On Sunday morning, Pastor spoke on the subject of “Poured Out,” using 2 Timothy 4:1–8 as the foundational scripture. If you missed it, I encourage you to listen at your convenience. He shared how Jesus, in His humanity, emptied Himself of the privileges of heaven. Rather than staying on His throne, Jesus made Himself nothing — veiling His glory and choosing the position of a servant (Philippians 2:7).

Pastor made it clear: Jesus never ceased to be God at any point during His earthly ministry. But He set aside His heavenly glory, voluntarily refraining from using His divinity to make His path easier (John 5:19). Today, I want to speak briefly about pouring out.

The term “pour out” can mean causing a liquid to flow from one vessel to another, or expressing one’s feelings in an unrestrained way. Today, I’m focusing on the latter — pouring out our hearts before God.

Paul writes in Philippians 2:5–8 (NLT):

“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to… He took the humble position of a slave …” Jesus is the perfect example of what emptying out looks like. Though He came in human form, He was always conscious of the fact that He is God.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

As followers of Christ, we have a new nature — putting off the old man and walking in the newness of life (Ephesians 4:24). There are things we used to do that we should not do anymore. We are called to die daily (1 Corinthians 15:31), putting aside former things so they no longer hold us.

Yes, we are still clothed in flesh, and we still face trials — but we are not in this alone. Jesus promised He would never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

In Psalm 69, David poured out his heart to God. His enemies were pressing him to his limit. So he went to the One he knew could help. Psalm 69:1–3 (NLT) says:

Save me, O God, for the floodwaters are up to my neck. Deeper and deeper I sink into the mire; I can’t find a foothold. I am in deep water, and the floods overwhelm me. I am exhausted from crying for help; my throat is parched. My eyes are swollen with weeping, waiting for my God to help me.

This is one of the imprecatory psalms — David petitioned God to bring judgment on his enemies. But notice, he began with, “Save me, O God.”

When we pour our hearts out, we’re asking God to save us from the vicissitudes of life — from the weight and sins that press us down. What would it look like if we did that honestly before God?

God created us, so He knows all about us. There is nothing hidden from Him. Psalm 139 tells us He knows everything — our thoughts, our days, our movements — before they happen.

Psalm 139:1–3: “O Lord, you have examined my heart…” Psalm 139:16–17: “You saw me before I was born…”

So what does that mean for us? It means there is nothing we can struggle with that we can’t bring to Him. He already knows — and He wants honesty.

Sometimes we think the only sins are fornication and adultery. But we sin in thoughts, deeds, and actions (Matthew 15:18–19). There are sins of omission and sins of commission. Some sins are subtle — like not praying daily or not sharing our faith.

Did you know that disobedience is a sin? It was because of disobedience that sin entered the world (Genesis 3). Saul lost his kingdom because of disobedience (1 Samuel 15:23). Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft.

Gossip is a sin. James 1:26 says if you claim to be religious but do not control your tongue, your religion is worthless. Drunkenness is a sin (Ephesians 5:18). Unforgiveness is a sin (Matthew 6:15). Worry is a sin when it reveals lack of faith (Matthew 6:25–34).

We can be honest about our fears, anxieties, and sins. He already knows — and promises to perfect what concerns us (Psalm 138:8).

Psalm 25, 31, 32, 51, 77, 118, and 120 show David crying out to God. He told God exactly what was on his mind. He was real — and God invites us into that same transparency.

Philippians 4:6–7 teaches us to be anxious for nothing, but through prayer and supplication to make our requests known to God. We can pour our hearts out about any situation.

Our prayer life should not be only begging. Sometimes we should simply sit in His presence and pour our love on Him. Worship can be pouring out too.

Pouring out looks like confessing our sins (1 John 1:9), interceding for leaders (1 Timothy 2:1–3), praying for unbelievers (Acts 26:18; 2 Corinthians 4:4), asking God to work in hearts (Ezekiel 36:26). It is intimacy and transparency with God — letting Him handle what we pour out.

Jesus emptied Himself to the point of death on the cross. He didn’t have to — but He did for us. And we should be thankful. He sent the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us.

New spiritual truth requires a renewed heart and mind (Matthew 9:17; Mark 2:22; Luke 5:37–39). You can’t be filled if you’re already full. Pouring out makes room for God’s new work in you.

Father, we thank You for Your Word. Examine us, and show us what we need to pour out. Fill us with Your love, Your power, and Your grace. Give us everything we need to continue this journey. In Jesus’ Name, amen.