Transformative Power of Christ's Fullness and Sanctification
Summary
In the Gospel of John, chapter 1, verse 16, we are reminded of the fullness of Christ and the grace that believers receive through Him. This fullness is not just a theological concept but a practical reality that transforms the life of every Christian. To be a Christian is to be joined to Christ, receiving His wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. This transformation is not merely an improvement of the old self but the creation of a new life altogether, a life lived in the Spirit rather than in the flesh.
Sanctification, a key aspect of this new life, is a process where believers are renewed in the image of God, dying to sin and living unto righteousness. This is primarily the work of the Holy Spirit, who separates us from the world and gives us a new nature. The Christian life is marked by a continuous process of growth and development, akin to a newborn child growing into maturity. This process involves the active participation of the believer, as we are exhorted to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, recognizing that it is God who works in us.
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in this process, restraining us from sin, convicting us of our shortcomings, and leading us into deeper communion with God. He enables us to understand the Scriptures, which are the primary means of our sanctification. The truth of God's Word is the instrument through which we are sanctified, and the Spirit gives us the capacity to comprehend and apply this truth in our lives.
The assurance of our sanctification lies in the fact that it is God's work from beginning to end. He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion. This is the greatest comfort for believers, knowing that our sanctification and ultimate glorification are secured by God's power and faithfulness.
Key Takeaways:
- The fullness of Christ is essential for the Christian life, providing wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. This fullness is not an enhancement of the old self but the creation of a new life in the Spirit. [01:51]
- Sanctification is a process of being renewed in the image of God, dying to sin, and living unto righteousness. It is primarily the work of the Holy Spirit, who gives us a new nature and enables us to grow in holiness. [03:26]
- The Holy Spirit restrains us from sin, convicts us of our shortcomings, and leads us into deeper communion with God. This ongoing work is essential for our spiritual growth and maturity. [19:09]
- Understanding the Scriptures is crucial for sanctification, as God's Word is the primary means through which we are transformed. The Holy Spirit enables us to comprehend and apply the truth of God's Word in our lives. [37:38]
- The assurance of our sanctification lies in God's faithfulness. He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion, providing comfort and confidence in our spiritual journey. [10:17]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:12] - Introduction to the Fullness of Christ
[01:14] - Christ as Wisdom, Righteousness, and Sanctification
[02:38] - The Process of Sanctification
[03:46] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[05:26] - Living a New Life in the Spirit
[07:02] - Working Out Our Salvation
[08:20] - God's Ongoing Work in Us
[10:17] - Assurance of God's Faithfulness
[13:39] - The Necessity of Sanctification
[15:31] - The Holy Spirit's Work in Us
[19:09] - Conviction and Restraint by the Spirit
[22:24] - The Spirit's Leading and the Word
[25:51] - Meditation and Spiritual Growth
[29:01] - Enabling by the Holy Spirit
[37:38] - Sanctification Through the Truth
[43:26] - Final Comfort and Consolation
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, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption."
3. Philippians 2:12-13 - "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."
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Observation Questions:
1. According to John 1:16, what have believers received from the fullness of Christ? How does this relate to the concept of "grace upon grace"? [00:12]
2. In 1 Corinthians 1:30, what four things is Christ made unto us? How does this reflect the completeness of what we receive in Him? [01:31]
3. How does Philippians 2:12-13 describe the believer's role in the process of sanctification? What does it mean to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling"? [06:44]
4. What role does the Holy Spirit play in the process of sanctification according to the sermon? [03:46]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of receiving "grace upon grace" in John 1:16 impact a believer's understanding of their relationship with Christ? [00:12]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that sanctification is both a divine work and a human responsibility? How does this dual aspect affect a believer's daily life? [07:02]
3. How does the assurance that "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion" provide comfort to believers facing challenges in their spiritual growth? [10:17]
4. What does it mean for the Holy Spirit to "restrain us from sin" and "convict us of our shortcomings"? How does this ongoing work influence a believer's spiritual maturity? [19:09]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced the "fullness of Christ" in your life. How did it transform your understanding or actions? [01:51]
2. Sanctification involves dying to sin and living unto righteousness. What is one specific area in your life where you feel called to grow in holiness? How can you actively participate in this process? [03:26]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the Scriptures for sanctification. What steps can you take to deepen your engagement with God's Word this week? [37:38]
4. Consider a recent situation where you felt the Holy Spirit's conviction. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? [19:09]
5. How can the assurance of God's faithfulness in completing the work He began in you provide comfort in times of doubt or struggle? [10:17]
6. Identify a specific way you can work out your salvation with "fear and trembling" in your daily routine. What practical steps will you take to align your actions with this exhortation? [07:02]
7. The sermon mentions the role of meditation in spiritual growth. How can you incorporate meditation on God's Word into your daily life to enhance your spiritual journey? [25:51]
Devotional
Day 1: The Fullness of Christ Transforms Our Lives
The fullness of Christ is not merely a theological concept but a transformative reality that impacts every aspect of a believer's life. Through Christ, believers receive wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, which are not enhancements of the old self but the creation of a new life in the Spirit. This new life is characterized by living in the Spirit rather than in the flesh, signifying a complete transformation that affects how one thinks, acts, and relates to God and others. The fullness of Christ provides the resources needed for this transformation, enabling believers to live a life that reflects His character and purpose. [01:51]
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 specific ways can you allow the fullness of Christ to transform your daily interactions and decisions today?
Day 2: Sanctification as a Journey of Renewal
Sanctification is a continuous process where believers are renewed in the image of God, dying to sin and living unto righteousness. This journey is primarily the work of the Holy Spirit, who gives believers a new nature and enables them to grow in holiness. It is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey of growth and development, similar to a newborn child maturing into adulthood. Believers are called to actively participate in this process by working out their salvation with fear and trembling, acknowledging that it is God who works in them to will and to act according to His good purpose. [03:26]
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you sense the Holy Spirit prompting you to grow in holiness? How can you actively participate in this process today?
Day 3: The Holy Spirit's Role in Spiritual Growth
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the believer's spiritual growth by restraining them from sin, convicting them of their shortcomings, and leading them into deeper communion with God. This ongoing work of the Spirit is essential for spiritual maturity, as it helps believers to understand and apply the truth of God's Word in their lives. The Spirit's guidance and conviction are vital for overcoming sin and growing in righteousness, enabling believers to live a life that is pleasing to God and reflective of His character. [19:09]
Galatians 5:16-17 (ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."
Reflection: How can you be more attentive to the Holy Spirit's guidance and conviction in your life today? What practical steps can you take to walk by the Spirit?
Day 4: The Transformative Power of God's Word
Understanding the Scriptures is crucial for sanctification, as God's Word is the primary means through which believers are transformed. The Holy Spirit enables believers to comprehend and apply the truth of God's Word in their lives, leading to spiritual growth and maturity. The Scriptures provide the foundation for understanding God's will and purpose, offering guidance and wisdom for living a life that honors Him. By meditating on and applying God's Word, believers are equipped to face the challenges of life and grow in their relationship with God. [37:38]
Colossians 3:16 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
Reflection: What specific passage of Scripture can you meditate on today to allow God's Word to transform your thoughts and actions?
Day 5: Assurance in God's Faithfulness
The assurance of our sanctification lies in God's faithfulness, as He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion. This assurance provides comfort and confidence in the believer's spiritual journey, knowing that their sanctification and ultimate glorification are secured by God's power and faithfulness. Believers can rest in the knowledge that God is at work in their lives, shaping them into the image of Christ and preparing them for eternity with Him. This assurance encourages believers to persevere in their faith, trusting in God's promises and relying on His strength. [10:17]
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: How does the assurance of God's faithfulness impact your perspective on your spiritual journey? What steps can you take to trust more fully in His promises today?
Quotes
To be a Christian is to be joined to Christ, receiving His wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. This transformation is not merely an improvement of the old self but the creation of a new life altogether, a life lived in the Spirit rather than in the flesh. [00:55:19]
Sanctification, a key aspect of this new life, is a process where believers are renewed in the image of God, dying to sin and living unto righteousness. This is primarily the work of the Holy Spirit, who separates us from the world and gives us a new nature. [03:13:00]
The Christian life is marked by a continuous process of growth and development, akin to a newborn child growing into maturity. This process involves the active participation of the believer, as we are exhorted to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, recognizing that it is God who works in us. [06:03:59]
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in this process, restraining us from sin, convicting us of our shortcomings, and leading us into deeper communion with God. He enables us to understand the Scriptures, which are the primary means of our sanctification. [15:57:04]
The assurance of our sanctification lies in the fact that it is God's work from beginning to end. He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion. This is the greatest comfort for believers, knowing that our sanctification and ultimate glorification are secured by God's power and faithfulness. [10:00:84]
Understanding the Scriptures is crucial for sanctification, as God's Word is the primary means through which we are transformed. The Holy Spirit enables us to comprehend and apply the truth of God's Word in our lives. [30:18:79]
The Spirit leads us to the Word, and every time you have a desire to read the Word or any concern on your part that you may know the Word more deeply is the result of the operation of the Spirit. He leads to it because it is his own chosen weapon. [22:29:52]
The Spirit enables us to understand the Scriptures. How perfect is the work of the Holy Spirit merely to lead us to the Scriptures is not enough. He has to do that, but if he stopped at that, it would be of no ultimate value to us. [30:16:51]
Sanctification is not just something you receive in an experience now; you've got to go on doing this day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year. All that you can get in any conference or preaching service is something to stimulate you to work out your own salvation. [28:09:20]
The Spirit enables us to understand the Scriptures. Most of our troubles in the Christian life arise from the fact that we don't know the Scriptures. There is nothing that so encourages a man and comforts him and stimulates him as the Scriptures. [41:15:76]
The Spirit enables us to understand the Scriptures. Apart from this enabling of the Holy Spirit that is in us, we could never understand the teaching at all. In other words, though we have the Bible, if we have not had our eyes, the eyes of our understanding enlightened and anointed by the Holy Spirit, we'll get nothing in it at all. [34:47:60]
The Spirit enables us to understand the Scriptures. Sanctify them through thy truth; Thy word is truth. In other words, we are sanctified by means of the truth. It is through the truth of God that the process of sanctification is worked out. [37:41:60]
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