Living in the Fullness of Christ's Grace
Summary
In the Gospel of John, we are reminded of the fullness of Christ and the grace we receive through Him. This fullness is not just a theological concept but a practical reality that transforms our lives. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 1:30, emphasizes that Christ is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. This means that everything necessary for our salvation and reconciliation with God is found in Christ. The challenge, however, is understanding how this fullness becomes ours in practice and experience.
Sanctification, as defined by the Westminster Confession, is the work of God's free grace, renewing us in the whole person after the image of God, enabling us to die unto sin and live unto righteousness. This process is not automatic or mechanical; it involves our active participation. It is not merely a sudden experience of purity but a continuous journey of being set apart for God, prepared for eternal salvation.
The New Testament, particularly the Epistle to the Romans, provides a doctrinal framework for understanding sanctification. Justification and sanctification are inseparable; the moment we are justified, the process of sanctification begins. We are in Christ, meaning we are in a new relationship with God, no longer under the dominion of sin but under the reign of grace. This new position liberates us from the tyranny of sin, even though we may still struggle with its influence.
Paul's teaching in Romans 5-8 highlights that we are dead to sin and the law, alive unto God through Jesus Christ. This transformation is not about achieving sinless perfection but about living under a new authority and power. We are no longer slaves to sin but servants of righteousness, empowered by the Spirit to live a life pleasing to God.
Key Takeaways:
- Fullness in Christ: The fullness of Christ is not just a theological idea but a transformative reality. In Christ, we find wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, which are essential for our salvation and reconciliation with God. This fullness becomes ours as we actively participate in the process of sanctification. [00:50]
- Sanctification as a Journey: Sanctification is a continuous journey, not a sudden experience of purity. It involves being set apart for God, dying to sin, and living unto righteousness. This process requires our active involvement and is a work of God's free grace. [02:18]
- New Position in Christ: Being in Christ means we are in a new relationship with God, no longer under the dominion of sin but under the reign of grace. This new position liberates us from the tyranny of sin, even though we may still struggle with its influence. [09:37]
- Dead to Sin and the Law: As Christians, we are dead to sin and the law, alive unto God through Jesus Christ. This transformation is not about achieving sinless perfection but about living under a new authority and power, empowered by the Spirit to live a life pleasing to God. [23:02]
- Empowered by Grace: The reign of grace empowers us to live a life of righteousness. We are no longer slaves to sin but servants of righteousness, and the Spirit enables us to overcome the influence of sin in our lives. This is the essence of sanctification. [32:18]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:11] - Introduction to the Fullness of Christ
[00:30] - Christ as Our Wisdom and Righteousness
[01:09] - The Process of Sanctification
[02:18] - Definition of Sanctification
[03:14] - Misconceptions About Sanctification
[04:43] - New Testament Teaching on Sanctification
[06:11] - Justification and Sanctification
[07:19] - Sanctification Implicit in Justification
[08:07] - Our New Position in Christ
[09:37] - Liberation Through Understanding
[12:43] - Dead to Sin, Alive to God
[14:12] - The Reign of Grace
[19:39] - Dead to the Law
[23:02] - Misunderstandings of Being Dead to Sin
[32:18] - Empowered by Grace
[44:39] - Conclusion and Hymn
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. 1 Corinthians 1:30 - "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption."
3. Romans 5:1-2 - "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."
---
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? [00:11]
2. In 1 Corinthians 1:30, what four things is Christ made unto us? How do these contribute to our salvation? [00:30]
3. How does Romans 5:1-2 describe the benefits of being justified by faith? What does it mean to have peace with God? [06:11]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between justification and sanctification? How are they connected? [07:03]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being "in Christ" change a believer's relationship with sin, according to the sermon? [09:37]
2. The sermon mentions that sanctification is a journey rather than a sudden experience. How does this understanding affect a believer's daily life and struggles with sin? [02:18]
3. What does it mean to be "dead to sin and the law" as described in the sermon? How does this impact a believer's sense of freedom and responsibility? [23:02]
4. How does the reign of grace empower believers to live a life of righteousness, according to the sermon? What role does the Holy Spirit play in this process? [32:18]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your understanding of being "in Christ." How does this new identity influence your daily decisions and interactions with others? [09:37]
2. Sanctification is described as a continuous journey. What are some practical steps you can take to actively participate in this process in your own life? [02:18]
3. Consider a specific area in your life where you feel the influence of sin. How can the truth of being "dead to sin" help you overcome this struggle? [23:02]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of living under the reign of grace. How can you remind yourself of this truth when you face challenges or temptations? [32:18]
5. Identify a situation where you have felt under the "dominion of sin." How can the knowledge of your new position in Christ help you respond differently in the future? [19:39]
6. The sermon suggests that being empowered by grace involves being a servant of righteousness. What is one specific way you can serve others this week as an expression of this truth? [32:18]
7. Reflect on the role of the Holy Spirit in your life. How can you be more attentive to the Spirit's guidance in your journey of sanctification? [32:18]
Devotional
Day 1: The Transformative Fullness of Christ
In Christ, believers find a transformative fullness that encompasses wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. This fullness is not merely a theological concept but a practical reality that impacts every aspect of life. Through Christ, everything necessary for salvation and reconciliation with God is provided. The challenge lies in understanding how this fullness becomes a personal experience. As believers actively participate in the process of sanctification, they begin to experience the transformative power of Christ's fullness in their daily lives. [00:50]
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 areas of your life do you need to actively seek the fullness of Christ, and how can you begin to do so today?
Day 2: Sanctification as a Continuous Journey
Sanctification is a continuous journey of being set apart for God, involving the process of dying to sin and living unto righteousness. It is not a sudden experience of purity but a gradual transformation that requires active participation. This journey is a work of God's free grace, renewing believers in the whole person after the image of God. As believers engage in this process, they are empowered to live a life that reflects God's holiness and prepares them for eternal salvation. [02:18]
Philippians 1:6 (ESV): "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to actively participate in your sanctification journey?
Day 3: Embracing a New Position in Christ
Being in Christ signifies a new relationship with God, where believers are no longer under the dominion of sin but under the reign of grace. This new position liberates them from the tyranny of sin, even though they may still struggle with its influence. Understanding this new identity in Christ is crucial for living a life that is free from the bondage of sin and empowered by grace. Believers are called to embrace this new position and live in the freedom and authority it provides. [09:37]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: How does understanding your new position in Christ change the way you approach challenges and temptations in your life?
Day 4: Living Dead to Sin and the Law
Christians are called to live as those who are dead to sin and the law, alive unto God through Jesus Christ. This transformation is not about achieving sinless perfection but about living under a new authority and power. Empowered by the Spirit, believers are enabled to live a life that is pleasing to God, free from the constraints of sin and the law. This new way of living is marked by a commitment to righteousness and a reliance on the Spirit's guidance. [23:02]
Galatians 2:19-20 (ESV): "For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me."
Reflection: What does it mean for you to live as someone who is dead to sin and alive to God in your daily life?
Day 5: Empowered by Grace to Serve Righteousness
The reign of grace empowers believers to live a life of righteousness, transforming them from slaves to sin into servants of righteousness. This empowerment comes from the Spirit, who enables believers to overcome the influence of sin in their lives. The essence of sanctification is found in this empowerment, as believers are called to live out their faith in practical ways that reflect God's righteousness. Embracing this empowerment leads to a life that honors God and impacts the world. [32:18]
Titus 2:11-12 (ESV): "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age."
Reflection: How can you rely on God's grace to empower you to serve righteousness in a specific area of your life today?
Quotes
Sanctification is the work of God's free Grace whereby we are renewed in the whole men after the image of God and are enabled more and more to die unto sin and live unto righteousness. [00:23:20]
Sanctification is implicit in justification. The moment God has Justified a man, the process of sanctification has already started. God cannot pronounce a man to be absolved from all guilt and sin and that he won't punish him without having already decided that this man is going to be made perfect. [00:07:16]
As Christians, as Justified Christians, we are in an entirely new position, in an entirely new relationship to God. Now, whatever you and I may feel, that's a fact. That's the teaching. You don't face this Doctrine in terms of feeling; you face it in terms of the truth as revealed by God in the Lord Jesus Christ. [00:09:50]
The Christian is no longer under the reign of sin. As Sin hath or once reigned over you unto death, even so might grace Reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ Our Lord. Now, in other words, we are under a new government, under a new power, under a new dominion. [00:16:40]
The result of this complete change in our whole position is, says the apostle, that we are now dead to sin. You see, he says it immediately at the beginning of that sixth chapter: What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that Grace May abound? God forbid. [00:21:01]
The Christian has been taken out of the Dominion of sin. He is dead to the Dominion, the Reign, and the power of sin. He's in this new territory. Now, that doesn't mean, you see, that he is sinless. It doesn't mean that he's perfect. It doesn't mean that he's lost his old nature. [00:29:46]
The moment a man realizes that he gets rid of this sense of hopelessness and of endless defeat and the feeling that he can never get out of it, which makes the Apostle cry out in his Agony, "Oh wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" [00:44:02]
We are in Christ, dead to sin, dead to the law, alive unto God, alive unto righteousness through Jesus Christ Our Lord. [00:44:49]
The reign of grace empowers us to live a life of righteousness. We are no longer slaves to sin but servants of righteousness, and the Spirit enables us to overcome the influence of sin in our lives. This is the essence of sanctification. [00:32:18]
The Apostle therefore, you see, is able to say in the fourteenth verse of this sixth chapter, "Sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace." [00:31:57]
The Christian rejoices in the fact that he is no longer under the law. He is dead to the law. He's not under that jurisdiction. He's not under law; he's under grace. He's dead to the law. He is alive to God through Jesus Christ Our Lord. [00:43:37]
The powers of Grace have started working upon you. You are taken out of the Dominion and the territory in the power of sin, and you'll never go back under that, never. Once God has started with you, you will go on until the work is final and finished and complete. [00:32:18]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 25, 2017. Do you have any questions about it?