Fullness

I recently picked up a the book “A Gospel Primer for Christians” by Milton Vincent once again. I believe, I may have shared from it in previous posts. What I share today comes from entry #27 Mortifying the Flesh with Fullness. It is so good! I nearly want to share the entire entry with you. I will share a good portion however and also recommend that you get yourself a copy!

“Though saved, I am daily beset by a sinful flesh that always craves those things that are contrary to the Spirit. These fleshly lusts are vicious enemies, constantly waging war against the good of my soul. Yet they promise me fullness, and their promises are so deliciously sweet that I often find myself giving into them as if they were friends that have my best interests at heart.

On the most basic of levels, I desire fullness, and fleshly lusts seduce me by attaching themselves to this basic desire. … When my soul sits empty and is aching for something to fill it, such deceptive promises are extremely difficult to resist.

Consequently, the key to mortifying fleshly lusts is to eliminate the emptiness within me and replace it with fullness; and I accomplish this by feasting on the gospel. Indeed, it is in the gospel that I experience a God who glorifies Himself by filling me with His fullness. He is the One, Paul says, ‘ He is the One who fill(s) all in all.’ ‘He is the One who fill(s) things’, with the gifts He gives.”

Milton’s words here adequately describe my heart longing many a time and likely for you as well. Seeking fullness we can easily be deceived into indulging our flesh with eating, gossiping, sexual activity, drinking, drug usage, shopping, gambling…you name it! What I appreciate greater yet is the critical reminder that the true fulfillment can be had by “feasting on the Gospel” of which is the whole purpose of the book. It brings to mind my go to favorite verse.

Romans 7:24+

“O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord ! “

As you consider this excerpt from “A Gospel Primer” , I hope it is an encouraging reminder to you. I also want to share a song that has the same message ! “There is One Gospel” by CityAlight. Enjoy! ~Stan