Receiving the Fullness of Life in Christ
Summary
In our exploration of the profound truths found in the Gospel of John, particularly John 1:16, we delve into the concept of receiving from the fullness of Christ. This fullness is not merely an abstract idea but a tangible reality that defines our identity and existence as Christians. The essence of Christianity is not a philosophy but a relationship with Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of grace and truth. Our faith is rooted in the understanding that all we are and have is a direct result of our relationship with Him.
The Incarnation is central to this understanding. Jesus, being fully God and fully man, bridges the gap between humanity and divinity. This union was necessary for our salvation, as it allowed the divine fullness to be accessible to us. The Incarnation was not just a historical event but a divine strategy to restore humanity to its original glory, lost through Adam's fall. In Christ, we find a new humanity, a new nature, and a new life.
Salvation is about receiving from this divine fullness, which is inexhaustible—grace upon grace. This fullness is not just about forgiveness but about renewal and transformation. It is about being part of a new kingdom, the Kingdom of God, which stands in stark contrast to the kingdom of darkness ruled by Satan. Jesus came to establish this kingdom, and through His life, death, and resurrection, He has conquered sin, death, and the devil.
The strength of Christ is evident in His ability to bear the weight of our sins, to fulfill the law perfectly, and to conquer death. His righteousness, obedience, and victory over evil are the foundations of our salvation. In Him, we find the perfect high priest who is holy, harmless, and undefiled. His life was a testament to His divine mission, and His resurrection is the ultimate proof of His victory over death.
As we continue to explore these truths, we are reminded that our salvation is not just about being saved from sin but being brought into the fullness of life in Christ. This fullness is available to us because of His mighty work on our behalf, and it is through the Holy Spirit that we experience this fullness in our daily lives.
Key Takeaways:
- The essence of Christianity is a relationship with Jesus Christ, who embodies grace and truth. Our identity and existence as Christians are entirely dependent on our relationship with Him, not on abstract philosophies or ideas. [02:38]
- The Incarnation is central to our salvation, as it allowed the divine fullness to be accessible to us. Jesus, being fully God and fully man, bridges the gap between humanity and divinity, providing a new nature and life for us. [05:20]
- Salvation is about receiving from the inexhaustible fullness of Christ—grace upon grace. This fullness is not just about forgiveness but about renewal, transformation, and being part of God's Kingdom. [15:25]
- Jesus' strength is evident in His ability to bear the weight of our sins, fulfill the law perfectly, and conquer death. His righteousness, obedience, and victory over evil are the foundations of our salvation. [28:40]
- Our salvation is not just about being saved from sin but being brought into the fullness of life in Christ. This fullness is available to us because of His mighty work on our behalf, and it is through the Holy Spirit that we experience this fullness. [46:53]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to John 1:16
- [00:32] - The Fullness of Christ
- [01:11] - The Essential Greatness of Christ
- [02:02] - The New Testament Revelation
- [02:38] - Relationship with Christ
- [03:16] - The Need for a New Humanity
- [04:09] - Receiving from His Fullness
- [05:20] - The Necessity of the Incarnation
- [06:11] - The Mystery of Godliness
- [07:04] - Christ as Our Representative
- [08:49] - The Exercise of Christ's Fullness
- [10:10] - God's Plan of Salvation
- [13:01] - The Economic Trinity
- [15:25] - The Kingdom of God
- [18:07] - The Task of Redemption
- [28:40] - Christ's Perfect Obedience
- [46:53] - The Fullness of the Exalted Lord
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. John 1:14 - "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."
3. 2 Corinthians 5:19 - "To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation."
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Observation Questions:
1. What does John 1:16 mean when it says we have received "grace for grace"? How does this relate to the concept of fullness in Christ? [00:12]
2. How does the sermon describe the significance of the Incarnation in making the divine fullness accessible to us? [05:20]
3. According to the sermon, what role does Jesus play as our representative and mediator? [04:45]
4. How does 2 Corinthians 5:19 describe the role of Christ in the reconciliation of the world to God? [09:38]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon explain the relationship between the Incarnation and our salvation? Why was it necessary for Jesus to be both fully God and fully man? [05:20]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the fullness of Christ is not just about forgiveness but also about renewal and transformation? [15:25]
3. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of Jesus as the perfect high priest, and why is this important for our understanding of salvation? [22:47]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of the Kingdom of God and its contrast to the kingdom of darkness? How does this impact our understanding of salvation? [15:25]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your personal relationship with Jesus. How does understanding Him as the embodiment of grace and truth change the way you live out your faith daily? [02:38]
2. The sermon emphasizes the necessity of the Incarnation for our salvation. How does this understanding affect your view of Christmas and the celebration of Jesus' birth? [05:20]
3. Consider the idea of receiving "grace upon grace" from Christ's fullness. How can you actively seek renewal and transformation in your life this week? [15:25]
4. The sermon describes Jesus' victory over sin, death, and the devil. How can this assurance of victory influence the way you face personal struggles or temptations? [28:40]
5. How can you participate in the Kingdom of God in your community, knowing that it stands in contrast to the kingdom of darkness? What specific actions can you take to reflect God's Kingdom values? [15:25]
6. Reflect on the role of the Holy Spirit in experiencing the fullness of life in Christ. How can you be more open to the Spirit's work in your daily life? [46:53]
7. The sermon highlights the importance of Jesus' perfect obedience. In what areas of your life do you struggle with obedience to God's will, and how can you address these challenges? [29:07]
Devotional
Day 1: Relationship with Christ as the Essence of Christianity
The essence of Christianity is not found in abstract philosophies or ideas but in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, who embodies grace and truth. This relationship defines our identity and existence as Christians. It is through this connection with Christ that we receive our true identity, as He is the source of all grace and truth. Our faith is not a mere set of beliefs but a living relationship with the One who has called us into His marvelous light. This relationship is transformative, as it shapes our lives and aligns us with the purposes of God. [02:38]
John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Reflection: In what ways can you deepen your relationship with Christ today, allowing His grace and truth to shape your identity and actions?
Day 2: The Incarnation as the Bridge to Divine Fullness
The Incarnation is central to our salvation, as it allowed the divine fullness to be accessible to us. Jesus, being fully God and fully man, bridges the gap between humanity and divinity, providing a new nature and life for us. This union was necessary for our salvation, as it restored humanity to its original glory, lost through Adam's fall. In Christ, we find a new humanity, a new nature, and a new life. The Incarnation is not just a historical event but a divine strategy to bring us into the fullness of life in God. [05:20]
Colossians 1:19-20 (ESV): "For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."
Reflection: How does the reality of the Incarnation impact your understanding of your identity and purpose in Christ today?
Day 3: Receiving Grace Upon Grace from Christ's Fullness
Salvation is about receiving from the inexhaustible fullness of Christ—grace upon grace. This fullness is not just about forgiveness but about renewal, transformation, and being part of God's Kingdom. Jesus came to establish this kingdom, and through His life, death, and resurrection, He has conquered sin, death, and the devil. As believers, we are invited to partake in this divine fullness, experiencing the transformative power of grace in every aspect of our lives. This grace is abundant and ever-flowing, renewing us daily and empowering us to live as citizens of God's Kingdom. [15:25]
Ephesians 1:7-8 (ESV): "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight."
Reflection: What specific area of your life needs renewal and transformation through the grace of Christ today?
Day 4: Christ's Strength in Bearing Our Sins and Conquering Death
Jesus' strength is evident in His ability to bear the weight of our sins, fulfill the law perfectly, and conquer death. His righteousness, obedience, and victory over evil are the foundations of our salvation. In Him, we find the perfect high priest who is holy, harmless, and undefiled. His life was a testament to His divine mission, and His resurrection is the ultimate proof of His victory over death. This victory assures us of our salvation and empowers us to live in the freedom and strength that Christ provides. [28:40]
Hebrews 7:26-27 (ESV): "For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself."
Reflection: How can you rely on Christ's strength and victory in a specific challenge you are facing today?
Day 5: Experiencing the Fullness of Life in Christ through the Holy Spirit
Our salvation is not just about being saved from sin but being brought into the fullness of life in Christ. This fullness is available to us because of His mighty work on our behalf, and it is through the Holy Spirit that we experience this fullness in our daily lives. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live out the reality of our salvation, guiding us into all truth and enabling us to walk in the newness of life. As we yield to the Spirit, we experience the abundant life that Christ promised, marked by peace, joy, and purpose. [46:53]
Romans 8:10-11 (ESV): "But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you."
Reflection: In what ways can you invite the Holy Spirit to fill you with the fullness of life in Christ today?
Quotes
all we are as Christian people is entirely and solely the result of our relationship to him to think of Christianity without the person of Our Lord is a contradiction in terms and yet it so often happens people think of it as a vague philosophy it's not it's a relationship to a person and all we are and all we have is the result entirely of our relationship to him [00:02:32]
we need not merely forgiveness we need renewal we need a new nature a new life a new humanity and as we've seen God has provided that for us in and through he is only begotten son of blessed Lord and Savior that's why everything therefore of necessity centers upon him and so we can say that salvation depends upon receiving of his fullness [00:03:28]
Salvation is about receiving from this inexhaustible fullness, which is grace upon grace. This fullness is not just about forgiveness but about renewal and transformation. It is about being part of a new kingdom, the Kingdom of God, which stands in stark contrast to the kingdom of darkness ruled by Satan. [00:15:25]
The Incarnation was an absolute essential. The Incarnation took place because it had to take place. All that fullness of the godhead is not available to men except that somehow or another a human nature can be linked to that godhead and to that fullness and that's what happened in the Incarnation. [00:05:22]
God has given to him this whole question of men's salvation he's handed it over to him it is God's plan we are told that it is a plan that was formed before the very foundation of the world but it is something that especially is channeled through and centered in our blessed Lord and Savior [00:09:15]
God sent his son into this world to found and establish a kingdom indeed God the father has given him a kingdom and he has come into this world in order to establish it here is our Lord speaking in Luke 22:29 and I appoint unto you a kingdom as my father hath appointed unto me [00:14:04]
we have been translated out of the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God's Dear Son it is called a kingdom of light it's called the Kingdom of Heaven it's called the kingdom of God it is called the kingdom of Glory now then this is the purpose of Salvation to come into this ter as it were of the devil of Satan the God of this world with his kingdom of darkness and of sin and of evil and to set up a new kingdom [00:15:12]
he must be perfectly righteous he must be entirely without sin now there is a very great statement of this again in the epistle to the Hebrews in chapter 7 and in verse 26 verse 26 and 27 for such an high priest became us which means such a high priest was essential to us no other kind of high priest would have been sufficient for us [00:22:21]
he must be able to resist and to repulse and to conquer the devil and all his forces why are we in this condition because the devil came in and because he was too subtle for men and too clever and too powerful and Men was too weak and fell now then I say before we can be delivered and reconciled we need someone who can Master our master and Conquer our conqueror [00:34:08]
he is one who must be able to Bear the full weight of the punishment of our sins now here is where the strength is needed who can make atonement for the sins of men who can bear the punishment for sin if thou Lord shouldest Mark iniquities oh Lord who should stand but God does Mark iniquities and God must Mark iniquities [00:38:01]
he has sent him to found and to establish and to build up this great Kingdom of the redeemed those who are rescued from the kingdom of darkness and he will do so until it is absolutely perfect then at the very end he will hand this perfect Kingdom back into his father and God shall be all and in all [00:17:38]
he exercised that fullness on our behalf in those absolute prerequisites to our Redemption and to our reconciliation with God well we've got to leave it at that for this morning but it's not the end of the story there is the fullness of the exalted lord and there is that fullness as applied to us by the Blessed Holy Spirit [00:46:53]
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