection, ascension, and ongoing intercession for us. It is through this fullness that believers receive grace upon grace, enabling them to live a life that reflects the character and love of Christ. The question remains whether this fullness is evident in our daily lives, as it should be a visible testament to our faith. [02:12]

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: In what ways can you actively seek to manifest the fullness of Christ in your daily interactions and decisions today?


Day 2: The Holy Spirit as the Fulfillment of God's Promise
The sending of the Holy Spirit is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the promise of the Father. It is through the Holy Spirit that believers can truly receive and manifest the fullness of Christ in their lives. The Holy Spirit empowers, guides, and transforms us, enabling us to live out our faith with boldness and joy. This divine presence is not just a historical event but a present reality that believers are invited to experience. The Holy Spirit's role is crucial in helping us understand and live out the teachings of Christ, making His fullness a tangible reality in our lives. [07:26]

Joel 2:28-29 (ESV): "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit."

Reflection: How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide and empower you in a specific area of your life today?


Day 3: The Transformative Power of the Holy Spirit in the Early Church
The early church serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. The disciples, once timid and unsure, became bold witnesses for Christ after receiving the Holy Spirit. This transformation is not just a historical account but a reality available to believers today. The church is called to be the custodian of this truth, presenting the gospel in its fullness to a world that cannot change itself. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live out their faith with courage and conviction, making a lasting impact on the world around them. [14:56]

Acts 4:31 (ESV): "And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness."

Reflection: What specific step can you take today to be a bold witness for Christ in your community or workplace?


Day 4: The Baptism of the Holy Spirit as Empowerment
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is about receiving the Spirit in a new measure, a profusion that empowers believers to live out their faith with boldness and joy. This experience is not about regeneration, as the disciples were already believers before Pentecost, but about empowerment for service and witness. The fullness of the Spirit is a matter of degree and is available to all who seek it. Believers are encouraged to pursue this fullness, allowing the Holy Spirit to work through them in powerful and transformative ways. [38:21]

Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Reflection: What area of your life do you need to surrender to the Holy Spirit to experience His empowerment more fully?


Day 5: The Church's Role as Custodian of the Truth
The church is called to be the custodian of the truth, manifesting the fullness of the gospel to the world. The world cannot change itself; it is the church's responsibility to present the gospel in its fullness. This involves living out the teachings of Christ and being a visible representation of His love and grace. The church is tasked with the mission of making disciples, teaching them to observe all that Christ has commanded. This calling requires believers to be intentional in their witness, ensuring that the truth of the gospel is evident in their lives and communities. [09:12]

1 Timothy 3:15 (ESV): "If I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth."

Reflection: How can you contribute to your church's mission of being a custodian of the truth in your local community?

Quotes

"Now we are still analyzing and considering the this great and profound statement it's here as you see and as you remember in the prologue of John's gospel and my whole contention is that in this prologue the Apostle is setting before us the theme of the whole of his gospel it is like uh if you like an overture to some opera or something of that kind in which the themes are gathered together it's an introduction and in these all these major themes are put before us." [00:29:35]

"Well now then how do we receive of this and I'm suggesting that the obviously the first thing we've got to do is to see how there were certain respects in which it in which it was quite essential that this fullness that is in him should be exercised on our behalf and we've been doing that in detail we've considered what he did while he was here in this world we've considered what he did on the cross what he did when he was buried in the grave how he rose out of it what he did in his Ascension and what he did in his entry into the Everlasting and eternal glory." [00:186:23]

"Now this is obviously something which is of supreme importance that is why so much space and attention is given to it in the New Testament itself because ultimately we cannot truly receive of his fullness and manifest it and make it evident that that is the case unless this particular operation of the Holy Spirit takes place with respect to us and of course this again is one of these most practical aspects of the matter and again one of the most thorough tests which we can ever apply to ourselves." [00:420:44]

"The church is arguing today like this she says well of course in business they only succeed as the result of advertising and they say the trouble is today that the people don't know about the church the people don't know about the church therefore we must buy columns in newspapers in order to tell them about the church what she is and what she does that's what we've come to you see in the book of the acts it was the people who advertised the church in every Revival it's the people who advertised the church and nothing can ever advertise the church except the people the members of the church." [00:710:60]

"Now that's something that has been repeated regularly throughout the long history of the Christian Church the moment the church approximates to this condition in the book of The Acts of the Apostles the world always becomes interested I know of nothing which is more pathetic about the present situation than the way in which the various sections of the Christian church have set up publicity agencies to advertise the church I think it is the final confession of bankruptcy and of a complete failure to understand the doctrine of the Holy Spirit." [00:673:72]

"Now then it was all as the result of this let me put it to you like this therefore The Last Action I say which uh our Lord took in virtue of his inherent Eternal fullness was to obtain for us this blessing of the baptism of the Holy Ghost now let me put it to you like this take first of all the Old Testament witness and testimony with respect respect to this I want to prove this matter I want to prove that it was only because he had that fullness that our Lord was able to do this for us and that nobody else could." [00:896:60]

"Now I've only picked out the most notable examples of this Old Testament prophecy concerning this great event which took place on the day of Pentecost at Jerusalem now there's the promise of the Father the father has promised that a day is going to come when the spirit shall be poured forth in great abundance and Assurance on all types and kinds of people not confined to certain Jan leaders ordinary servants handmaid serve men women everybody young men old men this great profusion with its accompanying manifestations." [00:1314:60]

"Now then what does all this mean what is this baptism of the spirit I can't deal with this subject as it should be exhaustively I simply want to pick out what is most vital for our immediate purpose our Lord did on the day of Pentecost what had been promised throughout the centuries he did what John the Baptist said he would do he did what he himself had claimed that he would do but what does this mean the Holy Spirit was not yet the word given is added by the translators the Holy Spirit was not yet what does that mean well obviously it doesn't mean that there was no holy spirit because the Holy Spirit is the third person in the Blessed Holy Trinity and he's been there forever and forever with the father and the son." [00:2110:68]

"Now this is a very important point you see as I said earlier you would have thought that these men were already in a perfectly fit condition to be Witnesses they had been with him they had heard everything he'd said they'd seen his miracles they' seen him crucified dead buried they'd seen him risen they' even touched him and heard him again in his expositions why You' have said these are the men to be witnesses to testify but no he says you need the Holy Ghost and his power upon you you need this extra somethingfor you can be true Witnesses unto me they' received the spirit when he breathed the spirit upon them in that Upper Room you remember the incident it's the most important one he he said unto them receive ye the Holy Ghost and when he had said this John 20:22 when he had said this he breathed upon them and S unto them receive ye the Holy Ghost but even that wasn't sufficient." [00:2522:28]

"Now that ought to solve a problem which I'm sure many of you got in your minds you read in the 15th chapter of John's gospel that it is the father who's going to send the Holy Spirit of course the father sends the Holy Spirit by giving it to the son who in turn sends it upon us the spirit is sent by the father and by the son but in that order it is the reward that is given to our lord for the work that he has done done on our behalf the spirit was not yet given because that Jesus was not yet glorified." [00:2072:28]

"Now this is obviously something which is of supreme importance that is why so much space and attention is given to it in the New Testament itself because ultimately we cannot truly receive of his fullness and manifest it and make it evident that that is the case unless this particular operation of the Holy Spirit takes place with respect to us and of course this again is one of these most practical aspects of the matter and again one of the most thorough tests which we can ever apply to ourselves." [00:420:44]

"Now then what does all this mean what is this baptism of the spirit I can't deal with this subject as it should be exhaustively I simply want to pick out what is most vital for our immediate purpose our Lord did on the day of Pentecost what had been promised throughout the centuries he did what John the Baptist said he would do he did what he himself had claimed that he would do but what does this mean the Holy Spirit was not yet the word given is added by the translators the Holy Spirit was not yet what does that mean well obviously it doesn't mean that there was no holy spirit because the Holy Spirit is the third person in the Blessed Holy Trinity and he's been there forever and forever with the father and the son." [00:2110:68]

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Transcript
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