The Fullness of GOD - Calvary Vista...His love is perfect because it is Who He is. Love is...

CCV WOMEN’S STUDY: BE SERIES, FALL 2019 1

WEEK 1

BE FILLED

with

The Fullness of GOD

The Fruit of Love


BE FILLED DAY 1: TIME TO STUDY

Take a moment to read and reflect upon the Scripture below.

❖ “And may you having been (deeply) rooted and (securely) grounded in love, be fully

capable of comprehending with all the saints (God’s people) the width and length and height and depth of His love (fully experiencing that amazing, endless love)” (Ephesians 3:16-18, Amplified Version).

❖ And that you may really come to know (practically through personal experience) the

love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge; that you may be filled up (through all your being) to all the fullness of God (that you may have the richest experience of God’s Presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself)” (Ephesians 3:19, Amplified Version).

“You are going to be what you are now becoming” (Dawson Trotman). In our society today, we are constantly bombarded with messages of who or what we should be. It is difficult to find time to stop and consider if we are the woman we want to be. Becoming a woman filled with all the fullness of God should be our goal and purpose. What is the fullness of God? It is experiencing God’s love, will, power, and wisdom in our hearts rather than our own. It is being transformed into who God created us to be. As a result, it is God’s love, image, wisdom, and fullness we are channeling to others. What more exciting and thrilling purpose could we ever have than this? Paul reveals in his prayer the truth that being secure in God’s perfect love is the path to experiencing the fullness of God. We are all created with a need to be loved and this need can only be filled by God’s love. This is where our true identity and security are found. God loves us perfectly. So, there is nothing we can do to make Him love us more and nothing we can do to cause Him to love us less! His love is perfect because it is Who He is. Love is intertwined in everything He is. In His Word, He has given us a beautiful picture of His extravagant, dimensional love for us. We will spend eternity discovering new aspects of His love. But, we cannot enjoy the fullness of God until we experience, grasp, and comprehend His love more fully. The more personally we take the messages of God’s love, the more we will be transformed. We cannot take God too personally. He longs for us to experience Himself and His love more and more. He yearns for our relationship with Him to grow rich and full. He wants us to know the truths about Him from His Word but also to take that truth and allow Him to be that to us personally. Let our first thoughts of each day be focused on how much God loves us, asking Him to fill us with His love. Only then can we die to ourselves and have the capacity to love others as He has loved us. It is not just about us as individuals. We, the church, are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit (Ephesians 2:22). Are you becoming a woman filled with the fullness of God- who you were created to be? Aim high!


BE FILLED DAY 2: TIME TO SHARE

1. Paul prayed we would be “rooted and grounded in the love of God.” Think of a vigorous, healthy plant with luscious fruit. It has roots that go down deep in rich soil. This is the picture Paul paints of one with a root system anchored in the love of God. Look in a fresh way at the following scriptures and let them be a springboard to a life-long quest to discovering the dimensions of God’s love for you. Pick a few favorites and memorize them so you can soak in them daily. Begin each waking moment of every day thinking of how much God loves you rather than toxic thoughts and lies that may keep you from experiencing the fullness of God. It is through reading and meditating on His Word that we come to realize how great His love is for us.

Romans 5:5-8 1 John 3:1 Jeremiah 31:3 Psalm 103:1 Romans 8:35, 38-39 Add your own:

2. There are different kinds of love, but the love God has for us is agape (Greek word) love. This is what C. S. Lewis calls “Divine Gift-Love.” It is the only love that is other-centered rather than self-centered. It is unconditional acceptance with no strings attached. It is initiating, faithful, and empathizing. It is a supernatural love that can only come from God. We cannot produce it on our own, but it is poured out into our hearts when we accept Christ into our lives (Romans 5:5). Write a few sentences on what ways God has personally shown you this love.


Then, think of a character in the Bible who demonstrated this agape love because they had experienced God’s love. Write your answers below. (For a deeper study, read the book of Hosea to discover more truth about God’s love.)

Read John 13:34-35. As you grow more secure in God’s love, who are the people who will benefit as you are able to love them in the same way that God loves? List their names here. Beside their names, write some practical way you can encourage or build them up. Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 to discover the characteristics of the love God shows us and we are to show to others.

3. God is so much more concerned about our “being” than He is with our “doing.” Are you becoming the woman God created you to be? Are you filled with all the fullness of God? Most of us do not desire greater spiritual maturity or more intimate relationship with Christ until we are uncomfortable or dissatisfied with who we are. Is there an area of your life that you are holding God at a distance? Are false thoughts about God keeping you from surrendering completely? Are there any hurts or grief you have not let Him heal and comfort? What are the most important changes you need to make after studying this passage in Ephesians 3:19? Ask God these questions in prayer and record your thoughts as you listen for His answers.


BE FILLED DAY 3: TIME FOR REFLECTION Reflect back upon this week’s teaching. Review any notes you took.

1. What is one area the Lord ministered to you from this week’s teaching? Record your thoughts below.

2. How will you respond to His Voice in your life?


BE FILLED DAY 4: TIME TO PRAY AND JOURNAL

Spend some time meditating upon all the Lord has spoken to you this week. Journal your heart to the Lord on the page below. End your time in praise and thanksgiving.



WEEK TWO

BE FRUITFUL

in

Every Good Work

The Fruit of Good Works


BE FRUITFUL DAY 1: TIME TO STUDY Take a moment to read and reflect upon the Scripture below.

❖ “For this reason we also since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding “(Colossians 1:9).

❖ “That you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good

work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10).

❖ “Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy” (Colossians 1:11).

Colossians 1:9 - 11 is the Apostle Paul’s prayer for the Colossian Christians. We will focus on verse 10 this week and the four reasons why Paul was praying for them. First, Paul’s desire was that they would walk worthy, meaning their actions should match their beliefs. This is a trait that the false teachers in Colossae did not display. To carry out this spiritual walk, we must be aware of our continual need for the Holy Spirit to enable us. If we attempt to carry out this walk depending solely on our own natural power, we will fail and experience frustration every time. Secondly, Paul wants these believers to be “fully pleasing” to the Lord. Pleasing God includes believing in Him and living a life that follows His teachings (Hebrews 11:6). Thirdly, Paul wants these believers to be fruitful in every good work in order to be effective, productive, and godly in their spiritual growth. He longed for all of his fellow believers to grow in maturity as part of their Christian walk (Ephesians 4:11-13). Fourthly, Paul wants the Colossians to continue to learn more about their faith and the God they serve. Knowledge of God involves learning the complete and absolute truth of the gospel and the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Gaining the knowledge of God in this life is bigger and better than any materialistic thing that we could ever buy, want or desire (Proverbs 16:16). Paul ends his prayer in verse 11 with the results of living a life to fully please the Lord as being strengthened with all might and power for patience and longsuffering with joy. Considering the times we live in, who doesn’t need that?


BE FRUITFUL DAY 2: TIME TO SHARE

1. “To walk worthy” means our actions match our beliefs. Read Ephesians 4:1-3 noting

how we are to walk. Then read through the rest of Chapter 4 to see the full extent of the walk the Lord desires. List 2 or 3 things the Lord might be asking you to apply to your daily walk with Him.

2. Psalm 147:10-11 says, “His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor His delight in the legs of the warrior; the Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love.” When we aim to please God, we then begin to weigh all of our actions in light of that decision. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit for help. What does a life fully pleasing to God look like for you? See Romans 12:1-3.


3. Good works are the fruit of our relationship with Him. Is your life fruitful in every good work? What might need to change for you to be more effective and productive in your daily walk? Read 2 Peter 1:5-8.

4. What does it mean to “increase in the knowledge of God?” The depth of our relationship with God is not dependent on His pursuit of us, but on our pursuit of Him and our willingness to be obedient to His Word. Hosea 4:6 is a warning from God to His people about the lack of knowledge. Read Proverbs 2:1-5 and list what actions the Lord desires you to take to know Him more deeply. How will these help you to be more fruitful in every good work?


BE FRUITFUL DAY 3: TIME FOR REFLECTION Reflect back upon this week’s teaching. Review any notes you took.




BE FRUITFUL DAY 4: TIME TO PRAY AND JOURNAL




WEEK 3

BE FREE

from

The Bondage of Sin

The Fruit of Holiness

BE FREE DAY 1: TIME TO STUDY



❖ “But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life” (Romans 6:22).

Only Christians know true freedom! Every human being is a slave to sin until they accept God’s free gift of salvation from sin. The fruit of our old sinful nature was unrighteousness, guilt, shame, and ultimately death. The fruit of our new life in Christ is holiness, eternal life, and freedom from the weight and burden of sin. What a glorious exchange! “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:34-36). God’s mission in the world is to redeem and save unholy people and sanctify them. We must realize how horrible sin is! What makes it horrible? Sin alienates us from God, our Creator, and in our relationships with one another. Sin is choosing to love anyone or anything more than God, which will only disappoint and dissatisfy us. As sinners, we are rebellious prodigals and adulterers in relationship to God, and murderers and manipulators in relationship to one another. Sin has made us prisoners. How wonderful it is to be forgiven, reconciled to God, and able to walk in freedom to holiness. Holiness is not a very popular subject in our conversations. It is often associated with strait-laced, legalistic, self-righteous people. However, when we discover the truth of holiness, it is beautiful and desirable. C. S. Lewis saw the truth of this when he wrote, “How little people know who think that holiness is dull. When one meets the real thing… it is irresistible.” Holiness is being “set apart, to be distinct.” It is an incomparable privilege, a result of being set free from sin. We now belong and are cherished as a bride by our Bridegroom, Jesus. We are free from all that will destroy our true happiness. Real freedom is not being able to do whatever you want, but it is found only in a loving, obedient relationship with the One who set us free. God has made provision for us to overcome sin through the cross of Christ. He has given us His Spirit and His grace to walk in holiness- grace in action. He has given us His word to show us the truth. While we will never reach perfect holiness in this life, God will empower us to be more and more victorious over sin. After this life, we will spend eternity with God in perfect holiness, and we will never stop talking about His holiness and the price paid to buy our freedom.

BE FREE DAY 2: TIME TO SHARE


1. Read Isaiah 61:1-2 and Luke 4:18 to discover what the mission of Christ was in this world. How has this played out in your life? Write your answer and a letter or poem of thanksgiving to God.

2. Read Galatians 5:1. Freedom from sin and having the fruit of holiness cannot be achieved by our own striving or in our own strength, which will only lead to more bondage. How would you explain the difference between striving or self-effort and a Christ-centered pursuit of holiness?

If and when you are discouraged because of a reoccurring sin or failure to measure up,

what help do 2 Corinthians 3:16-18, Hebrews 12:1-2, and John 15:5 give you?

We have a Savior who walked in perfect obedience, who died and has been raised again, and we can experience the reality of “Christ in us, the hope of glory.” This is good news the gospel!


3. How do you view holiness? Do you associate it with freedom? How important is holiness to you? Do you give much thought to pursuing holiness? If a light was shined into your personal life/thoughts, internet browsing/activity, conversations, entertainment choices, leisure activities, work conduct, the way you spend your money, your response to others, correspondence, etc.- would you be pleased? Would God? Remember, everything is laid bare before God. Ask God to give you His heart and perspective. He gives grace to the humble. Confess any sin, accept His forgiveness, and walk in holiness (1 John 1:9). True freedom begins when we see the sin in our own heart and give it to God in repentance. Journal what He shows you. Read David’s testimony of confession in Psalm 32:1-7, to gain insight.

4. Read Ephesians 5:25b-27 and Revelation19:7-9. What truth is revealed about all who belong to Christ?

Are you ready for the wedding when, with all the saints, you are presented to your

Bridegroom? Are there things that need to be done to be ready? Do it now for the glory of God that you may walk in true freedom. “And now dear children, continue in him so that when he appears, we may be confident and unashamed at his coming” (1 John 2:28). The best is yet to come.


BE FREE DAY 3: TIME FOR REFLECTION Reflect back upon this week’s teaching. Review any notes you took.




BE FREE DAY 4: TIME TO PRAY AND JOURNAL




WEEK FOUR

BE FAITHFUL

in

Character The Fruit of the Spirit

BE FAITHFUL DAY 1: TIME TO STUDY



❖ “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control. Galatians 5:22

This seventh fruit of the Spirit, faithfulness, means to be trusted, loyal, devoted, committed, reliable, unwavering, diligent, dependable and whole-hearted. It also speaks of enduring – a firmness of purpose especially when the living gets tough. It is more than a “grin-and-bear-it” kind of attitude. It is a very positive, active attribute of character and a much-needed one in today’s thoughtless, irresponsible world. This fruit of the Spirit becomes vital to us when we see that God calls us as women to be “faithful in all things” (1 Timothy 1:11). Being faithful means deciding that our love for God outweighs our desire for anything or anyone else in our lives. But, it also applies to our Christian behavior towards people, as well as, towards God. The Holy Spirit is ready to bring this attribute to full maturity in your life and mine, so that we can be counted on to be faithful in all circumstances with all our relationships. Jesus showed us the seriousness of being faithful in His parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30. Each one of us has been placed on earth as a caretaker of God’s business. We have been given a portion of life and charged with the responsibility of taking care of it, increasing it, investing it, and presenting it back to God. The ultimate lesson of this parable is: If you have a gift or a talent and you use it faithfully, God increases it so you can do even more. Perhaps this is the point at which we should take self-inventory. What are some of the resources, abilities or talents that God has given to you? In the end, the greatest commendation we could ever receive would be to hear our Master say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord” (Matthew 25:21). In expression of our thankfulness for this promise, we can only respond with, “I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever, with my mouth I will make Your faithfulness known through all generations. I will declare that Your love stands firm forever, that You established Your faithfulness in heaven itself” (Psalm 89:1-2).

BE FAITHFUL DAY 2: TIME TO SHARE


1. As women, you and I have many assignments from God that we cannot accomplish without faithfulness. Whether we are married or single, the duties and responsibilities of the home demand a high level of faithfulness. Read Proverbs 31:10-31 and examine up close a woman who faithfully carries out her assignments to be a wise manager of her home. What does faithfulness in action look like? What is her attitude as she approaches her work? What should be our attitude?

2. God also expects His children to be faithful in the church. The church is where we are to minister our spiritual gifts for the good of the body of Christ. Read 1 Corinthians 12:27-31 and list the different gifts here. Pray and ask the Lord to show you the specific gifts He has given you and how you might use them for His glory. Record your thoughts here.

3. We all struggle to be faithful in serving God and serving His people. Tiredness (I can’t do it), laziness (I don’t want to do it), procrastination (I’ll do it later), rebellion (I wont do it), or rationalization (someone else will do it) are just a few of the many struggles we face.


List any other struggles you might have here. Then, write out Colossians 3:23-24 as Paul gives us the answer to what our motive for faithful service should be.

4. How can you and I become more faithful? What can help us to cultivate His faithfulness in our life? Look up the following Scriptures for a few practical suggestions based on the truth of God’s Word. Record what the Lord reveals to you.

Psalm 34:4 Proverbs 3:3-6 Luke 16:10 1 Corinthians 10:31 Galatians 2:20


BE FAITHFUL DAY 3: TIME FOR REFLECTION Reflect back upon this week’s teaching. Review any notes you took.




BE FAITHFUL DAY 4: TIME TO PRAY AND JOURNAL




WEEK 5

BE FERVENT

in

Spirit, Love, and Prayer

The Fruit of Your Labors


BE FERVENT DAY 1: TIME TO STUDY Take a moment to read and reflect upon the Scripture below.

❖ “Not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11).

❖ “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).

❖ “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16).

FERVENT is “having or displaying a passionate intensity,” according to an online dictionary. As women, we experience this fiery characteristic almost daily. We’re fervent about many things both big and small. Let’s try a few words for fun: COFFEE, SLEEP, BLACK FRIDAY, POLITICS, FAMILY. Yet, for the believer in Christ, being fervent takes on such a greater, deeper, and fuller meaning. In Romans 12:11, we are admonished to be “fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” This Scripture reveals the source, the center, the reason that drives our fervency, which is love for the person of Jesus Christ. When Christ is King of our lives, our perspectives, our goals, our purposes are aligned to magnify and glory His name and spread His fame to a fallen world. His love, grace, and goodness toward us motivates and inspires the burning fervency within us. A devoted, fervent heart for the Lord creates the catalyst to serve Him passionately and completely even in the midst of trying circumstances. Our fervent love for Him is reflected back in our submission and obedience to Him. When our vertical relationship with Christ is aligned properly, the effects cascade down to those around us. So when Peter tells us to have “fervent love for one another,” we can experience a continual flow and outpouring from Him to others like a conduit of rushing water. Our fervent love for Him spills over into our relationships and interactions with others. This doesn’t mean life is flawless or that we handle every situation with perfection. On the contrary, the realization of our failures recognizes with humble gratitude His sacrifice on the cross to produce within us a heart of grace and a love that extends to others to “cover a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). We can fervently love others because He fervently loves us. His love, and not the actions of others, is the motivation, the driver, the assurance, the security, the strength, and the reason why we don’t lash out in return, write that person off, willingly stay in a marriage or continue on in places of difficulty.


Notice the progression fervency makes in the life of a believer from the three verses we’re studying today. Like concentric circles, it starts at the core by receiving the fervent love of God. We reciprocate that love back to Him in an intimate, eternal relationship, which expresses itself in a life lived serving Him. Next, that fervent love reverberates to those around us. Finally, the fervency of a believer takes on a wide berth by delving into the realms of larger life circumstances through influential prayer. “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous woman avails much” (James 5:16, emphasis added). Through fervent prayer, the Christian woman has access to affect every arena imaginable. Like a calling card, she makes deposits and leaves the aroma of Christ in her wake. Why? Because she is FEROCIOUSLY FERVENT! She is fervent in her love for the Lord, for others, and for any circumstance she faces. Ladies, BE FERVENT and the enjoy the fruit of your labor!


BE FERVENT DAY 2: TIME TO SHARE

1. Since Jesus is the Source of our fervency, it’s not surprising that we can become easily distracted by many things. What areas need to be shored up in your life that you might enjoy Jesus to a greater extent?

2. Having fervent love for others can sometimes be a challenge. According to Romans 5:5, how does the Holy Spirit help us to love in this area? If a certain “someone” comes to mind, ask the Holy Spirit to fill you afresh that you might love this person supernaturally.


3. Read 1 Samuel 1-2:1. How does Hannah’s example of fervent prayer and desire both

challenge and encourage you? What area of your life could use more fervency?

4. According to 1 Corinthians 15:58, how is the fruit of your labor in the Lord described by Paul? How might his insight minister to you personally?


BE FERVENT DAY 3: TIME FOR REFLECTION Reflect back upon this week’s teaching. Review any notes you took.




BE FERVENT DAY 4: TIME TO PRAY AND JOURNAL



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The Fullness of GOD - Calvary Vista...His love is perfect because it is Who He is. Love is...

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