The Fullness of Christ
The Fullness of Christ7
Rev. 1:8. the Fullness of the God-Man
By Horatius Bonar0PSA 90:2MAT 28:18JHN 1:1JHN 7:37EPH 3:8COL 1:15JAS 5:112PE 3:9REV 1:8Horatius Bonar emphasizes the fullness of Christ as the God-Man in his sermon on Revelation 1:8, where Jesus declares Himself as 'Alpha and Omega.' He explores the various dimensions of this fullness, including wisdom, creation, space, time, and power, asserting that all these attributes are embodied in Christ. Bonar highlights that this fullness is not only divine but also accessible to humanity, inviting all to partake in the unsearchable riches of Christ. He reassures believers of Christ's eternal presence and love, which remains unchanged and ever available. Ultimately, Bonar calls for a response to this divine invitation, emphasizing that no one is excluded from the fullness offered by Jesus.
The Message of Colossians
By G. Campbell Morgan0G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the central teaching of Colossians, which is the fullness of the Godhead in Christ and the filling of the saints in Him. He warns against false philosophies, mediations, and confidences that can lead believers astray, urging the church to hold fast to the true doctrine of Christ. Morgan highlights that in Christ, believers are restored to their rightful place in creation, their relationship with God, and their fellowship with Him. The sermon underscores the importance of recognizing Christ as the source of all fullness and the necessity of maintaining a correct understanding of His nature and role. Ultimately, Morgan calls for a commitment to Christ that transcends human traditions and philosophies.
And of His Fulness Have All We Received
By C.H. Spurgeon0MAT 7:7JHN 10:10ROM 8:1EPH 1:3PHP 4:19COL 2:9HEB 2:14HEB 7:251PE 1:31JN 1:7C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the abundant fullness found in Christ, highlighting that He embodies the fullness of God, perfect humanity, and atoning power. He explains that through Christ's blood, believers are cleansed from sin, justified, and saved to the uttermost, showcasing the victory over death and the hope offered through His resurrection. Spurgeon encourages believers to draw from this inexhaustible source of grace, comfort, and divine attributes, assuring them that all their needs can be met in Jesus. The sermon calls for a response of faith, urging believers to ask boldly for the blessings available in Christ.
Christian Service From God's Standpoint
By T. Austin-Sparks02KI 17:9MAT 5:16JHN 15:5ROM 12:41CO 12:12EPH 4:12PHP 2:13COL 1:171TI 6:112TI 3:17T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that Christian service from God's perspective is about contributing to the fullness of Christ, rather than merely performing specific roles or functions within the church. He argues that every believer, regardless of their visible role, is called to minister to Christ and His body, and that true service is rooted in the character and state of the servant rather than their qualifications. Sparks highlights that God desires servants who reflect Christ and possess a deep personal relationship with Him, as this is what truly qualifies them for service. He reminds us that the essence of ministry is not in public recognition but in the hidden life of faith and obedience to God. Ultimately, the focus should be on what we are contributing to the body of Christ and how we are reflecting His fullness in our lives.
The Fullness of the Mediator.
By John Gill0JER 2:13JHN 1:14JHN 14:62CO 1:20EPH 1:23COL 1:19COL 2:91TI 2:5HEB 13:81JN 5:11John Gill preaches on the fullness of Christ as the Mediator, emphasizing that all fullness dwells in Him as the embodiment of divine attributes and grace. He explains that this fullness includes the personal fullness of deity, the relative fullness of the church, and the fullness of grace and glory that Christ distributes to believers. Gill highlights that this fullness is a result of the Father's good pleasure, ensuring that Christ is the source of all spiritual blessings and the means through which believers receive grace. Ultimately, he encourages the congregation to seek their needs in Christ, who is the head of all things and the mediator of the new covenant.
He Fills All, and Yet Remains Full
By Thomas Brooks0PSA 36:8JHN 1:16JHN 7:38ROM 11:362CO 9:8EPH 3:19PHP 4:19COL 1:19COL 2:9HEB 1:3Thomas Brooks emphasizes the boundless fullness of Christ, illustrating that just as the sun does not lose its light by illuminating the world, and a fountain does not diminish by filling vessels, Christ overflows with grace and goodness while remaining complete. He is the ultimate source of worth and wealth, encapsulating all perfections found in creation. Brooks encourages believers to recognize that all excellencies are united in Christ, who is the epitome of divine fullness.
The Church to Be In
By T. Austin-Sparks0JHN 16:13ACT 2:42ROM 12:51CO 12:122CO 3:18GAL 1:16EPH 1:10PHP 3:8COL 1:17HEB 12:2T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that God's ultimate purpose is to sum up all things in Christ, who embodies greatness and fullness. He stresses the importance of continually growing in our understanding of Christ's majesty and glory, as this was the foundation of the early Church's power and effectiveness. The spontaneous formation of churches was a result of the Holy Spirit's work, centered around the preaching of Christ. Sparks argues that Christ should be the guiding principle for gathering as a Church, especially in today's complex world. The ongoing revelation of Christ is essential for believers to experience the fullness of God's purpose.