Complete in Him (Jesus Christ) Bro. James Strait 7/17/2011

I. Comprehension of the mystery of God is the beginning of completeness (vs. 2).

Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began (Romans 16:25 and Ephesians 3:9)

And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:29). 

II.  Understanding the wisdom and knowledge of God is the pathway to completeness. v.3.

In the way of righteousness is life: and in the pathway thereof there is no death (Proverbs 12:28). 

Thou wilt shew me the path of life:  in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore (Psalm 16:11).

III.  Learning to walk by faith in Christ is the key to experiencing completeness v. 6  For we walk by faith, not by sight ( 2Corinthians 5:7)

A.  There are four enemies of faith.

1.  Reason (Proverbs 3:5)

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding,.

2.  Religion philosophy and tradition v. 8

3.  Fear (Genesis 3:10; 2 Timothy 1:7;  Isaiah 41:10)

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

4.  Failure to commit.

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death (Revelation 12:11).

B.  There are two factors in genuine faith:  God's word and your response
 (Romans 10:17)

IV.  Do you think that the fullness of the Godhead bodily which dwells in Christ who dwells in you would be enough for you to be complete?  Selah