The word, or in this case, the phrase, is “abundant life.” It is a phrase we use often in the church, and it comes from John 10.10. Let’s read it in context beginning at verse 7. 7 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (ESV) Jesus was making a comparison between the thief who is the devil and himself who is the “door and the good shepherd.” Unlike the thief, who comes for selfish reasons to destroy the sheep, Jesus comes to give life to the sheep. This life in him is meaningful, purposeful, joyful, and eternal. We receive this abundant life the moment we accept Him as our Savior.
Some false preachers and teachers today teach that this promised abundant life includes lavish homes, expensive cars, worldwide cruises, and more money than we know what to do with. They insist that these are the blessings that Jesus wants to give every Christ follower. However, the Bible teaches us that wealth, prestige, position, and power and so on in this world are not God’s priorities for us. 1 Corinthians 1.26-29, Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things — and the things that are not — to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.
Therefore, although there are material blessings we receive in our abundant life, this life is mainly spiritual. Paul wrote that this abundant life is far better than anything we can imagine. 1 Corinthians 2.9 “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” And then in Ephesians 3.20, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”
Here is a summary of Abundant Life from the Biblehub.com website:
1. Abundant life begins inwardly. It involves transformation by the Holy Spirit and a renewed heart.
2. Essential to abundant life is a reconciled relationship with the God through Christ.
3. Abundant life secures the promise of eternal life and assures our salvation.
4. There is a spiritual vitality in this life which includes the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5.22-23)
5. It provides emotional wellbeing of genuine peace, contentment, and joy.
6. There is a moral and ethical transformation as we follow Biblical principles of integrity and Godly character, following the example of Christ.
Therefore, let us rejoice in the abundant life that our great shepherd, Jesus has given to us.
In Christ Alone
Pastor Gary
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