Filled With Jesus

Filled with Jesus

Ephesians 3:16-19 NLT

As you look at the vision for a local church, it must have interwoven thru it the threads that promote growth into the fullness of the nature & character of Christ.

As you hear all the things Paul is describing & then see where it is he wants it to bring us to…

Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

One translation says…that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

The vision of Destiny from its very start has been to see people come to know Jesus in a personal way & then get revelation of the fullness of His life for all who will press on to know Him.

Someone might ask… How do I know if I am living in His fullness?

I. How Do I Know if I Am in His Fullness?

Let me give you a look at how Paul gave us a glimpse of it in his writings…

Galatians 5:22-24 NLT But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.

There are some things that Paul shows us that help us identify how we make progress on this journey.

In order to get to the fullness of Jesus in us we must have some growth in areas of our life…

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.

Nailing something is a sign of permanence.

Well, I am not sure if I have done this or not? How can I check this?

Glad you asked.

Galatians 5:19-21 CEV People's desires make them give in to immoral ways, filthy thoughts, and shameful deeds. They worship idols, practice witchcraft (rebellion), hate others, and are hard to get along with. People become jealous, angry, and selfish. They not only argue and cause trouble, but they are envious. They get drunk, carry on at wild parties, and do other evil things as well. I told you before, and I am telling you again: No one who does these things will share in the blessings of God's kingdom.

If you are still participating in things that you know or feel are questionable according to God’s Word chances are it is hindering you from His fullness.

We saw how God ministered to one man in His Word about something in His life that was going to hinder his relationship or “fullness of Jesus”.

Abraham had shown commitment in many ways… But then his promised son came into his life. This brought great joy & happiness to him & Sarah.

But God saw something that many natural or carnal thinking people would not. This was taking first place in their lives instead of God.

Genesis 22:1-2 NLT Sometime later, God tested Abraham’s faith. “Abraham!” God called. “Yes,” he replied. “Here I am.”

“Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much—and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.”

We must get the revelation that God is not interested in us figuring out our own way, but rather that we see that His way is total submission & confidence His way is the right way & only way!

Exodus 34:12-14 NCV Be careful that you don't make an agreement with the people who live in the land where you are going, because it will bring you trouble. Destroy their altars, break their stone pillars, and cut down their Asherah idols. Don't worship any other god, because I, the LORD, the Jealous One, am a jealous God.

Just like any good parent, God wants us to listen to Him & trust Him that He only wants us to have the best life possible.

He has reasons for the things He asks of us.

II. What Does a Full Life in Him Look Like?

Galatians 5:22-24 NLT But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

To be filled with the fullness of Jesus is to be filled with all the attributes of His Spirit.

The early church sets our example…

Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit…

Acts 4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit…

Acts 4:31 they were all filled with the Holy Spirit…

Acts 9:17 be filled with the Holy Spirit.