In what may be one of the most breathtaking and dumbfounding passages in Scripture, Paul declares he desires us to be “filled up to all the fullness of God.” But what does it mean to be filled with the “fullness of God” and how do we experience such an incredible reality?
In this expositional message, Nathan expounds upon Ephesians 3:19 and gives three practical ideas you need to practice so you can experience the fullness of God in your life.
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Key Passage: Ephesians 3:19
Ephesians 3:14-21 – For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.
A Simple Bible Study Resource
- FILLED UP (plēroō): fulfill, complete, fill, to be or become generously supplied with
- Scholar: denotes the filling up toward a goal (which in context is the “fullness”)
- FULLNESS (plērōma): fullness; full measure; that which fills up
- the stage of having every necessary or normal part or component or step
- Colossians 1:19 – For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in [Jesus]…
- John 1:16 – For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.
- Ephesians 4:11-13 – And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.
- Colossians 2:9-10a – For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete …
- “Complete” = “filled full”
- The Already and Not Yet [Paradox]
- Ephesians 1:22-23 – And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
- Illustration: boy growing up into a man
- Romans 8:28-29 – And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren …
- » Is the fullness of His life being demonstrated in you?
- Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
- » If the fullness of God is dwelling within us … shouldn’t He be obvious/apparent/visible to the world around us?
3 practical ideas you need to practice so you can experience the fullness of God in your life
- Be humble [empty]
- If you want to fill a cup with the fullness of God … it necessitates for you to be empty and open to receive
- Illustration: got to release your handful of pebbles so your hands can be made full of His diamonds and treasure
- Be Diligent [seeking]
- Hebrews 11:6 – And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who [diligently] seek Him.
- Matthew 6:33 – But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
- Can’t be passive … must keep walking forward in the process of being filled
- Ezekiel 47
- Be Obedient
- We can’t progress further than where we have obeyed
- What is in our lives that is hindering the fullness of God in our lives? Repent.
In Our Next Study Together …
I invite you to join me on this journey from the book of Ephesians to discover God’s eternal purpose, His plan for your
- The focus of our next study: Ephesians 3:20
- We will begin to look at the idea of God being “able” that Paul talks about in Ephesians 3:20.
- I encourage you to read through Ephesians a couple of times this week and focus specifically on Ephesians 3:14-21.
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About The Deeper Christian Bible Study Series
The Deeper Christian Bible Study Series in Ephesians is a Christ-centered practical in-depth verse-by-verse study of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. Join NRJohnson (Nathan Johnson) as he expositionally preaches from this incredible book – which will help you grow in your faith, gain greater intimacy with Jesus, and understand how to study God’s Word.
Many Christians feel frustrated because they don’t grow spiritually. Deeper Christian equips Christians to understand the Word of God and cultivate a passionate love for Jesus that turns the world upside down.
About NRJohnson (Nathan Johnson)
NRJohnson (Nathan Johnson) is a Christian who has an overwhelming passion for Jesus, the
Read more about him here.
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