THE FULLNESS

PART 1 – FULLNESS TO FULFILLMENT

John 10:10 AMP

“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].”

That abundant life is a picture of fullness. Not a life without problems, but a life overflowing with God’s presence, purpose, power, peace, and grace.

Peter’s Encounter with The Fullness

LUKE 5:4–11 NLT

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again." And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking. When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me, I’m such a sinful man.” For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed. Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.

John 21:6 NLT

“Then he said, ‘Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!’ So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it.”

Twice in Peter’s life:

Empty nets → Jesus speaks → Full nets → Purpose.

Five Lessons from Peter's encounter with the fullness:

1. GOD WANTS TO LEAVE US FULLER THAN HE FOUND US.

Ephesians 3:19 NLT

“Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.”

2. OUR TOILING LEAVES US EMPTY.

TRUSTING JESUS LEADS US TO FULLNESS.

John 15:5 NLT

“Apart from me you can do nothing.”

Psalm 127:1 NLT

“Unless the LORD builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted.”

3. GOD’S FULLNESS ALWAYS HAS A SPILLOVER EFFECT.

Luke 5:7 NLT

“A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.”

2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT

“And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.”

4. FULLNESS GETS OUR ATTENTION, BUT PURPOSE GETS OUR LIFE.

Luke 5:10 NLT

“Jesus replied to Simon, ‘Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!’”

5. GOD’S FULLNESS IS MEANT TO LEAD TO A FULFILLED LIFE.

Colossians 2:9–10 NLT

“For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ…”