Ye Are Complete in Him
We are complete in Christ, and the Holy Spirit brings the perfect pattern of holy service into our lives as we need it.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes that in Jesus, we find our completeness, akin to an architect's model that is fully realized in heaven. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in transferring the gifts and graces of Christ into our lives, enabling us to embody the life of holy service for which we are called. This process involves receiving grace upon grace, where Christ becomes our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. Simpson highlights that this relationship is not just about receiving help but also about enjoying personal companionship with Jesus. He urges us to accept this grace in our trials, leading to our perfection in Him.
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In Jesus we are now complete. Even as the architect's model is planned and prepared and completed in his office, so the perfect pattern of the life of holy service, for which Jesus has redeemed and called us, is now in Him in heaven. But now it must be formed in us and transferred to our earthly lives, and this is the Holy Spirit's work. He takes the gifts and graces of Christ and brings them into our lives as we need and receive them day by day, just as the various sections of a vessel may be reproduced in a distant land.
Thus we receive of His fullness, even grace for grace-His grace for our grace, His supply for our needs, His strength for our strength, His body for our body, His Spirit for our spirit.
He Himself of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30). But it is much more than mere abstract help and grace, much more even than the Holy Spirit bringing us strength, and peace and purity. It is personal companionship with Jesus Himself! Lord, help us receive from Thee today that grace in all trials that shall result in our being made perfect.
Sermon Outline
- We are complete in Christ
- The Holy Spirit's work in our lives
- He brings strength, peace, and purity
- He brings personal companionship with Jesus Himself
Key Quotes
“Thus we receive of His fullness, even grace for grace-His grace for our grace, His supply for our needs, His strength for our strength, His body for our body, His Spirit for our spirit.” — A.B. Simpson
“He Himself of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30).” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- We should seek to receive the Holy Spirit's gifts and graces in our lives every day.
- Personal companionship with Jesus is essential for our growth and transformation in Christ.
- We should pray for the strength, peace, and purity that only Jesus can provide.