Andrew Murray emphasizes the importance of understanding the two stages of spiritual life: the stage of failure and the stage of divine power. He encourages believers to fully desire the fullness of the Spirit, urging them to turn away from self and worldly distractions. Murray asserts that a heart wholly set on receiving God's blessings cannot be disappointed, and that true fulfillment comes from yielding to the Spirit's preparatory work. He calls for a complete trust in God, highlighting that the desire for the Spirit must be the primary focus in one's spiritual journey.

Paris Reidhead emphasizes the necessity of being filled with the Holy Spirit, outlining a four-step process: Acquaint, Acknowledge, Ask, and Accept. He explains that the normal state for believers is to be filled with God's fullness, and that true satisfaction comes from a relationship with God rather than earthly pleasures. Reidhead encourages listeners to recognize their need for the Spirit, persistently ask for His filling, and accept God's promise to fulfill that need. He stresses that this is not just an individual matter but a communal one, where the church plays a vital role in supporting believers in their spiritual journey.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes that earthly possessions cannot satisfy the immortal soul, likening those who seek fulfillment in material wealth to swine. He references the folly of a man who believed he could find contentment in earthly pleasures, highlighting that true satisfaction can only be found in a relationship with God. Brooks argues that the soul's spiritual nature makes it incapable of being fulfilled by anything less than divine communion, asserting that no amount of worldly riches can fill the void that only God can satisfy.

C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the unparalleled beauty of Jesus Christ, referring to Him as the 'rose of Sharon,' which signifies His supreme loveliness and spiritual richness compared to the finest things in the material world. He illustrates that while the rose is the sweetest flower, Christ surpasses it in beauty and charm, captivating all senses of the soul. Spurgeon highlights that even the memories of Christ's love are fragrant and satisfying, making Him the ultimate fulfillment for the highest spiritual desires. He concludes that no earthly beauty can adequately express the preciousness of Christ, urging believers to cherish Him in their hearts forever.

Don McClure emphasizes the profound spiritual implications of Jesus' words in Matthew 7:7, urging believers to ask, seek, and knock not merely for material needs but for a deeper relationship with God. He warns against taking scripture out of context, highlighting that true fulfillment comes from seeking God Himself rather than worldly possessions. McClure illustrates how God created humanity with a longing for Him, and that our greatest desire should be to know and reflect His glory. He encourages the congregation to prioritize their spiritual journey and to recognize that the ultimate gift from God is the Holy Spirit, which fulfills our deepest needs. The sermon calls for a heart transformation that seeks God above all else, leading to a life filled with His presence and purpose.

Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God above all else in his sermon 'First Things First.' He illustrates how history judges individuals not by their titles or ranks but by the quality of their deeds and character, highlighting figures like Nero and Marcus Aurelius, and John and Judas. Brengle warns against allowing work, family, or personal ambition to take precedence over one's relationship with God, stressing that losing sight of this priority can lead to spiritual barrenness. He encourages listeners to seek God first, as true fulfillment and purpose come from a deep connection with Him. The sermon concludes with a call to action, urging individuals to ensure that God remains at the forefront of their lives.

A.B. Simpson emphasizes the transformative effects of being filled with the Holy Spirit, which include a holiness that reflects the divine nature, a joy that transcends circumstances, and a wisdom that aligns our perspective with God's. He explains that this fullness elevates our minds and bodies, enabling us to embody the mind of Christ and experience a vibrant physical life. Additionally, being filled with the Spirit enhances our prayer life, allowing us to align with God's work in the world.

Chuck Smith explores the theme of vanity in life as expressed in Ecclesiastes 1:1, emphasizing Solomon's futile search for meaning through wealth, knowledge, and pleasure. Despite his indulgences, Solomon ultimately found despair and emptiness, revealing that true fulfillment cannot be found in earthly pursuits. Smith highlights that God created us with a need for spiritual fulfillment, which cannot be satisfied by material gains or achievements. The sermon concludes with the assertion that the answer to our emptiness lies in a relationship with God, as indicated in John 7:37-38.

F.B. Meyer emphasizes that the true 'land' is Christ, who embodies the promises of God and offers believers a rich inheritance. He illustrates how, like a family cultivating a farm, Christians should progressively claim more of Christ's fullness in their lives. Meyer encourages believers to explore the depths of Christ's provision, asserting that all spiritual needs are met in Him. He highlights that in times of weakness and sorrow, Christ is the source of joy, strength, and comfort. Ultimately, Meyer calls for a deeper understanding of the abundant life found in Christ, urging the Spirit to reveal His treasures to every heart.

A.W. Tozer emphasizes the distinction between wants and wishes in the Christian life, arguing that believers often settle for a mediocre spiritual existence instead of pursuing the fullness of joy and victory available through Christ. He asserts that individuals will only experience as much of God as they truly desire, and that many Christians are content with a lukewarm faith, missing out on the richness of spiritual treasures offered by God. Tozer encourages a wholehearted pursuit of righteousness, highlighting that true hunger for God leads to fulfillment, while mere wishing without action results in spiritual stagnation.

Andrew Murray emphasizes the necessity of being filled with the Holy Spirit, contrasting the narrative of Acts 2:4 with the command in Ephesians 5:18. He challenges believers to reflect on their obedience to this command and to examine their lives for any barriers that may prevent them from experiencing the fullness of the Spirit. Murray encourages a complete yielding of one's personality to the Holy Spirit, asserting that this surrender allows God to fill the believer. He invites listeners to commit to seeking this spiritual fullness and to remove any doubts or misconceptions that hinder their relationship with the Spirit.

Chuck Smith explores the story of the young man who approached Jesus, highlighting his admirable qualities such as humility and a clean record, yet he lacked a central authority in his life. Jesus identified the young man's true lack as the need to follow Him, emphasizing that material possessions were standing in the way of his spiritual fulfillment. The sermon challenges listeners to consider what they may lack in their own lives that prevents them from fully committing to Christ. Smith concludes by suggesting that the young man's eventual fate is uncertain, leaving the audience to reflect on their own response to Jesus' call. Ultimately, the message is about recognizing and addressing the one thing that hinders our relationship with God.

A.B. Simpson emphasizes the necessity of being filled with the Holy Spirit, explaining that true fullness comes from a personal relationship with Christ rather than mere intellectual understanding or moral adherence. He illustrates that just as barren land can become fruitful with water, our hearts can only thrive when filled with the life of Christ and the Holy Spirit. Simpson outlines the nature, effects, and conditions of this divine filling, asserting that it leads to holiness, happiness, and power in our lives. He encourages believers to recognize their need for Christ, to open their hearts to receive Him, and to actively seek His presence through prayer and service. Ultimately, he reminds us that being filled with the Spirit is a continual process that transforms our lives and enables us to bless others.

Chuck Smith explores the theme of emptiness and frustration in life as depicted in Ecclesiastes 1:13, emphasizing humanity's insatiable thirst for meaning through various pursuits such as wisdom, pleasure, and possessions. He highlights Solomon's conclusion that despite these efforts, life can feel meaningless, leading to psychological struggles rooted in unfulfilled desires. Smith points to Christ as the ultimate answer to this frustration, inviting individuals to come to Him to quench their spiritual thirst and find true fulfillment. The sermon challenges listeners to reflect on their own lives and consider whether they have turned to Christ for satisfaction.

David Wilkerson addresses the spiritual famine affecting many today, emphasizing that it is not a lack of food but a deep hunger for love, peace, and purpose. He highlights hope as the key to overcoming despair, reminding us that with God, all things are possible and that He works for our good in His timing. Wilkerson encourages believers to trust in God's provision, even when circumstances seem dire, and reassures them that nothing can separate them from God's love. He calls for an honest approach to God, filled with hope and praise for His faithfulness.

Andrew Murray emphasizes the command to be filled with the Spirit as a privilege for every believer, not just a select few. He explains that this filling is essential for living a fruitful Christian life and that it can come in both quiet and powerful ways. Murray encourages believers to recognize their need for emptiness and faith to receive the Spirit's fullness, highlighting that true fulfillment comes from a deep relationship with Jesus. He illustrates this with the analogy of reservoirs, showing that both quiet and sudden fillings can coexist in a believer's life. Ultimately, he calls for a humble expectation of God's work in our lives, trusting in His ability to fill us with His Spirit.

Andrew Murray emphasizes the necessity of being filled with the Holy Spirit for a vibrant Christian life, urging believers not to settle for a mere presence of the Spirit but to actively seek fullness. He outlines four essential steps: recognizing the command to be filled, believing it is possible, committing to have it, and confidently claiming it. Murray illustrates that this filling can manifest in both emotional and quiet ways, encouraging individuals to surrender fully to God. He stresses that this blessing is not just for a select few but is available to all who earnestly seek it. Ultimately, he calls for a deep, personal commitment to receive the Holy Spirit's fullness, assuring that God is ready to fulfill this promise.

Peter Brandon emphasizes the necessity of being filled with the Holy Spirit, illustrating that true satisfaction and fulfillment come from a deep relationship with God rather than worldly pursuits. He explains that just as physical thirst indicates a need for water, spiritual thirst reveals a longing for God, which can only be quenched through Christ. Brandon encourages believers to recognize the power of the Holy Spirit within them and to actively seek a deeper connection with God, highlighting the importance of surrendering to His will. He concludes with a call to action, urging individuals to come to Jesus and drink from the living water that leads to eternal life.

Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the profound mystery of Jesus Christ, who embodies the fullness of God and invites believers to experience His love and presence. He challenges the audience to reflect on their love for Jesus, urging them to prioritize their relationship with Him above worldly distractions. Waldvogel highlights that true fulfillment comes from setting our affections on things above and living in the reality of being risen with Christ. He calls for a genuine response to Jesus' question, 'Lovest thou me?' and encourages believers to embrace their identity in Him. Ultimately, the sermon is a passionate plea for a deeper, more intimate relationship with Jesus, who desires to dwell within us.

A.W. Tozer emphasizes that individuals are as holy and filled with the Spirit as they truly desire to be, based on the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 5:6. He explains that true hunger and thirst for righteousness can lead to a profound filling by the Holy Spirit, but many Christians remain complacent in their spiritual state. Tozer encourages believers to cultivate a deep longing for God, recognizing that the key to spiritual fulfillment lies in the intensity of their desire for Him. He calls for a heartfelt prayer for a holy longing that allows the Spirit to fill the void in their lives.

J.R. Miller emphasizes that human beings possess inherent longings and desires that cannot be satisfied by earthly means. He critiques the idea of repressing these desires, suggesting instead that they are divine qualities meant to be fulfilled through a relationship with Christ. Miller illustrates that true satisfaction comes not from denying our cravings but from channeling them into loving service and communion with God. He argues that our spiritual thirst can only be quenched by embracing our divine purpose and living in accordance with Christ's teachings. Ultimately, he asserts that fulfillment is found in active service and obedience to God, leading to a richer, more meaningful life.

Harold Erickson emphasizes the concept of spiritual vacuums in his sermon, illustrating how God brings us out of bondage, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:21, to lead us into a fuller life in Christ. He explains that many Christians experience emptiness because they have not allowed God to fill every part of their lives, likening this to a vacuum that can be filled with negative influences if left unaddressed. Erickson encourages believers to recognize that God desires not only to save them but also to fill them with His Spirit and purpose, leading to a life of abundance and victory. He challenges the congregation to examine whether they have truly allowed God to take full residence in their hearts, urging them to open every room to His presence. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper understanding of the fullness of life that God intends for His people.

John Gill emphasizes the dangers of worldly desires as outlined in 1 John 2:16, warning against the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. He explains that these desires lead to sin and ultimately to destruction, highlighting that they are not from God but from the world. Gill urges believers to recognize the emptiness of these pursuits and to avoid loving the world, as true fulfillment comes from God alone. He stresses that the things of this world are vain and should not capture the hearts of the faithful.

Watchman Nee emphasizes that touching Christ means accessing the fullness of all spiritual matters and blessings. He teaches that gaining Christ equates to receiving everything God has prepared for those who love Him. Without a clear vision of the all-inclusive Christ, believers may misdirect their sincere efforts towards teachings and virtues that do not lead to true spiritual fulfillment. Ultimately, Christ is the way, the truth, and the reality that believers must seek above all else.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the futility of worldly riches, arguing that they are deceptive and ultimately detrimental to the soul. He likens them to hangmen that obscure one's true self and lead to spiritual demise, as they cannot enrich the soul or provide lasting fulfillment. Brooks warns that while people may be adorned in wealth, many possess threadbare souls, and he reminds listeners that riches are fleeting and can vanish at any moment.

Shane Idleman addresses the mockery of emotional worship in conservative churches, emphasizing that such criticism often stems from a lack of genuine experience with God. He draws a parallel between being filled with the Spirit and the way people seek fulfillment through substances and food, urging believers to desire a deeper connection with God. Idleman highlights the importance of worship in preparing our hearts to receive the Spirit, especially in a time when society is increasingly confused about good and evil. He encourages congregants to embrace worship songs that express a longing for God's presence rather than ridicule them. Ultimately, he calls for a more authentic and Spirit-filled Christianity to combat the challenges facing families and communities today.

A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of being 'adjusted' in every good work as expressed in Hebrews 13:20-21. He explains that true adjustment involves aligning ourselves with God's will and the circumstances around us, rather than trying to change them to fit our desires. This adjustment leads to spiritual rest, power, and freedom, allowing us to fulfill God's plan for our lives. Simpson encourages believers to seek God's fullness and to be used by Him in every aspect of life, ultimately leading to joy and glory in His presence.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the dangers of riches, prosperity, and worldly glory, illustrating how they can hinder true happiness and spiritual fulfillment. He references Matthew 19:24 to highlight the difficulty for the wealthy to enter the Kingdom of God, and warns the rich of impending misery as described in James 5:1-3. Brooks argues that wealth is often a burden rather than a blessing, as seen in Habakkuk 2:6, and stresses the uncertainty of riches, urging believers not to waste their lives in pursuit of material wealth, as noted in Proverbs 23:4-5.

Chuck Smith discusses the profound message of Jeremiah 2:13, emphasizing how the nation of Israel forsook God, the 'Fountain of Living Water,' in favor of their own broken cisterns. He illustrates how their initial dependence on God during times of weakness turned into a reliance on their own resources during prosperity, leading to spiritual decay. Smith warns that when individuals turn away from God, they inevitably worship something else, which ultimately proves to be unfulfilling and inadequate. The sermon highlights the futility of human philosophies that cannot sustain life, contrasting them with the life-giving presence of God.

John Nelson Darby emphasizes the significance of the three great feasts in Deuteronomy, which symbolize the journey of God's people from deliverance to spiritual fulfillment. He explains that the Passover represents Christ's death, the Feast of Pentecost signifies the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the joy of thanksgiving, while the Feast of Tabernacles points to the future millennial rest and glory. Darby encourages believers to rejoice in their spiritual blessings and to remember their past bondage in Egypt, which fosters gratitude and obedience. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of the blessings God has prepared for His people, urging them to live in the light of their new identity in Christ.

A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of recognizing the areas in our lives that remain unfilled by the Holy Spirit, urging believers to seek the fullness of God's grace and glory. He challenges the congregation to reflect on the unoccupied possibilities in their spiritual, mental, and physical lives, and to diligently apply the 'rest of the oil' to these areas. Simpson encourages a deeper understanding of prayer and faith in God's provision, power, and presence, inviting believers to experience the fullness of what God has to offer.