John 1:16 And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. There is a dealing out of His fulness. I. BY THE UNION THERE IS BETWEEN CHRIST AND A BELIEVER. Union is the cause of communion or communication. Bread is united to a man by his eating of it. II. BY THE OVERFLOW OF HIS INFINITE GRACE HE IS ABLE — 1. To succour and supply those who are tempted (Hebrews 2:18). 2. Whatever grace Christ hath received He hath received not for Himself but for others (Ephesians 4:8; John 17:19; Isaiah 61:1, 2). 3. There is an infinite willingness in Him to communicate this grace (Hebrews 3:2; Psalm 16:2; Job 4:24). 4. As He is willing nothing can hinder Him (Isaiah 43:13; Titus 2:14). III. WHY THEN ARE BELIEVERS SO EMPTY OF GRACE? 1. The fulness of grace in a believer is many times hid from the world and from Himself. 2. Sometimes the avenues of grace in a believer are choked or broken. 3. This grace is communicated in proportion. What is your want? go to Christ and get that supplied. IV. APPLICATION: 1. See the transcendent excellency of the saints. 2. What an encouragement there is here to come to Christ and partake of His fulness. 3. Acting upon this believers are firm against all temptations, discouragements, afflictions. 4. Then believers should labour to strengthen their assurance of union with Christ. (W. Bridge, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. |
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