Longing for Christ: The Essence of True Fulfillment

 

Summary

In this message, the focus is on the profound and intimate knowledge of Christ, which surpasses all other desires and pursuits. The essence of true Christian experience is not merely engaging in God's work but knowing God Himself. This is the ultimate fulfillment of joy, as expressed by the Apostle John, who emphasizes fellowship with the Father and the Son. The sermon challenges us to examine our desires, particularly what we look forward to in heaven. It is not the rest, peace, or deliverance from trials that should captivate us, but the vision of God and being with Christ. This longing for Christ is the essence of Christian life, where He becomes the supreme desire above all else on earth.

The Apostle Paul exemplifies this by expressing contentment in all circumstances, as his satisfaction is found in Christ alone. This satisfaction transcends earthly desires and trials, as God becomes the strength and portion of the believer's heart. The message encourages believers to find complete satisfaction in God, who fulfills every need and desire. It also highlights the importance of resting confidently in God, who is the unshakable rock and foundation of our lives. Even when physical strength fails, God remains the eternal rock that sustains us.

The sermon concludes with a call to build our lives on the solid rock of Christ, rather than on our own activities or experiences. It warns against relying on anything other than Christ, as all other ground is sinking sand. The ultimate hope and stability are found in Jesus, the Rock of Ages, who provides unchanging grace and support in every storm of life.

Key Takeaways:

1. Intimate Knowledge of Christ: True Christian experience is about knowing God personally and intimately, beyond just engaging in His work. This deep relationship with Christ is the highest fulfillment of joy and the essence of eternal life. [23:09]

2. Desiring Heaven for Christ: Our anticipation of heaven should be centered on the vision of God and being with Christ, rather than merely escaping earthly troubles or seeking rest. This longing for Christ is the true essence of Christian hope. [25:36]

3. Contentment in Christ Alone: Like the Apostle Paul, we can find contentment in all circumstances when our satisfaction is rooted in Christ. Earthly desires and trials lose their grip when Christ becomes our supreme desire and portion. [31:36]

4. Complete Satisfaction in God: God fulfills every need and desire, providing complete intellectual and emotional satisfaction. He is our portion and supply, offering everything we need for life and godliness. [33:15]

5. Resting on the Rock of Ages: God is the unshakable rock and foundation of our lives, sustaining us even when physical strength fails. Building our lives on Christ, the solid rock, ensures stability and hope in every storm. [36:47]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [22:51] - The Hunger for Deeper Knowledge
- [23:25] - Fulfillment of Joy in Fellowship
- [24:25] - Anticipating Heaven
- [25:22] - The Vision of God
- [26:16] - To Die is to Be with Christ
- [27:43] - Longing for Intimacy with Christ
- [29:38] - True Discipleship
- [31:08] - Contentment in Christ
- [32:24] - Complete Satisfaction in God
- [34:28] - Resting Confidently in God
- [36:15] - God as the Rock of Ages
- [38:01] - Stability on the Foundation Stone
- [39:17] - On Christ the Solid Rock
- [41:13] - Trusting in the Everlasting God

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

1. John 17:3 - "Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."
2. Philippians 4:11-13 - "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
3. Psalm 73:25-26 - "Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

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Observation Questions:

1. According to the sermon, what is the highest fulfillment of joy in the Christian experience? [23:09]
2. How does the Apostle Paul describe his contentment in Philippians 4:11-13, and what is the source of his strength? [31:36]
3. What does the sermon suggest should be our primary desire when we think about heaven? [25:36]
4. In Psalm 73:25-26, what does the psalmist declare about his desires both in heaven and on earth?

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon define the essence of true Christian experience, and why is it considered the highest fulfillment of joy? [23:09]
2. What does it mean to desire heaven primarily for the vision of God and being with Christ, rather than for rest or deliverance from trials? [25:36]
3. How does the Apostle Paul's contentment in all circumstances challenge our understanding of satisfaction and desire in our own lives? [31:36]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that God is our "Rock" and "portion," and how does this provide stability in life's storms? [36:47]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current relationship with Christ. How can you deepen your personal and intimate knowledge of Him this week? [23:09]
2. When you think about heaven, what do you find yourself longing for the most? How can you shift your focus to desiring the presence of Christ above all else? [25:36]
3. Consider a recent situation where you felt discontent. How might finding satisfaction in Christ alone change your perspective on that situation? [31:36]
4. Identify an area in your life where you are relying on something other than Christ as your foundation. What steps can you take to build your life more firmly on the "Rock of Ages"? [36:47]
5. How can you practice resting confidently in God, especially when facing physical or emotional challenges? [36:47]
6. Think of a time when your physical or emotional strength failed. How did you experience God as your strength and portion during that time? [36:47]
7. What practical steps can you take to ensure that Christ remains your supreme desire above all else on earth? [30:36]

Devotional

Day 1: Intimate Knowledge of Christ as Life's Fulfillment
True Christian experience is not just about doing God's work but knowing God personally and intimately. This deep relationship with Christ is the highest fulfillment of joy and the essence of eternal life. The Apostle John emphasizes that fellowship with the Father and the Son is the ultimate joy. This intimate knowledge of Christ surpasses all other desires and pursuits, becoming the supreme desire above all else on earth. It challenges believers to examine their desires and to prioritize knowing Christ above all. [23:09]

Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.'"

Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to deepen your personal relationship with Christ, beyond your regular church activities or service?


Day 2: Desiring Heaven for Christ
Our anticipation of heaven should be centered on the vision of God and being with Christ, rather than merely escaping earthly troubles or seeking rest. This longing for Christ is the true essence of Christian hope. It challenges believers to reflect on what they truly desire about heaven and to ensure that their ultimate hope is in being with Christ. This perspective shifts the focus from temporary relief to eternal communion with God. [25:36]

Psalm 73:25-26 (ESV): "Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

Reflection: How does your current view of heaven reflect your relationship with Christ? What changes can you make to align your desires with the longing to be with Him?


Day 3: Contentment in Christ Alone
Like the Apostle Paul, we can find contentment in all circumstances when our satisfaction is rooted in Christ. Earthly desires and trials lose their grip when Christ becomes our supreme desire and portion. This contentment transcends circumstances, as God becomes the strength and portion of the believer's heart. It encourages believers to find their satisfaction in God, who fulfills every need and desire. [31:36]

Philippians 4:11-13 (ESV): "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle with contentment? How can you practice finding satisfaction in Christ alone in those areas today?


Day 4: Complete Satisfaction in God
God fulfills every need and desire, providing complete intellectual and emotional satisfaction. He is our portion and supply, offering everything we need for life and godliness. This satisfaction in God is not just about meeting needs but about finding true fulfillment in Him. It calls believers to rest confidently in God, who is the unshakable rock and foundation of our lives. [33:15]

2 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV): "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel a lack of satisfaction? How can you turn to God to fulfill that need today?


Day 5: Resting on the Rock of Ages
God is the unshakable rock and foundation of our lives, sustaining us even when physical strength fails. Building our lives on Christ, the solid rock, ensures stability and hope in every storm. This message warns against relying on anything other than Christ, as all other ground is sinking sand. The ultimate hope and stability are found in Jesus, the Rock of Ages, who provides unchanging grace and support in every storm of life. [36:47]

Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."

Reflection: What are the "sinking sands" in your life that you need to let go of? How can you actively build your life on the solid rock of Christ this week?

Quotes


"first you may find yourself in a sense as a preacher becoming even a cast away but when you put at the center this blessed knowledge PA it had a vision of the living Christ the Risen Lord and yet you see what he hungers for and Longs for and pants after is this further deeper more intimate knowledge of him personal knowledge a personal revelation of the Living Lord in a spiritual sense it's everywhere you see there's nothing higher than this look at the agent John writing his farewell letter to the Christians and this is what he tells them in the first chapter of his first epistle he says my great desire is that your joy May be fulfilled how is that joy to be fulfilled well it's this he says that you may have fellowship with us that you may share with us as partners the Blessed experience that we've got and what is that well he says our fellowship is with the father and with his son Jesus Christ they have Fellowship it doesn't mean that you're just engaged in God's work it means that of course but that's the lowest level the highest level is really to know God himself this is life eternal that they might Know Thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou Hast sent and indeed we have the authority of Our Lord himself not only in the verse I've just quoted but in that other statement of his when the men came to him and asked which is the first and the greatest may I ask another question and I think it is these simple questions that rarely tell us the whole truth about ourselves what are you looking for in heaven or let me ask a question that perhaps should come before that do you ever look forward to being in Hidden that's not being morbid I like the way in which Matthew Henry Once put it we are never told in the scriptures that we should look forward to death but we are told very frequently in the scriptures that we should look forward to heaven the man who looks forward to death is simply wanting to get out of this world because of its problems and its troubles that's not Christian at all that's Pagan but the Christian has the positive heaven and therefore I asked do we look forward to being in heaven yes and in addition what do we look forward to when we get to heaven what is it that we're Desiring is it the rest of Heaven is it the deliverance from trials and troubles and tribulations is it the Peace of of Heaven is it the joy of Heaven all those things are to be found there thank God but you know that's not the thing to look forward to in heaven it's this it's still the same thing it is the vision of God blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God the vision Splendid the summon Bon standing in the very presence of God to gaze and Gaze on thee do we long for that my friends is that heaven to us is that the thing we see above everything else as the thing to cover and to long for well the Apostle Paul again puts it in his own language and this is the more Christian form of it what is to die well it is to be with Christ there's no need to add anything to that and that is why I believe we are told so little about in a detailed sense about the life in heaven and in glory people often ask that question why aren't we told more about it there sir well I think there are two answers to that question the first is this that doing to our sinful State any description which we might have we would misunderstand It's So Glorious that our language is inadequate and imperfect it can't describe it but I think there's a second reason it's the one I'm referring to now and it's even more important it is an idal curiosity that desire to know more I'll tell you what heaven is to be with Christ and if that doesn't satisfy you well then you don't know Christ that's all what is Heaven to Me whom have I in heaven but these says this men I don't want anything else whatever thou art that is hidden just to look at thee to be with Christ it's all it's everything it's enough it's more than enough whom have I in heaven but the oh my friends how much do we know of this experience we are not modernists we are not liberals we are better than these other people I know but what a poor standard there are certain things we don't do we've had certain experiences we've enjoyed certain blessings all right but this is the test do you know him do you long for him just to be with him to be conversing with him do you pent after him are you thirsting after the Living God and for this intimacy with the Lord Jesus Christ that's Christian experience how much time do we take to spend with him and to think about him and to speak to him to pray to him whomever in heaven heaven but thee and in the same way he goes on to say and there is none upon Earth that I desire beside thee again let us notice that the psalmist says this of course because that was as I've already indicated the very essence of his previous trouble it was because he was Desiring certain other things on earth he'd very nearly gone these ungodly look at them no bends in their death their eyes stand out with fatness their business flourishes their children not ill there are no bends in their death look what they're having on Earth and in this world and he wanted those things but he no longer wants them he's seen through all that not now there is none upon Earth that I desire beside thee God Alone in heaven God Alone on Earth the scripture again is full of this listen to the Lord Jesus Christ putting this in his way I'm going to You Luke 14:26 If any man come to me and hate not his father and his mother and wife and children and Brethren and sisters yay and his own life also he cannot be my disciple don't worry about that word hate it's simply a strong word which is meant to say this that any man who puts anybody body or anything in his life before Christ is not a true disciple of his to be a true disciple of Christ means that he comes first on Earth before everybody before everything Christ at the center Christ the lord of my life Christ on the throne of my being that I love him first before everyone and everything none on Earth that I desire beside thee does he come I wonder first in our lives even before our loved ones and nearest and dearest even before my work before my success before my busyness before anything else even while we are here in this world and on Earth he should be our Supreme desire to me to live is what it's Christ Christ himself to be walking through this world with him to be having fellowship with him in the light that's the test and you see it was because he had come to that that the Apostle Paul is able to say the remarkable and amazing things that he says in the fourth chapter of the epistle to the to the Philippians he tells us there that he has learned in whatsoever State he is there with therein to be content I know he says both how to be a Bast and how to abound why well things no longer Captivate things no longer control it's Christ it's Christ I want if I have Christ I have all if I've got nothing to eat I have Christ if I've only amies I still have Christ is Christ I'm living on I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me you're made independent of circumstances and surroundings of accident and living on him and by him and for him other things tail into insignificance do we desire him above everything as we are going through this Earthly pilgrimage the psalmist had come to that let me go on to the next thing which is this he tells us that he finds complete satisfaction in him the whole statement means that doesn't it but he puts it in particular whom have I in heaven but thee and there is none on Earth that I desire beside thee My Flesh and my heart fath but God is the strength of my heart and my portion that's it my portion forever his portion his Supply his satisfaction his everything there is nothing that he can desire but that God gives it him what is god well he's a son and the field he gives Grace and Glory there's no end to it I mustn't keep you he finds that God satisfies him completely his mind his heart his whole men do you find complete intellectual satisfaction in God and in his holy word do you feel that you've got all philosophy here and that you need nothing Beyond it it is here God satisfies the Mind completely to overflowing and the Heart the affections he fills everything Ransom healed restored forgiven who like thee his prey should s that's it God is all and in all he's everything my portion my complete satisfaction I desire nothing else I want nothing in addition or read the Psalms and you'll find that overflowing with it read the3rd s that's exactly what the men saying there Health thy diseases and thy sicknesses casts his sins behind you gives you strength and power everything there is nothing you can ever need or desire within or without God will give it he's fully Satisfied by this blessed glorious God and then that brings him to the last he rests confidently in God he desires God for himself and for his own sake rather than what he gives he desires nothing but God he finds complete satisfaction in God and he rests and reposes confidently in God listen to it my flesh and my heart fail there are those who say that he was describing an experience at the time as well as in the future future and probably they may be right because you know you can't pass through a spiritual experience such as this man pass through without your physical body suffering I believe this man's nerves were in a bad State his very body was suffering you may have had digestive troubles he may have had other troubles his even physical heart may have been misbehaving in a sense My Flesh and my heart form he was in a bad State physical and in any case looking to the future he knows that a day is bound to come when his flesh and his heart will fail he'll become an old man his faculties will fail him his strength will falter he'll become feeble he won't be able to feed himself perhaps he'll be lying helpless in a bed everything seems to be going and slipping away it's all right says this man even when that happens God the same God still is the strength of my heart now it's generally agreed that the word that was used which is translated here as strength is the word Rock but God is the rock of my heart and my portion forever I rather like that because you see it conjures up an image in our minds and the image is this oh yes says this man I know him now in such a way that I can rest quietly and confidently in him I know I can even say this he says though a day may come when I shall feel the very foundations of Life quaking and shaking beneath me God will be the rock that will hold me he cannot be moved he cannot be shifted he's the Rock of Ages and whatever I am and whatever is happening and when my physical flame is dissolving and when Heaven and Earth are passing away God The Rock will still sustain me and I shall never be moved God is the rock the strength of my heart forever oh the Bible is never tired of saying it listen to another saying it visualizing terrible conditions which may come to pass this is the comfort and the consolation that is given underneath yes you're dropping in space your foundations of Life have gone everything you've built on is crashing you don't know where you are no what's going to happen and you're going down into an abyss no no underneath and they're always there underneath are the Everlasting Arms they'll always hold you you'll never finally collapse you'll be held when everything is gone God is the rock oh listen to Isaiah putting it it's the same thing he talks about that foundation stone that sure tried tested foundation stone that has been set and what he says is this he that believeth shall never make haste a better translation is this as you get it in the New Testament he that believeth shall never be confounded he that believeth shall never be put to shame why he's on the Rock he's got this stability he's got this foundation and it cannot be moved nothing can move it it's God himself and on this rock though my flesh and my heart May Fail I shall never be moved I shall never be taken by surprise I shall never be put to shame God will see me right very well let me try and sum it up in a hymn which our less is is not in our himm book but let me read it to you this is the final confession of the Christian my hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness I dare not trust my sweetest frame but holy lean on Jesus name on Christ the solid rock I Stand All all other ground is sinking sand when darkness seems to Veil his face I rest on his unchanging Grace in every high and stormy Gale my anchor holds within the veil on Christ the solid rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand his Earth his Covenant and blood support me in the whelming flood when all around my soul gives way he then is All My Hope and stay on Christ the solid rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand that's it my friends do we know it are we on the Rock do we know him don't live on your work don't live on your own business on your own activity don't live on your experiences live on nothing they'll all go you'll have the devil suggesting to them that they can be explained psychologically you become old and tired the greatest tragedy I think I've ever known in this world was to see a man who' been engaged throughout a long busy active life in Christian work dying for months and apparently having nothing to fall back back upon he had without knowing it but he'd been living on his own activity a terrible state to be in let's live on nothing let's trust to nothing but to him who is the Rock of Ages the Everlasting God on Christ the solid rock I st all other ground is singing s" [00:22:39]

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Transcript
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