Filled with the Love of Christ
NOTE: Audio on video will begin at about the :50 second mark.
Ephesians 3:19— And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
To be “filled with all the fullness of God” is to be filled with the love of God, since “God is love” (1 John 4:16).
I heard a prominent pastor say one time that if he could transfer one thing of himself to the people of his church, he would transfer his “awareness” to them. I’ve been reflecting on his statement and I believe that would be something I would wish for everyone BBC.
There are several things I have that I would not want to transfer to you: My hair… My eyesight… My singing voice… etc. But there are several things I would wish each of you would be as keenly aware of as I am…
Awareness of the peace and assurance of being saved. Jesus said, “Rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, be- cause your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20). I’m fully aware my name is indelibly written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
Awareness of the value of the Bible. Are you aware that when you hold this Book in your hands you’re holding the perfect Word of God… Are you aware of the blood of martyrs that was shed that you might have it. Are you aware that millions do not have a copy? I don’t know how many more times I’ll have to open this Book. When I open it, I want to re- alize this is God’s voice speaking to me, therefore, He is going to have my full attention.
Awareness of the privilege of being a member of this church. There aren’t many churches like this one.
Awareness of God’s goodness. Every time I sit down to eat, I’m aware it’s only because the goodness of God I have food on my table. Recently God made me aware that even the ability to crew my food is a gift of God. My friend Brother Blue has to eat through a feeding tube because of ALS. When I get out of bed in the morning and stand on my feet, it is only be- cause God has blessed me with physical health. Brother Blue, cannot even get out of bed on his own, much less stand up. I never want to take for granted the food I eat or the health I have.
Awareness of the blessing of Gospel music. Sometimes as I’m being blessed by the choir’s singing, I notice some in the pew chattering back and forth unaware of what the choir is singing. It makes me want to jump off the platform and tell them, “Hey, listen to what they are singing! Doesn’t that excite you?” Or, when I am leading a congregational hymn and I see someone talking with the person next to them. They are miss- ing the message of the song and the opportunity to worship God. It’s a crying shame. They’re just unaware or they don’t care.
Awareness of the importance of preaching God’s Word. I don’t know how many more times I have left to preach, so I’m going to enjoy every minute of it. I am an ambassador of Jesus Christ. I’m His appointed rep- resentative. He could not be here in person. He’s booked solid at the right hand of the Father making intercession for your sins and mi- ne—That’s a full time job.
Awareness of the shortness and preciousness of time. The older I get, the more I’m aware that my days are numbered.
Most of all, I wish you would be fully aware of how much God loves you. I wish you were so filled with the love of Christ, that it “breaks out” all over you like the measles. You can’t hide it!
WHAT FILLS YOU, CONTROLS YOU (Mt. 12:34). Anger, envy, Spirit To be filled with the love of God requires…
I. A mind DWELLING on the love of God.
You should so dwell on God’s love for you that it dominates your mind to the point there is no room no other rival.
A. SATURATION—BeingfilledwiththeLordofGodishavingyour mind so saturated by the thoughts of His love that it oozes out from you to all you come in contact with.
I want to be so filled with the love of God that it overflows and bubbles over onto you.
B. SQUEEZED—When you flood your mind with thoughts of the love of God, it will come out in your living—Especially when the pressures of life put the squeeze on you. On the other hand, if you fill your mind with carnal thoughts, your life will be characterized by carnal conversation and carnal conduct.
When I step behind this pulpit, I can only give out to you what has come into me. If I’ve been dwelling on negative thoughts, it will taint my preaching. Therefore, I’m careful and reserved about any conversation I have before a church service.
II. A mind DISCIPLINED in it thinking. Beware of what you allow into your mind—“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Prov. 4:23).
Resolve to have Philippians 4:8 control your thoughts—Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
PARTIAL SERMON: see PDF for full sermon
VIDEO NOTE: SOUND delayed almost 50 seconds. Sorry.
