Marks of abundant life.
I have come so they may have life and have it to the full. – John 10:10
Jesus is about Joy, Adventure, Peace, and Purpose.
“I came to give life—life that is full and good.” — John 10:10
When Jesus offered abundance, He was offering Himself as the means to “the best life has to offer”, including “full satisfaction and perfect guidance” (Frank. Gaebelein, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary)
Below are marks that a person has abundant life in Christ, biblical Joy, and contentment that only comes from a meaningful connection with our creator.
1. Knowing Christ’s real identity and authority as Lord and Savior.
“‘Who do you say I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God’” — Matthew 16:15-16
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” — Matthew 28:18
2. Staying connected with Jesus’s power and love.
By living His commandments (John 14:15, 15:10, 12, Matt 22:36-40).
By prayer (Matthew 6:5-13,1 Thessalonians 5:17, Hebrews 4:14-16)
By the Holy Spirit living in us (John 3:6-7, 14:16-18).
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” — John 15:5
3. Allowing Jesus to produce the fruit of God’s Spirit in us and satisfy our desires with good things.
Jesus helps us become the person we really want to be, free of our worst selves, and living our higher potential.
“I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway…another power within me is at war with my mind….Oh, what a miserable person I am!
Who will free me from this life that is dominated by impulses toward sin and death?
“Praise God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” — Romans 7:19-24
The Holy Spirit in us empowers us to live above our base flesh impulses.
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, causing discord, and envy…
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” — Galatians 5:19-23
We become more of these good things:
Trustworthy – Don’t lie or steal.
Faithful – Don’t cheat anyone or on anyone. Don’t go back on commitments.
Industrious – Hard working with our God-given talents.
Charitable – Understanding that the people in our relationships are imperfect and have needs, just like us. Caring for those who are less fortunate.
Gentle and self-controlled – Control our power instead of lashing out at any inconvenience. Only displaying anger at the right timers. Ruling our body impulses so they serve us instead of ruling us.
This is not so we won’t enjoy our bodies and other things life offers. It’s so we can! Not being ruled by impulses allows us to enjoy God’s blessings in healthy contexts.
It also makes us people who other people would want to be around. Good friends, marriage partners, employees, or employees.
On top of that, Jesus gives us good things that satisfy our desires.
“Praise the Lord… who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” — Psalm 103:1-5
4. Allowing Jesus to produce fruit through us that meaningfully benefits our world.
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on them day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.” — Psalm 103:1-3
“You have been rescued. Where you go now, healthy trees will grow where thorns once did.” — Isaiah 55:12-13
5. Responding to Christ’s love and guidance each day yields a more spontaneous, less burdensome, boring life.
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” — Matthew 4:19
6. See the good fruit Christ is producing within us and through us!
“For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord; I sing for joy at what your hands have done.” — Psalm 92:4
“Do chase (store up) treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven…do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ Pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows you need them.
Do what God wants and show His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” — Matthew 6:19-33