Fullness

March 5

Fullness (3)

plērōma

Yesterday we introduced the thought of being dominated by God’s dominance. In practical application, how can we realistically be totally dominated by God?

First, we will be dominated by God when we read His Word. Your reading these devotionals every day certainly demonstrates your desire for growth; reading Scripture itself unlocks the door of Christian growth. Whether you read the Bible through in one year (which you can do by reading about three and a half chapters per day), read one of Paul’s epistles per month by reading one chapter a day and thereby read it through several times, or follow some other method, you must avoid reading mechanically, just "to get the job done." You must read with understanding and meditate upon what you read. Reading a single verse with understanding is infinitely better than three chapters with no comprehension. You might want to jot down in a notebook lessons you learn and blessings God gives. When questions arise, write those down as well and ask your pastor about them.

Second, we’ll be dominated by God when we submit to the expository preaching and teaching of God’s Word as absolute truth. If you’re in a church where this is not the primary ministry, find one where it is. Scripture is very clear on this issue (see May 18ff.), for no other so-called ministry will bring real growth.

Third, we’ll be dominated by God when we obey what we read and hear. Knowledge without application is less than worthless—it’s actually destructive. As Paul told the Corinthians, "knowledge puffeth up, but [love] edifieth" (1Co_8:1). Facts alone only make us arrogant. It’s application that makes us humble.

Fourth, we’ll be dominated by God when we spend time in prayer. Mark it down, you will not consistently do the first three—read, listen, and apply—unless you pray. They are, in fact, impossible without prayer. Unless you commune with God (1Th_5:17), you won’t understand what you read, you won’t want to listen to preaching, and you won’t apply anything because you’re not humbling yourself before God. It is through prayer that you will confess your sins (1Jn_1:9), ask for wisdom (Jas_1:5), and pray for others (Col_1:9; 1Th_5:25).

Scriptures for Study: In Act_12:24 and Act_19:20, what "grew" and "prevailed"? What is Peter’s challenge to us in 2Pe_3:18?

 
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