The Process of Being Filled

Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus contains some of the most incredible promises of God and declarations regarding our relationship with Him. It is filled with passages that stretch our imagination, challenge our faith, and call us to a transcendent life.

His power is toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power (Ephesians 1:19).

God made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus (2:6).

We are His workmanship (2:10).

As amazing as these claims are, they serve as mere warm-ups for what may be the most audacious promise in all of Scripture.

…that you may be filled with all the fullness of God (3:19b).

Read it again; notice the absolutes:

Not partially filled!

Not some of God’s fullness!

We may be filled with ALL of the fullness of God!!

This is one of those truths, so over the top incredible, that we are tempted to move on to the next verse. In this case, that’s not bad.

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us… (3:20)

God alone is able to do this incredible thing!! It is His work and intention. This brings to mind another passage (from another letter).

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:12-13

Quickly (so we can get back to being filled), notice that the work of our salvation is cooperative; we work, because God is working. Furthermore, the work is a process.

So, how do we work with God to be filled with all His fullness? We find the answer – the prescription – in the process described in the preceding verses. Working backwards, our being filled with all the fullness of God is dependent on and proportional to several incremental steps.

A Loving Father Scourges His Children

I fear that we have engineered our Christian lives to the point that we are impervious to God’s discipline. We have come to understand that chastening, rebuke and scourging are negative aspects of our relationship with God. Some (or, is it many?) are suggesting that our loving Father would never do such a thing.

Scripture has much the opposite to say.

And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:

“My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,
Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;
For whom the LORD loves He chastens,
And scourges every son whom He receives.”

If  you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Hebrews 12:5-8

Most of us need a renewing of our minds in this matter; a repentance. The truth will make us free – to receive God’s discipline, knowing His love is behind it. Otherwise, we risk missing the lesson and wasting the pain. Some have even become bitter with God, simply because no one taught them about the discipline of His love.

It is important to recognize that, unlike our natural children, we do not grow out from under the heavenly Father’s discipline. As the children of God, we must expect – and even desire – His chastening and rebuke. Would not His scourging be, therefore, avoided?

Humbly yours and forever His,

Rob