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This is a message that is based on John 10:10 "...I am come that you might have life and that you might have it more abundantly."
Written Excerpts:
Introduction: There are a lot of changes that have taken place in
our world and our society. These changes are evident not only through technology
and the way we do things, but also in the behaviors of people and the level of
evil we see around us.
I might cause some to be uneasy
by saying this, but I imagine that most of us are extremely appalled by the
scandals in our government that have recently come out into the light.
I would echo the comments of
others in saying, “Sometimes it’s hard to remember that we are living in the United States of America
“Oppression
by austere and unprincipled rulers in foreign countries is not approved, but
expected in many cases. Intimidation, oppression and disenfranchisement of
citizens by the US Government is incomprehensible to FREE men. When I was a
child, I was convinced America
That statement gives us just a
little glimpse at the reason why we need a spiritual awakening and revival in
our land. But this is not what my sermon is about. I just wanted to emphasize
how much our country has changed.
However, there is one area that
hasn’t changed – the longing deep within every person to live a life full of
meaning, purpose, peace and fulfillment. Everyone I have ever met desires to
have a life that is truly satisfying; not just merely existing.
In our text today, Jesus states
it very clearly, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have
it more abundantly.” I like how it is worded in one
of the newer translations. “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and
destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” The word that is translated “abundantly” is a word that can be
translated, “beyond measure” or “excessively.”
What exactly does it mean to
have an abundant life?
If you ask anyone on the street
that doesn’t know God or the teachings of the Bible and you might get an answer
that emphasizes wealth, pleasure, adventure, excitement, etc.
For people who know the Lord and
study His Word, we understand that the abundant life includes all of those
things (although understood in a completely different context than perceived by
non-believers), but it includes so much more than that.
With the help of God’s Spirit
today, I want to speak for a while on life more abundant.
I. To have abundant life means to be saved from
death and destruction. (v.10a)
Jesus has just been comparing
himself with others who had come before Him. He describes himself as the true
“door of the sheep.” He says that all who have come before him were “thieves
and robbers” who have come to steal, kill and destroy.
I would understand this to have
a spiritual meaning. The false prophets and religious leaders have not provided
spiritual life to the sheep, but have merely used them for their own selfish
agenda. The end result would be death and destruction to the sheep (people).
Christ, on the other hand, comes
to provide spiritual life. He rescues us from the destruction that certainly
awaits every person led astray by false teaching, and empty promises.
II. To have abundant life means
to enjoy the blessings provided by our Lord. (vv. 9, 11-13, 15)
A. Christ provides
“pasture.” (v. 9)
In a spiritual sense, I would
understand this to mean spiritual food, blessings, and general provisions that
satisfy the soul. That includes:
1. Peace (cf. Rom.
2. Purpose (cf. Matt.
28:28; Rom. 12; 1 Cor. 12)
Various passages in Scripture
reveal to us that God has a plan and purpose for each one of us. This includes
the general purpose of reaching our world for Christ, as well as specific
ministries and tasks he wants us to do.
The passages regarding the gifts
of the spirit indicate that God has a special place for each one of us to fill
within the “body” of Christ.
You will never find people who
are any happier or living life more abundantly than those who have discovered
God’s purpose for their life and are doing it.
3. Fulfillment
Every human being has a longing
for significance. It is the longing to know that my life has made a difference.
It matters not whether I am well known in the world, only that I made a
difference in someone else’s life.
Whoever truly, and
wholeheartedly follows the Good Shepherd, will make a difference in their
world, wherever that may be. And, that realization is worth all of the trials
and troubles that we may have to endure in the process.
B. Christ provides “rescue.”
He not only offers us the things that truly satisfy, but He also rescues us
from the things that are harmful and hurtful. (v. 11-13) Cf. v. 10a again.
I could name many close friends
and even family members who did not choose to follow Jesus and the Devil has
wreaked havoc in their lives with addictions, disease, and various other
consequences.
None of those things were
“advertised” by the Devil when he was tempting them to go the path of worldly
pleasures.
“The way of the transgressor is
hard.” But, Christ provides rescue and rest.
C. Christ provides eternal
salvation from death. He tells them “I lay down my life for the sheep.” (v.
15)
There is a sense in which he may
be still referring to the fact that he pays whatever price that is necessary to
save us from the harm and hurt of sin, which we have just mentioned.
Yet, I believe he is also
referring to the literal giving of his life for us. This is specifically
defined later in verses 28 and 29.
Conclusion:
I’d be dishonest if I neglected
to tell you that this abundant life doesn’t mean you’ll never have suffering or
adversity.
In fact, Jesus frequently told
His followers that they must take up their cross to follow Him. He warned them
that life would be hard. He never tried to attract people by making it sound
like it would be easy and all “roses.”
However, in spite of all the
adversity and suffering that a Christian may face, living with Christ and for
Christ is still an abundant life that satisfies the longing of the soul.
I remember my own experience as
a young person; wrestling with the decision whether to obey God or seek my own
will and the pleasures of the world. The devil told me…. But after choosing to follow Christ I
discovered….
If you haven’t yet discovered
this abundant life, I’m happy to tell you that it is available if you will
totally surrender to the Good Shepherd.
We’re going to sing an
invitation song and give you an opportunity to seek the more abundant life that Jesus offers.
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