Living an Abundant Life in Christ
Introduction: Our world is full of unhappy and dissatisfied people. For this reason, people everywhere are looking for answers to the emptiness they feel inside. These people will try anything, if it might bring them some sort of satisfaction or happiness. Perhaps this explains why there is so much divorce, suicide, thoughts of suicide, drug dependecy, alcohol abuse, criminal behavior, prostitution, sexual impurity, depression, pornography, eating disorders, emotional, and psychological disorders. We are messed up. So, what is the solution? Materialism and wealth? Pleasure and enjoyment? Power and prestige? Religion? Wisdom and understanding? Everybody has an answer. But I believe the Bible when it says, "There is a way that seems right to a person, but in the end, it produces death," Proverbs 14:12.
There is an answer to the eternal question, "How do I find happiness and satisfaction in life?" Jesus stated in John 10:10 the purpose of why he came. He said, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full". What did Jesus mean when he said that we can have "life to the full"? You deserve an answer to this question.
A good dictionary will define the word "full" as "complete, perfect, being at the highest or greatest degree, the maximum". So when this word is in reference to one’s life, it would mean a life that is complete, not lacking in anything essential. It would imply that one’s life was successful, superior, having an abundance of quality and life. The good news is that not only did Jesus come to save us, but he also came to give us an abundant life. This is much like a second blessing: eternal life, plus "life to the full"! I’m convinced the reason why so many Christians are not living life to the full is because they don’t know what it is! Many Christians don’t really think that such a life is available to them. How sad!
Jesus said, "I have come, that they may have life, and have it to the full." This tells me that God desires that his children are living a life full of happiness, peace, and a genuine friendship with God. Through Jesus, it is without a doubt, still available today. It can be done and Jesus came to do it! Christians call this quality of living, "Abundant Life!"
I. There really is an "Abundant Life."
It does exists. And Christians all around us have discovered what it is and how to live it. And so can you!
1. Abundant living is a life that is filled with the things that are good for us.
People who enjoy the abundant life will possess all of these qualities: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, compassion, purity, humility, modesty, faith, character, wisdom, enthusiasm, dignity, optimism, confidence, honesty, and a relationship with God. In other words, the abundant life is full of all the things money can’t buy. No matter how much money you have, you can not buy more patience, self-control, or salvation! Hardware stores do not sell wisdom or hope. And yes, you can possess all of these qualities! You can get everyone of these things from God, who is the giver of all good things. The Bible says, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change...", James 1:17. But the Bible also says, "You do not have, because you do not ask God," James 4:2.
Are you in pursuit of the abundant life?
2. The "abundant life" is free from the things that are bad for us.
Everyone who lives the abundant life avoids these negative qualities: Selfishness, hatred, lust unforgiveness, envy, jealousy, fear, drunkenness, sexual immorality, discord, fits or rage, dishonesty, greed, gossipping, slander, pessimism and dispair. In other words, people with these issues often spend lots of money on therapy and marriage counseling in order to keep it from destroying themselves and their relationships with their loved-ones.
The more these negative qualities are a part of a person’s behavior, the farther they are from obtaining this thing called "abundant life". And yes, God can remove all of these negative characteristics from a person’s life. Everyone of them! God is greater than our sins! At one time, the people of Corinth, lived a life full of much wickedness and evil, but when Jesus was introduced to these people, by the power and grace of God, many were able to free themselves from these immoral actions. Paul wrote "And this is what some of you were. But you were washed,you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." 1 Corinthians 6:11
If the Corinthians were able to get free from these
destructive behaviors, by the grace of God, this means that you can, too.
It doesn’t matter that you are hot-tempered, for example. God can change that in you! So it’s no longer an excuse to say, "This is who I am and I can’t change that. You must accept me as I am!" No, we don’t. People who are living the abundant life do not walk around like a warm can of soda-pop that is about to explode at any minute. Everybody can be free from their personal weaknesses causing pain and embarrassment to themselves. That’s just one of the benefits of living the abundant life.
II. "Abundant Life" is found in Christ and no where else.
Everyone who does not have Jesus in their life, will not be able to experience true abundant living. No doubt, many non-christians can experience some happiness and satisfaction in their lives, but that is usually because they practice the qualities that make up the abundant life, such as patience, integrity, and kindness. They also avoid many of the things that destroy the abundant life such as dispair, pessimism, sexual immorality, substance abuse, etc. However, Jesus said that unless we believe in him, we will all die in our sins, John 8:24. We must, therefore, realize that no matter how much happiness a non-christian experiences, it is unfortunately limited in quality and it’s only temporary. The facts are, anyone without the saving grace of Jesus, is spiritually dead. A person cannot live the "abundant life" if they are spiritually dead. The Bible says, "God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ (even when we were dead)," Ephesians 2:4. If you are in Christ, the abundant life is waiting for you!
III. God is inviting you to experience an "Abundant Life".
The Bible says "...God,richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment", 1 Timothy 6:17. Did you catch that? It is God’s desire that all his children discover happiness and satisfaction in (this) life. We are commanded to "Rejoice in the Lord always," Philippians 4:4. It will be my pleasure to obey that command. Don’t you agree? Unfortunately, many Christians are still missing out on the abundant life. Perhaps, they do not believe that such a life is truly available to them. Notice in John 10:10 that Jesus did not say, "I come that (some) may have life to the full". All believers are invited to discover abundant living. It is available to all God’s children, no matter what their circumstances are in life. This is a hard concept for many Christians to accept. Many assume the abundant life depends on circumstances, or fate or luck, or their bank account, or their status in life, or their health. No doubt, these things are highly valued in our lives, but Jesus said, "What is highly valued among men is detestable in God’s sight", Luke 16:15. Wealth, power, status, and worldly pleasure have nothing to do with living the abundant life.
Zig Ziglar, a Christian motivational speaker and author wrote a book that greatly describes the abundant Life, called "Over the Top". In it he tells the true story of a remarkable man named Charlie Wedemeyer from Los Gatos, California. Charlie coached the high-school football team in Los Gatos to the only state championship they’ve ever won. One day, Zig Ziglar attended a practice session with Charlie and his team. As the two of them were carrying on an extended conversation from the sidelines during a football practice, periodically an assistant coach would run up and ask questions about an offensive or defensive assignment. It might be, "How do you keep them from trap-blocking on that play?" And without
hesitation, Charlie, who had been watching intently during their entire conversation, would spell out the specifics he should follow. A few moments later, another coachwould come by with a question, and again, Charlie had an answer ready for him. Zig Ziglar noted that the amazing thing was that the only parts of Charile’s body he could move were his eyes and mouth. Charlie Wedemeyer suffered from Lou Gehrig’s disease. This disease had physically affected Charlie so dramatically that no sound could come from his mouth. His wife, Lucy, was his interperter. She would read his lips and effectively delivered the message.
Yet, Charile had the most remarkable attitude and the greatest sense of humor. Not only did Charile coach football, but he traveled and spoke regularly to people
in churches, schools, businesses, and prisons. He and Lucy communicate a powerful message of faith, hope, courage, love and a never-give-up spirit, which are all ingredients of the abundant life, aren’t they. On May of 1992, Charlie was honored as the Disabled American of the Year by President Bush. Charlie, who was once Hawaii’s Athlete of the Decade for the 1960’s, wrote an inspirational book called "Charlie’s Victory". He might be the only speaker in America who can’t speak. Charlie lives the abundant life, despite his circumstances. As you look around this world, you will notice many who have far less than you or I, but have overcome their situations of poverty, physical limitations, child abuse or other difficulties and discovered the abundant life that Jesus has promised.
IV. How to identify the "Abundant Life".
The "Abundant life" life means that there is an abundance of something. This, of course, is refering to life itself. Such a person is getting the most out of life. They are living it to the fullest. They are not just merely existing, or simply "trying to make a living." That’s why Jesus said in Matthew 6:25 to not worry about our life, what we will eat or drink, and what we will wear. If we allow ourselves to remain preoccupied with what we consider to be basic necessities, we will not be able to enjoy "abundant life". It is a mistake to allow "the urgent" to control you, because that will cause you to miss out on what is truly important.
As you learn to see what life is all about, you will begin to see all around you, many who are successfully living their own "life to the full". These people quietly go about their lives full of meaning and hope, happiness, satisfaction and health, vitality, and peace of mind. They enjoy quality friendships, have good family relations, and a strong faith in God.
Their life becomes an adventure worth living.
A. What abundant life is not.
1. It is not necessarily a life of comfort and ease.
Sometimes we need to "go through the fire" in order for it to melt away the impurities inside us. This is how God refines us. That is why James said, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds...", James 1:2.
2. It is not dependent on outside circumstances.
It’s not what happens to you that is nearly as important as how you respond to it. Some of the greatest men in our country grew up in poverity and other extreme hardships.
3. It is not glamorous, flashy or outwardly impressive.
The abundant life is much like that small gate and narrow road that Jesus told us about in Matthew 7:13.
The reason why so few will find it is because it takes more effort to even notice it. It has no flashing lights, no whistles or bells.
4. It is not necessarily obtained quickly.
People can receive eternal life fairly quickly as long as they have a little faith. It’s not that way with the abundant life. It may take a few years before a person can experience it, because it is a process that often takes time. Don’t allow that to discourage you.
A person who is 100 lbs. over-weight may take longer to reach their ideal weight than someone who is only 10 lbs. over-weight. Nevertheless, they still can achieve their goal, even if it takes longer. In the same way, the process for some people to obtain the abundant life may take longer because some people carry around a little more "spiritual baggage" than others. Some baggage may also be harder to turn loose.
The point is, a few years from now, Lord willing, you are going to be a few years older. Either you will be a few years older and enjoying abundant life, or you will be a few years older and still not have it. The choice is yours.
5. It is not easy to obtain.
This should not be surprising. Almost everything worth while tends to be harder to obtain and require more effort to keep it. Good habits are like that.
B. A good description of Abundant living.
You are living the "Abundant life" when...
1. You clearly understand that failure is an event, not a person; that yeasterday ended last night, and today is your brand new day.
2. You have made friends with your past, are focused on the present, and optimistic about your future.
3. You know that success doesn’t make you, and failure doesn’t break you.
4. You are filled with faith, hope, and love, and live without anger, greed, guilt, envy, or thoughts of revenge.
5. You are mature enough to delay gratification and shift your focus from your rights to your responsibilities.
6. You know that failure to stand for what is morallly right is the prelude to being the victim of what is criminally wrong.
7. You are secure in who you are, so you are at peace with God and in fellowship with man.
8. You have made friends of you adversaries, and have gained the love and respect of those who know you best.
9. You understand that others can give you pleasure, but genuine happiness comes from doing things for others.
10. You are pleasant to the grouch, courteous to the rude, and generous to the needy.
11. You love the unlovable, give hope to the hopless, friendship to the friendless, and encouragement to the discouraged.
12. You can look back in forgiveness, forward in hope, down in compassion, and up with gratitude.
13. You know that "he who would be the greatest among you must become the servant of all".
14. You recognize, confess, develop, and use your God-given physical, mental, and spiritual abilities to the glory of God and for the benefit of mankind.
15. You stand in front of the Creator of the universe and He says to you, "Well done, good and faithful servant." p. 313, "Over the Top", by Zig Ziglar, 1997.
V . You can know how to receive this "Abundant Life".
There is not a magic formula. God graciously gives it to all who seek it. "Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives, he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened," Matthew 7:7-9.
"If you...know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him," Matt. 7:11.
Conclusion: For those of you who realize that you have never experienced or discovered the abundant life, the most important thing you can do right now, is to agree that Jesus in John 10:10 really has come so that YOU may enjoy life to the full. If you have already said "yes" to Jesus and have received eternal life, then "abundant life" is yours! However, it is a process, and it will become a life-style as you grow to be more like Christ.
Jesus said, "Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours," Mark 11:24.
"I have come that you may have life to the full". Jesus
Are you seeking after Abundant Life?
