— that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Summary: This meditation takes an unusual turn. When Paul talks about us being “filled to the measure of all the fullness of God,” we have to wonder, “What does that leave room for?”
As we continue to explore Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, we see Paul casually referring to incredibly complex subjects. For example, in this verse, he points us to something he calls the “fullness of God.”
Reason tells us that if God made the universe and all it contains, then God is bigger than the universe. Now when I say “bigger than the universe,” I don’t mean God is physically bigger. We know that God is Spirit, not physical (John 4:24). God is more powerful and fundamental than the physical realm. In terms of authority, there is no authority higher or more absolute than God. The “fullness of God” then refers to a person infinitely broader in power and scope than human imagination is capable of comprehending. This is what Paul wants us to be filled with.
God became man to save us from sin (John 3:17), but there was a side benefit. In Jesus, we can glimpse the fullness of God in human form.
The Bible says that Jesus walked on water (Matthew 14:25), calmed the wind and sea (Mark 4:35-41), and caused a small amount of food to multiply from enough to feed one to enough food to feed thousands (twice!) (Matthew 14:13-21, Matthew 15: 29-39), he healed sick people, cast out demons, confronted the authorities of the day, stood up for the weak, forgave sins, raised the dead and enabled his followers to do the same (Matthew 10:8).
The picture Jesus paints of the fullness of God is unlimited power and complete mastery over the flesh. At the same time, Jesus subordinates his will to the Father — completely. Apparently, being filled with the fullness of God doesn’t leave room for the fullness of self.
When we pray the Lord’s Prayer as Christ taught us to pray, we pray “your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:9-13). If Jesus was doing God’s will on earth, then like him, we, too, need to be empty of self so that we can be filled with the fullness of God.
Is that possible?
Paul seems to think so. In another letter, he writes, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13, KJV)
Application: Make room for Jesus in your life by getting rid of self.
Food for Thought: What is daily life like when one is filled with the fullness of God?
What is daily life like when one is filled with the fullness of God?
That thought is really something. To have one full day of uninterrupted fullness in the Spirit. I more experience spaces in time throughout the day. Then here come thoughts and reactions, and I get “bumped.” It is something I admire about Jesus when He was on Earth. That he walked in daily life, in daily distraction, but kept focus on God. In the times when I do feel the fullness, or the measure of His fullness that I have the capacity for (because that changes as my walk changes), there is an unmistakable calm, confident, and righteous peace. No questions, only answers.
Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
John 15:11 These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.
Chris,
I love your summation: “No questions, only answers.” That is a nice description of what God’s Peace feels like!
What is daily life like when one is filled with the fullness of God?
I want to say it is like ETM and ETV camps with the youth. Those times are amazing serving the youth learning with them watching them build their relationships with each other and with our Lord. I do like Chris’s verse he picked out John 15:11.
Tim,
What a joyous example!
06-06-2022, What is daily life like when one is filled with the fullness of God?
We know from other Scripture that Christ is the fullness of God.
For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.
John 1:16
For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority; Colossians 2:9-10
When we are baptized into the body of Christ, we are baptized into Him. At that point, and for all eternity, we are in Him and He is in us. Therefore, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we have the fullness of God in us in the person of Christ. We are able to live in this reality to the degree we spiritually separate ourselves from this world and and live in the reality of this amazing transformation God has made in each of us.
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:13
There is a degree of mystery to what Paul says here. He prays to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge. He wants us to know what is unknowable. It can be experienced, but apparently not known academically. This requires his earlier request that we be strengthened in the inner man to be able to experience this love that surpasses knowledge. It is supernatural, but the key is that CHRIST IS THE FULLNESS OF GOD. We need nothing in addition to Christ to have this fullness.
Ron,
I really like the way you put this:
“He wants us to know what is unknowable. It can be experienced, but apparently not known academically. ”
Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.”
Both speak to the difference between what the body wants and what the soul needs.
Thanks for the great devotion again brother.
I like the way you summarized this topic when you said, “being filled with the fullness of God doesn’t leave room for the fullness of self.” I think Jesus said something similar in Luke 9: 23: “If anyone wants to come after Me, they must deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow Me.” The daily life is dying to self to live for Him. 2 Corinthians 5: 15.
Thanks Rich!
I’m always fascinated at how God’s Word comes alive when I sit down at the keyboard.
Great reference verse too! Thanks!