The Abundant Life
John 10:10 - “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
The Greek word used for abundantly indicates that this life is over-the-top, beyond measure. It’s a life that is superior, extraordinary, surpassing, uncommon.
This is the life that Jesus displayed with His character, His words, and His actions. We see it lived out in Phil 2:5-8, which says He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. This shows His faithfulness to His purpose, which was to provide the way for our salvation. We are told to have this same attitude.
So, characteristics of the Abundant Life appear to be humility, obedience, and faithfulness. We see this demonstrated throughout Jesus’ life, and His death.
He demonstrated God’s character of compassion and grace, long-suffering and love, faithfulness, and forbearance, expressed to Moses in Exodus 34:6.
Jesus provided His Holy Spirit to come alongside us so we could live the same life He did. The Holy Spirit provides us with His fruit, which is presented to us by Paul in Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
These are certainly a pathway to the Abundant Life, and would be evident in the life of anyone who is living that Life. The real key is Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”
Until we die to self, we will always struggle, being bound by our flesh. If I have been crucified with Christ, I’m dead! It is important to consider that, and to accept it as a fact! We always think we can do things on our own, and the fact is, we can’t live the Christian life! No one can! Jesus is the only one who ever did, and He is the only One who ever can! That’s why it is so important to let Him live His life through us. And, He sent His Holy Spirit to do that through each one of us who seeks to be obedient to Galatians 2:20.
The Abundant Life is experienced when we humble ourselves by submitting to the power of the Holy Spirit to live the life of Jesus Christ through us. The result is that we are filled with the Spirit, we live out the fruit of the Spirit, and we exhibit the character of God in our relationships with other people. Loving God, loving people, and making disciples of those around us are the facets of The Abundant Life.