What is the abundant life and how do we experience it?


The abundant life that Christ promised is found in John 10:10, where Jesus says:

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” NKJV

The concept of abundant life goes beyond material wealth or physical comfort. It refers to a life lived in Christlikeness that is spiritually rich, deeply fulfilling, and rooted in an intimate relationship with God The Holy Spirit. Here’s a deeper look at what this means:

1. Spiritual Fulfillment

  • Eternal Life: Abundant life begins with salvation and the promise of eternal life through Jesus.  John 3:16 TPT For here is the way God loved the world—he gave his only, unique Son as a gift. So now everyone who believes in him will never perish but experience everlasting life.
  • Restoration of Relationship: It means living in close fellowship with God The Holy Spirit, free from the separation caused by sin. John 3:17 NKJV For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
  • “Sozo” is the Greek Word used in the New Testament we translate as saved.  It means so much more – it signifies total salvation — spiritual redemption, physical healing, deliverance from danger, and complete wholeness, rescued, total restoration.  The use of “sozo” throughout the New Testament reveals that Father God’s salvation plan is not limited to the forgiveness of sins but extends to every part of human existence — spirit, soul, and body.

2. Inner Peace and Joy

  • Peace in All Circumstances: Abundant life includes an inner peace that surpasses understanding, even in the face of hardship.  Philippians 4:7 AMPC And God’s peace [shall be yours, that [a]tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall [b]garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
  • Lasting Joy: This joy is not dependent on worldly success or possessions but comes from a sense of purpose, gratitude, and God’s presence.

3. Purpose and Meaning

  • Living with Purpose: Abundant life means living according to God’s plan and calling for you (Jeremiah 29:11).
  • Fruitful Living: It’s a life that produces the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and impacts others in a positive, lasting way.

4. Freedom from Bondage

  • Freedom from Sin: Through Jesus, believers are no longer slaves to sin but are free to live in righteousness (Romans 6:22).  Jesus ended the sin issue on the Cross by taking all sin upon His body. (2 Corinthians 5:21) (Isaiah 53:1-5)
  • Freedom from Fear: An abundant life is marked by trust in God’s protection and provision, leading to freedom from worry and fear (2 Timothy 1:7).

5. Love and Community

  • Relationships of Love: Abundant life is lived in love toward God and others, fulfilling the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-40).  Jesus super charged the Great Commandment buy giving us a new commandment to love one another as He loves you (John 13:34-35).  We’re to love like Jesus loves.
  • Generosity and Service: True abundance flows outward, as believers serve others and practice generosity (2 Corinthians 9:8).  We’re to be in this world as Jesus was – the master servant. (1 John 4:17)

6. Living the Abundant Life – Sowing to The Spirit

Some ways to sow to the Spirit include: 

  • Seeking to live according to the guidance of The Holy Ghost and His nine fruit in all of your daily activities
  • Courageously trusting God when called to do something that feels beyond your abilities in any situation
  • Communicating with The Sprit about your life issues as needed
  • Being grateful to The Spirit when He helps you with life issues
  • Reading the Scriptures daily, memorizing, meditating on them and receiving supernatural revelations that leads to lifestyle transformation by The Spirit 
  • Spending time in prayer, which is talking with The Spirit about your needs, your hopes and your desires
  • Regularly attending church services for corporate worship
  • Attending Bible studies 

Summary

The abundant life Jesus promised is an abundant life of spiritual richness, inner peace, and purpose. It is not defined by material wealth, but by an intimate relationship with God The Holy Spirit.  Having the Fruit of the Spirit, the nine spiritual senses and the manifestation of the Gifts of The Sprit, first in our own lives and then by the discretion of The Spirit into the world to glorify Christ and His Kingdom.  This result in joy and peace that come from living according to Father God’s will.


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