Yearning for God's Fullness: A Call to Spiritual Hunger
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the profound story of Elijah and Elisha, focusing on the concept of spiritual hunger and the desire for a double portion of God's Spirit. Elisha's request for a double portion of Elijah's spirit was not born out of pride but out of a deep yearning to serve God more fully. This story teaches us that God is willing to pour out His Spirit abundantly, but it requires our active desire and pursuit. Too often, we become complacent, satisfied with the status quo, when God has so much more for us.
We also explored the importance of comprehending the fullness of God. Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21 emphasizes that we need to grasp the width, length, depth, and height of Christ's love to be filled with all the fullness of God. This fullness is not just a theological concept but a lived experience that transforms our daily lives. It requires us to be aware of God's indwelling presence and to live in a way that reflects His holiness and love.
Moreover, we discussed the necessity of being filled with the fullness of God, which means living a life that is complete and fully provided for by Him. This involves understanding that God is our source and that His Spirit works within us to accomplish His purposes. We must be willing to press in, to seek more of God, and to allow His Spirit to lead and guide us in every aspect of our lives.
Finally, we touched on the practical aspects of living out this fullness. This includes being aware of God's presence in our daily actions, allowing His Spirit to guide our decisions, and being ready to respond in a Christ-like manner even in challenging situations. The story of my encounter with an irate individual last Friday served as a real-life example of how the Spirit of God can guide us through difficult circumstances, providing wisdom and self-control.
### Key Takeaways
1. Spiritual Hunger and Desire for More: Elisha's request for a double portion of Elijah's spirit teaches us the importance of spiritual hunger. This hunger is not about pride but a deep desire to serve God more fully. God is willing to pour out His Spirit abundantly, but it requires our active pursuit and desire. [23:54]
2. Comprehending the Fullness of God: Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3 emphasizes the need to grasp the dimensions of Christ's love to be filled with all the fullness of God. This fullness transforms our daily lives and requires us to be aware of God's indwelling presence, living in a way that reflects His holiness and love. [39:49]
3. Living a Life of Fullness: Being filled with the fullness of God means living a life that is complete and fully provided for by Him. It involves understanding that God is our source and that His Spirit works within us to accomplish His purposes. We must be willing to press in and seek more of God. [01:00:44]
4. Practical Application of God’s Presence: Living out the fullness of God involves being aware of His presence in our daily actions and allowing His Spirit to guide our decisions. This awareness helps us respond in a Christ-like manner even in challenging situations, as illustrated by the story of my encounter with an irate individual. [47:50]
5. The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is our helper, intercessor, and guide. He convicts us, leads us, and empowers us to live a life that glorifies God. We must be sensitive to His leading and allow Him to transform us into the image of Christ. [01:10:08]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[18:09] - Honoring God with Our Giving
[20:17] - Measures of Faith
[21:48] - Elijah and Elisha: A Double Portion
[22:46] - The Hunger for More
[23:54] - Spiritual Desire and Service
[25:53] - Complacency vs. Spiritual Hunger
[27:34] - Personal Encounters with God
[28:55] - The Need for Authenticity
[29:59] - Historical Examples of God's Move
[31:31] - Embracing God's Strength and Wisdom
[33:12] - The Early Church's Commitment
[34:10] - Living from Glory to Glory
[35:25] - The Fullness of God
[37:45] - Paul's Prayer in Ephesians 3
[39:49] - Comprehending God's Love
[42:05] - Responsibility to Understand
[45:17] - Real-Life Testing of Faith
[47:50] - Practical Application of God's Presence
[50:07] - Embracing the Spirit of God
[53:24] - God as Our Financial Planner
[55:22] - Inheritance in Christ
[58:05] - Pressing In for More
[01:00:44] - Being Filled with God's Fullness
[01:03:15] - The Power at Work in Us
[01:06:04] - Waiting for God's Power
[01:10:08] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[01:13:01] - Transformation into Christ's Image
[01:15:10] - Returning to Our First Love
[01:18:28] - Embracing the Spirit's Guidance
[01:22:38] - Closing Prayer and Encouragement
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Kings 2:9-10 - "When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, 'Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?' 'Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,' Elisha replied. 'You have asked a difficult thing,' Elijah said, 'yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise, it will not.'"
2. Ephesians 3:14-21 - "For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."
3. Philippians 3:12-14 - "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Elisha's request to Elijah before Elijah was taken up to heaven? (2 Kings 2:9-10)
2. According to Ephesians 3:14-21, what does Paul pray for believers to comprehend and experience?
3. In Philippians 3:12-14, what does Paul say about his own spiritual journey and his approach to growth?
4. How did the pastor describe his encounter with the irate individual and what lesson did he draw from it? [47:50]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah's spirit? What does this request reveal about his character and his spiritual hunger? (2 Kings 2:9-10)
2. How does comprehending the dimensions of Christ's love (width, length, depth, and height) impact a believer's life according to Ephesians 3:14-21? [39:49]
3. What does Paul mean by "pressing on" in Philippians 3:12-14, and how does this relate to the concept of spiritual growth and maturity?
4. Reflecting on the pastor's story, how can being aware of God's presence help us respond in a Christ-like manner in challenging situations? [47:50]
#### Application Questions
1. Elisha's request for a double portion of Elijah's spirit was driven by a deep desire to serve God more fully. What steps can you take to cultivate a similar spiritual hunger in your own life? [23:54]
2. Paul prays for believers to grasp the fullness of Christ's love. How can you become more aware of God's indwelling presence in your daily life? What practical changes can you make to reflect His holiness and love? [39:49]
3. The pastor mentioned the importance of pressing in and seeking more of God. What specific actions can you take this week to "press in" and deepen your relationship with God? [01:00:44]
4. In the story of the irate individual, the pastor demonstrated self-control and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Think of a recent challenging situation you faced. How could you have responded differently by being more aware of God's presence? [47:50]
5. The sermon emphasized the role of the Holy Spirit as our helper and guide. How can you become more sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading in your daily decisions and interactions? [01:10:08]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt complacent in your spiritual journey. What can you do to reignite your passion for God and avoid spiritual complacency in the future? [25:53]
7. The pastor spoke about the practical application of God's presence in our lives. Identify one area of your life where you need to allow God's Spirit to guide you more fully. What steps will you take to make this happen? [47:50]
Devotional
### Day 1: Spiritual Hunger and Desire for More
Elisha's request for a double portion of Elijah's spirit is a profound example of spiritual hunger. This hunger is not about seeking personal glory but a deep desire to serve God more fully. Elisha's request shows that God is willing to pour out His Spirit abundantly, but it requires our active pursuit and desire. Too often, we become complacent, satisfied with the status quo, when God has so much more for us. This spiritual hunger is a call to move beyond complacency and actively seek more of God's presence and power in our lives. [23:54]
Bible Passage: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." (Matthew 5:6, ESV)
Reflection: What areas of your spiritual life have you become complacent in? How can you actively pursue more of God's presence and power today?
### Day 2: Comprehending the Fullness of God
Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3 emphasizes the need to grasp the dimensions of Christ's love to be filled with all the fullness of God. This fullness is not just a theological concept but a lived experience that transforms our daily lives. It requires us to be aware of God's indwelling presence and to live in a way that reflects His holiness and love. Understanding the fullness of God means recognizing the vastness of His love and allowing it to permeate every aspect of our lives, leading to a deeper relationship with Him. [39:49]
Bible Passage: "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." (Ephesians 3:17-18, ESV)
Reflection: How can you become more aware of God's indwelling presence in your daily life? What steps can you take to reflect His holiness and love in your actions today?
### Day 3: Living a Life of Fullness
Being filled with the fullness of God means living a life that is complete and fully provided for by Him. It involves understanding that God is our source and that His Spirit works within us to accomplish His purposes. We must be willing to press in and seek more of God, recognizing that He is the one who provides for all our needs. This fullness is about living a life that is not lacking in any area because we are fully dependent on God and His provision. [01:00:44]
Bible Passage: "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to trust God more fully as your source? How can you seek more of His presence and provision today?
### Day 4: Practical Application of God’s Presence
Living out the fullness of God involves being aware of His presence in our daily actions and allowing His Spirit to guide our decisions. This awareness helps us respond in a Christ-like manner even in challenging situations. The story of an encounter with an irate individual illustrates how the Spirit of God can guide us through difficult circumstances, providing wisdom and self-control. Being aware of God's presence means inviting Him into every aspect of our lives and allowing His Spirit to lead us. [47:50]
Bible Passage: "If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit." (Galatians 5:25, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent challenging situation you faced. How could you have responded differently if you were more aware of God's presence and guidance? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to lead you in similar situations in the future?
### Day 5: The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is our helper, intercessor, and guide. He convicts us, leads us, and empowers us to live a life that glorifies God. We must be sensitive to His leading and allow Him to transform us into the image of Christ. The Holy Spirit's role is crucial in our spiritual journey, as He helps us understand God's will and empowers us to live it out. Being sensitive to the Holy Spirit means being open to His guidance and allowing Him to work in and through us. [01:10:08]
Bible Passage: "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." (John 14:26, ESV)
Reflection: How can you become more sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading in your life? What steps can you take to allow Him to transform you into the image of Christ today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Your measure depends, the Spirit of God's measure in your life depends on you. God is willing and able, but he needs you to want it. As a student of the Bible, Elijah did twice as many miracles as Elijah did. That's theological fact. To the letter, he got his double portion. But what really touches me is what surrounds this. It amazes me that we have, you know, he, what if he says, well, let me get a little more of your anointing. No, he asked for a double. He wanted more." [23:54] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God wants so much more for us than we're experiencing. too often we get really comfortable. If our belly's full and our bills are paid, we get comfortable. If there's no drama, no problem, you know, we have a tendency of laying back and not pressing in. There's a tendency of not pressing in. There's a lesson to be learned in Elijah's response to want more. Twice as much as the, as the, as the prophet he served." [25:53] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When God shows up, people come. And so, this story with Elijah wanting a double portion really shows us his, what compelled him, what drove him, what, right, what was most important to him was to, was for God to bring him glory. But he wanted to be a vessel, just like the man that he served. But he wanted to do twice as much as he did." [29:59] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We have a tendency of getting really complacent. We say we love God, but we don't talk much to him. We say we love him, but we don't commune. Matter of fact, you know more of the Bible written word than you've experienced. I've experienced personal encounters with God personally. are times when I encountered God so personally that God showed himself so real to me that those things are like, it anchors me, moves me to a place where I know that I know he is faithful and just and up alongside me." [27:34] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If God showed up here powerfully, the word will get out. If God came in and moved miraculously in some lives, most of you would not be coming so late because you may not find seats, that seat that you're accustomed to. People will start coming in early. And that's just, that's a historical fact, you know? In Azuzu Street, when God started moving people, man, people were lined up to go to church, lined up. I haven't seen a line in this church ever." [29:59] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Your measure depends, the Spirit of God's measure in your life. life depends on you. God is willing and able, but he needs you to want it. As a student of the Bible, Elijah did twice as many miracles as Elijah did. That's theological fact. To the letter, he got his double portion. But what really touches me is what surrounds this. It amazes me that we have, you know, he, what if he says, well, let me get a little more of your anointing. No, he asked for a double. He wanted more." [23:54] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We have a tendency of getting really complacent. We say we love God, but we don't talk much to him. We say we love him, but we don't commune. Matter of fact, you know more of the Bible written word than you've experienced. I've experienced personal encounters with God personally. are times when I encountered God so personally that God showed himself so real to me that those things are like, it anchors me, moves me to a place where I know that I know he is faithful and just and up alongside me." [27:34] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When God shows up, people come. And so, this story with Elijah wanting a double portion really shows us his, what compelled him, what drove him, what, right, what was most important to him was to, was for God to bring him glory. But he wanted to be a vessel, just like the man that he served. But he wanted to do twice as much as he did." [29:59] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We need to understand, comprehend his indwelling presence. And we need to live our lives every day with the awareness of that. When I go to sleep, when I get up, that, that has been so real to me. I remember one time, you know, my car broke down. Didn't have no money to fix it. I had to tie something up. It broke near where I lived. So I had to make a mix shift, tied the front end with some rope and just, you know, tie I ran my own house and was able to push it to the house. But couldn't drive it. Only one wheel turned." [51:16] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We need to understand, comprehend his indwelling presence. And we need to live our lives every day with the awareness of that. When I go to sleep, when I get up, that, that has been so real to me. I remember one time, you know, my car broke down. Didn't have no money to fix it. I had to tie something up. It broke near where I lived. So I had to make a mix shift, tied the front end with some rope and just, you know, tie I ran my own house and was able to push it to the house. But couldn't drive it. Only one wheel turned." [51:16] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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