Receiving Grace: The Fullness of Christ in Us
Summary
In the Gospel of John, chapter 1, verse 16, we find a profound summary of the Christian life: "And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace." This encapsulates the essence of being a Christian, which is to receive from the fullness of Jesus Christ. A Christian is not merely someone who believes or has had an experience; rather, a Christian is one who continually receives from the fullness of Christ. This fullness is made available to us through the work of the Holy Spirit, who mediates the grace of Christ to us, leading us in sanctification—a process that begins at regeneration and continues until glorification.
Sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit, who guides us into the truth of the Scriptures, anoints our understanding, and leads us in prayer. It is through this communion with the Holy Spirit that we participate in the life of Christ. The sacraments, particularly the Lord's Supper, play a vital role in this process. They are not merely symbolic acts but are means of grace that signify, seal, and convey the benefits of Christ's mediation to us.
The sacraments have been a point of contention throughout church history, particularly between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. The Roman Catholic Church teaches that sacraments convey grace in a material form, a doctrine known as transubstantiation. In contrast, the Reformed view holds that sacraments are efficacious means of grace that require faith to be effective. They signify and seal the promises of God to us, much like an engagement ring seals a promise of love.
When we partake in the Lord's Supper, we are reminded of the death of Christ, the ratification of the New Covenant, and our unity as the body of Christ. It is a time to reflect on the forgiveness of sins, the promise of God's presence, and the internalization of His laws in our hearts. The sacrament is a strengthening ordinance, inviting all believers, regardless of their spiritual condition, to receive the grace of God by faith.
Key Takeaways:
1. Receiving from Christ's Fullness: Being a Christian means continually receiving from the fullness of Christ, mediated by the Holy Spirit, who leads us into sanctification—a lifelong process of becoming more like Christ. [01:12]
2. Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit's primary role is to glorify Christ by mediating His grace to us, guiding us into truth, and leading us in prayer, thus participating in the life of Christ. [03:32]
3. Understanding Sacraments: Sacraments are not mere symbols but are means of grace that signify, seal, and convey the benefits of Christ's mediation to us, requiring faith to be effective. [21:53]
4. The Lord's Supper and Unity: The Lord's Supper reminds us of Christ's death, the New Covenant, and our unity as the body of Christ, emphasizing the forgiveness of sins and the promise of God's presence. [34:24]
5. Invitation to All Believers: The Lord's Supper is a strengthening ordinance, inviting all believers, regardless of their spiritual condition, to receive God's grace by faith, reinforcing our assurance of His love. [41:08]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to John 1:16
- [00:37] - Definition of a Christian
- [01:12] - Receiving from Christ's Fullness
- [01:32] - Christ as Our Sanctification
- [02:28] - The Process of Sanctification
- [03:15] - Role of the Holy Spirit
- [04:08] - Formation of Christ in Us
- [04:38] - Importance of Sacraments
- [05:13] - Controversy Over Sacraments
- [06:09] - Protestant vs. Catholic Views
- [07:50] - What is a Sacrament?
- [09:05] - Symbolic vs. Literal Views
- [12:58] - Catholic Doctrine of Sacraments
- [19:16] - Reformed View of Sacraments
- [21:53] - Sacraments as Means of Grace
- [30:05] - Application to Sanctification
- [34:24] - Unity in the Lord's Supper
- [41:08] - Invitation to All Believers
- [44:21] - Conclusion and Thanksgiving
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- John 1:16
- 1 Corinthians 1:30
- Hebrews 8:10-12
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Observation Questions:
1. According to John 1:16, what does it mean to receive from the fullness of Christ? How is this concept explained in the sermon? [01:12]
2. In 1 Corinthians 1:30, how is Christ described in relation to believers? What roles does He fulfill for us? [01:54]
3. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in mediating the fullness of Christ to believers? [03:32]
4. What are the two sacraments recognized by Protestantism, and why are they considered significant according to the sermon? [08:05]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "grace for grace" in John 1:16 relate to the ongoing process of sanctification in a believer's life? [01:12]
2. The sermon discusses the role of the Holy Spirit in leading believers into truth and prayer. How might this guidance impact a believer's daily life and spiritual growth? [03:32]
3. The sermon contrasts the Roman Catholic and Reformed views of sacraments. How does the Reformed view of sacraments as "means of grace" influence a believer's understanding of their faith? [21:53]
4. In what ways does the Lord's Supper serve as a reminder of the New Covenant and the unity of believers, according to the sermon? [34:24]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your personal experience of receiving from Christ's fullness. How can you be more intentional in seeking the fullness of Christ in your daily life? [01:12]
2. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in our sanctification. What practical steps can you take to be more open to the Holy Spirit's guidance in your life? [03:32]
3. How do you currently view the sacraments, particularly the Lord's Supper? How might your understanding change after hearing the sermon? [21:53]
4. The sermon emphasizes the unity of believers through the Lord's Supper. How can you foster a greater sense of unity within your church community? [34:24]
5. Consider the invitation to all believers to partake in the Lord's Supper. How can you prepare your heart and mind to receive God's grace through this sacrament, regardless of your spiritual condition? [41:08]
6. The sermon suggests that the sacraments are a means of grace that require faith to be effective. How can you cultivate a deeper faith to fully receive the benefits of the sacraments? [21:53]
7. Reflect on the idea of the Lord's Supper as a "strengthening ordinance." How can participating in this sacrament strengthen your faith and assurance of God's love? [41:08]
Devotional
Day 1: Continual Reception from Christ's Fullness
The Christian life is characterized by a continual reception from the fullness of Jesus Christ. This fullness is not a one-time experience but an ongoing process facilitated by the Holy Spirit. As believers, we are invited to draw from the inexhaustible resources of Christ, which include His love, wisdom, and strength. This process of receiving is integral to our spiritual growth and transformation, as it allows us to become more like Christ in our daily lives. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in this, mediating the grace of Christ to us and guiding us in our journey of sanctification, which begins at regeneration and continues until glorification. [01:12]
Ephesians 3:16-19 (ESV): "that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 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 can you intentionally open your heart to receive more of Christ's fullness today?
Day 2: The Holy Spirit's Role in Our Lives
The Holy Spirit's primary role is to glorify Christ by mediating His grace to us. This involves guiding us into all truth, anointing our understanding, and leading us in prayer. Through the Holy Spirit, we are able to participate in the life of Christ, experiencing His presence and power in our daily lives. The Spirit's work is essential for our sanctification, as He helps us to grow in holiness and become more like Christ. By yielding to the Holy Spirit, we allow Him to transform us from the inside out, aligning our desires and actions with God's will. [03:32]
John 16:13-14 (ESV): "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you."
Reflection: How can you be more attentive to the Holy Spirit's guidance in your life today?
Day 3: Sacraments as Means of Grace
Sacraments are not merely symbolic acts but are means of grace that signify, seal, and convey the benefits of Christ's mediation to us. They require faith to be effective, as they are designed to strengthen our relationship with God and deepen our understanding of His promises. The sacraments serve as tangible reminders of God's grace and love, inviting us to participate in the life of Christ. By engaging in these sacred practices, we are reminded of the spiritual realities they represent and are encouraged to live out our faith in practical ways. [21:53]
1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (ESV): "The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread."
Reflection: How can you approach the sacraments with a renewed sense of faith and expectation?
Day 4: Unity in the Lord's Supper
The Lord's Supper is a powerful reminder of Christ's death, the New Covenant, and our unity as the body of Christ. It is a time to reflect on the forgiveness of sins, the promise of God's presence, and the internalization of His laws in our hearts. This sacrament emphasizes the communal aspect of our faith, as we come together as believers to partake in the body and blood of Christ. It serves as a reminder of our shared identity in Christ and our commitment to live in unity and love with one another. [34:24]
1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (ESV): "For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, 'This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.' For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."
Reflection: How can you foster a greater sense of unity and love within your church community?
Day 5: Invitation to All Believers
The Lord's Supper is a strengthening ordinance that invites all believers, regardless of their spiritual condition, to receive God's grace by faith. It reinforces our assurance of His love and reminds us of the forgiveness and new life we have in Christ. This invitation is extended to all who believe, encouraging us to come to the table with humility and gratitude. As we partake in the Lord's Supper, we are reminded of the depth of God's love for us and are encouraged to live out our faith with renewed commitment and devotion. [41:08]
Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV): "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."
Reflection: In what ways can you prepare your heart to receive God's grace more fully during the next Lord's Supper?
Quotes
In the Gospel of John, chapter 1, verse 16, we find a profound summary of the Christian life: "And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace." This encapsulates the essence of being a Christian, which is to receive from the fullness of Jesus Christ. [00:00:12]
Sanctification is this great process which begins from the moment of regeneration and which goes on until our ultimate glorification. It is this process in which we are being made more and more conformable unto the image and the pattern of the Son of God. [00:02:36]
The Holy Spirit was sent by the Father and the Son in order to mediate unto us this fullness that is in the Lord Jesus Christ. That is his chief work. He does many other things, he has gifts to give to men, spiritual gifts, but that's secondary. [00:03:01]
The sacraments are efficacious means of Grace, not merely exhibiting but actually conferring upon those who worthily receive them the benefits which they represent. That is the business of the sacrament. How do they do this? [00:20:25]
A Sacrament is a holy ordinance instituted by Christ in his church to signify, seal, and exhibit those to those who are within the Covenant of Grace the benefits of his mediation to increase their faith and all other Graces. [00:21:04]
The sacraments are not merely a representation; it is not merely a memorial service of Our Lord. Our Lord said, "This do in remembrance of me," but it isn't merely a remembrance. It goes beyond that. There is a giving as we receive. [00:23:32]
The sacrament rarely does convey Grace to us, but on one condition, and that is that we receive it by faith. Now you see the difference between this and the Roman Catholic view. Whether you've got faith or not, says the Roman Catholic, if you eat that bread, you are literally eating the Lord Jesus Christ. [00:24:47]
The sacraments are absolutely essential. So you must go to mass. This is the way you're being built up. You must go to your priest, you must go to the mass, and your priest is essential because he alone can work this miracle. [00:17:09]
When we come to this table, we remind ourselves that these are yours. I must put it like that. God's telling you that they're yours. This is God's action rather than ours. He is telling us in this way. It's the man who puts the ring upon the finger. [00:39:48]
The Lord's Supper is a strengthening ordinance, inviting all believers, regardless of their spiritual condition, to receive God's grace by faith, reinforcing our assurance of His love. It is for the weak as well as for the strong. [00:41:08]
We come acknowledging and confessing our sins, but above all, we come rejoicing. We come with praise and with Thanksgiving. It is a Eucharist because here we realize what has been done for us and what is given to us so freely. [00:44:28]
In this whole matter of our sanctification, the sacrament of the Lord's Supper occupies a unique place. Do this as often as you eat it and as often as you drink it in remembrance of me, in remembrance of what I have done for you. [00:46:21]
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