Empty Yourself to Be Filled A Biblical PerspectiveThe concept of ’emptying yourself to be filled’ is a profound principle found in Scripture that teaches believers the importance of humility, surrender, and spiritual openness. The Bible invites Christians to let go of self-reliance, worldly desires, and personal pride to make space for God’s presence, guidance, and blessings. This idea of emptying oneself can be a transformative journey that leads to spiritual growth, deeper faith, and a closer relationship with God.
In this topic, we will explore the biblical meaning of ’empty yourself to be filled,’ examining key Bible verses, how they apply to Christian life, and how believers can embrace this principle to experience God’s fullness.
Understanding the Concept of Emptying Yourself
The idea of ’emptying yourself’ may seem paradoxical at first. In a world that often encourages self-promotion and self-sufficiency, emptying oneself can be seen as countercultural. However, the Bible teaches that true fulfillment comes not from clinging to personal ambitions or desires but from surrendering those things to God.
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Humility and Submission Emptying oneself involves humility recognizing that we are not in control and that our strength and wisdom are limited. Humility opens the door for God to fill us with His wisdom, strength, and grace. This is reflected in Philippians 27, where Jesus is described as emptying Himself by taking on the form of a servant
‘But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.’ (Philippians 27)
Jesus, who is God in the flesh, humbled Himself by becoming a servant, demonstrating that true greatness comes through self-emptying and service.
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Letting Go of Worldly Desires To be filled by God, we must first let go of the distractions and desires of this world that can crowd our hearts and minds. This means relinquishing our attachment to materialism, pride, and sin. Jesus spoke of this in Matthew 1624
‘Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Matthew 1624)
Denying oneself and taking up the cross is a process of emptying oneself of selfish desires and fully committing to God’s will. It is only when we do this that we create space for God to fill us with His Spirit and purpose.
Bible Verses About Emptying Yourself to Be Filled
There are several Bible verses that highlight the importance of emptying oneself to be filled by God. These verses serve as a guide for believers who seek spiritual growth and deeper intimacy with their Creator.
1. Philippians 23-4 – Humility and the Example of Jesus
‘Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.’ (Philippians 23-4)
In these verses, Paul urges believers to practice humility, putting others’ needs above their own. By emptying ourselves of selfish ambition and conceit, we make room for God to fill us with love, kindness, and selflessness.
2. John 330 – Decreasing So Christ Can Increase
‘He must increase, but I must decrease.’ (John 330)
This powerful declaration from John the Baptist speaks to the principle of emptying ourselves. John understood that in order for Christ to be glorified and His ministry to flourish, he had to decrease step aside and allow Jesus to increase. This principle encourages Christians to diminish their own desires, preferences, and agendas in order to allow God to fill them with His plans and purposes.
3. Matthew 53 – Spiritual Poverty
‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’ (Matthew 53)
In the Beatitudes, Jesus teaches that those who recognize their spiritual poverty those who empty themselves of self-sufficiency and pride are blessed. When we acknowledge our need for God and humble ourselves before Him, we position ourselves to receive the kingdom of heaven and the fullness of God’s blessings.
4. 2 Corinthians 129 – Strength in Weakness
‘But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.’ (2 Corinthians 129)
Paul learned that in his weakness and emptiness, God’s grace could be fully experienced. By emptying ourselves of our own strength and relying on God’s power, we allow Him to fill us with His grace and strength.
How to Empty Yourself to Be Filled
Emptying yourself to be filled with God’s presence and power is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. Here are some practical steps to embrace this biblical principle in daily life
1. Daily Surrender
Every day, make a conscious decision to surrender your will and desires to God. This involves prayerfully asking God to help you let go of personal ambitions, distractions, and sin. Surrendering daily is a way to empty yourself of self-reliance and make room for God’s work in your life.
2. Humility in Action
Practice humility by serving others, putting their needs before your own, and avoiding selfishness. Humility opens the door for God to fill you with His love and wisdom. You can reflect Christ’s humility by showing kindness and offering forgiveness, just as He demonstrated.
3. Fasting and Prayer
Fasting and prayer are spiritual disciplines that help believers empty themselves of worldly attachments and seek God’s presence. Through fasting, you deny your flesh, making space for spiritual growth and intimacy with God. Prayer also allows you to communicate with God and align your heart with His will.
4. Meditating on God’s Word
Spending time in the Bible allows God’s truth to fill your heart and mind. By meditating on Scripture, you allow God to transform your thinking and fill you with His perspective. As you empty your mind of worldly distractions, the Word of God can fill you with wisdom, peace, and guidance.
The Rewards of Being Filled by God
When we empty ourselves and allow God to fill us, the rewards are abundant. We experience a closer relationship with God, greater peace, and an ability to serve others with love and humility. Some of the key benefits of being filled by God include
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Peace and Joy The fullness of God’s presence brings peace and joy that transcends circumstances. As you allow God to fill you, you experience a sense of contentment and inner peace, even in difficult times.
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Spiritual Strength Emptying yourself of self-reliance and relying on God’s strength empowers you to overcome challenges. God’s power is made perfect in weakness, and He equips you to face life’s difficulties with courage and faith.
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Christlike Character As you empty yourself and allow God to fill you, you begin to reflect the character of Christ. The fruits of the Spirit love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control become evident in your life.
The biblical principle of ’empty yourself to be filled’ invites believers to surrender their lives to God, relinquishing pride, selfishness, and worldly desires. By emptying ourselves, we make room for God to fill us with His presence, wisdom, strength, and peace. As we practice humility, prayer, and surrender, we align ourselves with God’s will and open the door to spiritual growth and transformation. Through this process, we become more like Christ and experience the fullness of His blessings in our lives.