The Abundant Life

The phrase abundant life comes from the King James version of John 10:10: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

The Greek word translated abundant means exceeding our needs, over and above what is necessary. The idea that Christians are supposed to live minimalist or sacrificial lives comes from man, not the Bible. There are only a few restrictions placed on us where this is concerned.

One, we’re not supposed to place our love for abundance above our love for the Lord (Matt. 6:19-24).

Two, we’re not supposed to strive for such a life on our own, but to Seek the Lord’s kingdom and His righteousness and let Him provide it for us as He chooses (Matt. 6:33).

And three, we’re supposed to use what he gives us to help the less fortunate, knowing that our generosity toward others will determine the Lord’s generosity toward us (Luke 6:38).

Christ always wants abundant life.
He is infinitely patient with the weak, but He wishes that we be strong.
He accepts the feeblest service, but He desires us to serve Him with the whole heart.

The smallest faith, even like a grain of mustard seed, has power with God and can remove mountains, but God is best pleased when we have a faith that quails at no difficulties, and accomplishes impossibilities. A believer may have but the smallest flame of life, and yet Christ will not despise it.

“Smoking flax shall He not quench.” There is a picture of one bending over a handful of cold embers on the hearth, as if he would get them to glow again. Underneath the picture are the words, “It may be there is a spark left yet.” This is a picture of the infinite patience of Christ with those who are almost dead spiritually. So long as there is even a spark left He will seek in every way to make the dead live. But with all His gentleness toward the barely living, He wants abundance of life in all His followers. “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

Every picture of Christian life which our Lord uses suggests fullness and richness of life.

Fruit is the test and measure of it.

- The fruitless branch is taken away, and the fruitful branch is pruned that it may bring forth more fruit. “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” (15:8).

- To the woman at the well Jesus spoke of spiritual life beginning in the heart as a well or spring of water. When we receive Christ, a fountain of divine life is opened in our hearts. At first, however it is only a little spring, a mere beginning of the life of God and heaven in us. Then, later, Jesus said, “He that believeth on me… out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water” (7:38).

The little spring by and by becomes rivers. Christ came to give life and to give it abundantly.