Abundant Life

Abundant Life

02/21/10 PM

Text: John 10:10b I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

Introduction

The “abundant life” does not consist of an abundance of possessions Luke 12:15 Then He said to them, "Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions."

1. Rather, it consists of an “abundance of grace”

a. Romans 5:17 For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.

b. Romans 5:20 The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, (The testimony of Paul 1 Timothy 1:14 and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus.)

2. an abounding “love”

a. 1 Thessalonians 3:12 and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you;

3. an abundance for “every good deed”

a. 2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;

4. an “abounding … work of the Lord”

a. 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. (Ephesians 2:10 “created in Christ Jesus for good works”)

5. Abounding in Hope

a. Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (John 14:27 “My peace I give you”)

6. an abundance of suffering and comfort (consolation)

a. 2 Corinthians 1:5 For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.

(James 1:2 “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials...” 1 Peter 1:6 “In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials)

7. The abundant promise

a. Read 2 Peter 1:2-11 for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.(1 Corinthians 15:22- 24 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ's at His coming, then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power.)

Conclusion

Luke 12:32-34 "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

The “abundant life” does not consist of an abundance of possessions Luke 12:15. But is a life characterized by Grace, Love, Good Works, Hope, Suffering and Comfort, and a Promise for Eternal Life.