Spiritual Fullness
Spiritual fullness in the Bible refers to a state of being wholly filled with the presence, power, and attributes of God, often associated with the work of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life. This concept is prominently expressed in Ephesians 3:19, where the Apostle Paul prays that believers "may be filled with all the fullness of God." This fullness encompasses a deep, personal relationship with God and a transformative experience whereby the believer embodies the character and virtues of Christ, leading to a life that reflects His love, joy, peace, and righteousness.Additionally, Colossians 2:9-10 states that "in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness." This implies that spiritual fullness is not merely an abstract notion but is realized through a personal union with Christ, who is the source of all spiritual blessings. Thus, being spiritually full means living out one’s faith in a way that actively engages with God’s purposes, characterized by the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and a commitment to love and serve others, thereby manifesting the essence of Christ in the world.
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Maintaining Spiritual Fullness
By Harold E. Schmul1.1K40:08ACT 2:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of maintaining spiritual fullness in the life of a believer. He highlights that in the new birth, the believer's focus should be on the fullness of Christ and the Holy Spirit's work in making the things of Christ real and alive in their heart. The preacher also mentions that maintaining spiritual fullness is a lifelong journey that requires faith and obedience. He concludes by stating that there are three reasons why believers must strive to maintain fullness, although these reasons are not mentioned in the given transcript.
The Exemplification of This Zeal in the Life of Elisha
By T. Austin-Sparks01KI 19:9T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the zeal of Elijah as a profound commitment to God's rights and interests, illustrating how this jealousy for the Lord is essential for spiritual fullness. He draws parallels between Elijah and Jesus, highlighting their shared dedication to ensuring God has His rightful place. The sermon explores how Elijah's life exemplifies dependence on God, fervent prayer, self-effacement, and obedience, all leading to a deeper relationship with the Lord. Sparks also connects Elijah's spirit to John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Christ, reinforcing the theme of prioritizing God's interests above personal desires. Ultimately, the message calls for believers to fully surrender to God, ensuring His place in every aspect of their lives to experience true spiritual abundance.
Fullness - a Costly Way
By Hoseah Wu1.4K1:01:33MAT 6:33MRK 5:21In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Jairus and his dying daughter from the Gospel of Mark. The speaker emphasizes the idea that sometimes we are brought to a place where we have no other option but to rely on God. The speaker highlights the tendency of humans to make wrong choices and praises God for choosing the right path for us. The sermon also discusses the obstacles faced by Jairus on his journey to seek Jesus' help, including a large crowd and the commotion at his home. The speaker encourages listeners to trust in God and believe in His power even when circumstances seem hopeless.
His Fullness Is Linked to the Church
By T. Austin-Sparks0EPH 5:22T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound connection between Christ and the Church, asserting that the revelation of the Church is essential for understanding spiritual fullness. He highlights that just as God has chosen His Son, He has also appointed the Church to fulfill His eternal purpose, making them inseparable in their mission. The sermon stresses that spiritual fullness cannot be achieved individually but is a collective experience within the Body of Christ, where mutual interdependence and fellowship are crucial. Sparks points out that Paul's writings reflect this fullness, as he received his commission and understanding through the Church. Ultimately, the message calls for recognizing the Church's vital role in realizing God's purpose and attaining spiritual maturity.
Hindrances to Fullness of Life
By T. Austin-Sparks0MAT 11:12JHN 3:8ACT 2:1ROM 14:191CO 12:12GAL 5:25EPH 1:3PHP 2:2HEB 10:241JN 1:7T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that while spiritual blessings are gifts of grace, they require genuine commitment and effort to overcome various hindrances, both external and internal. He illustrates this through the history of Israel's struggle to enter their promised land, highlighting that true spiritual fullness is often obstructed by personal biases, fears, and divisions within the Church. Sparks calls for believers to unite on the foundation of Christ, rather than on doctrines or traditions that create division, and to allow the Holy Spirit to operate freely, even when it challenges established norms. He warns against the dangers of limiting God through rigid traditions and encourages a willingness to embrace new movements of the Spirit for spiritual growth. Ultimately, he asserts that true fellowship and openness to the Spirit are essential for experiencing the fullness of life in Christ.
Spiritual Enlargement Unto the Maintaining of the Testimony of Jesus
By T. Austin-Sparks02KI 2:152KI 4:2PSA 78:41LUK 4:16JHN 3:34ACT 2:4ACT 10:142CO 4:12CO 6:11EPH 5:18T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the theme of spiritual enlargement through the biblical account of Elisha succeeding Elijah, highlighting the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit to maintain the testimony of Jesus. He draws parallels between the Old Testament stories and the New Testament, illustrating how God's call for fullness and enlargement applies to the Church today. Sparks discusses three key incidents: the widow's oil, Naaman's healing, and the sons of the prophets, each demonstrating the necessity of being empty vessels for God's abundant work. He urges believers to embrace a broader vision and ministry, free from limitations and exclusivity, to fulfill their calling in Christ. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of spiritual fullness and the expansive nature of God's grace.
The Lordship of Christ
By T. Austin-Sparks0PSA 65:9ACT 2:36ACT 4:12ACT 5:30ACT 9:6ACT 10:36ROM 10:9EPH 1:22PHP 2:9COL 1:17T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the Lordship of Christ as the key to spiritual fullness, arguing that early Christians experienced a vibrant spiritual life because they acknowledged Jesus as Lord of all. He laments the current state of many believers who, despite being saved, lack the fullness of Christ in their lives due to not fully surrendering to His Lordship. Sparks asserts that true spiritual growth requires a personal and profound recognition of Christ's authority over every aspect of life, which often involves overcoming personal desires and intellect that obstruct His Lordship. He illustrates this through biblical examples, showing that the fullness of life in Christ is directly linked to His absolute Lordship. Ultimately, he calls for believers to move beyond mere salvation to a deeper relationship where Christ is acknowledged as Lord, leading to a richer spiritual inheritance.