PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)
NCE (English); Dip (Computer Studies); ND/HD
(Journalism); Dip, BA (Theology) MA, PhD.
THE
BIBLE AND ABUNDANT LIFE
Devotional Text: John
10:10
Introduction:
By abundant life, this lesson means life in
its overflowing fullness, marked with the prosperity of the body and soul of
the individual, as the Holy Scripture shows that it is the will of God that we
prosper in health (body), even as our soul(s) prosper(s), (3 John 2). Abundant
life focuses more on our wellbeing on earth, which implies that God is
interested in our human life, since His Word expresses His good thoughts toward
us, which are thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give us an expected end,
(Jer. 29:11). To this end, the Lord says… “Take no thoughts for your life, what
you shall eat, what you shall drink or what you shall put on”… (Matt. 6:25).
GENERAL REMARKS
(1) Abundant
life means that God takes care of our burdens, (Psalm 55;22; 1 Peter 5:7)
(2) Abundant
life equally means that God desires good health for us, (3 John 2)
(3) Abundant
life also means the Lord wants to make our burdens light, (Matt. 11:28-29)
(4) Abundant
life as well means that the Lord desires rest for our Souls, (vs. 28-29)
ABUNDANT
LIFE AND MATERIAL WELLBEING
By
way of definition, material things are things of this world, such as, shelter,
clothing and food, as opposed to things of spiritual values, and one’s
wellbeing is one’s state of health, happiness and/or prosperity. Without
mincing words, it was the concern of Jesus for the well-being of the people
that moved Him when He said,… ”take no thought, saying, what shall we eat? Or,
what shall we drink? Or, wherewithal shall we be clothed, (Matt. 6:31). For, He
knows that material well-being is an indispensible tool that promotes abundant
life, as He pointed out that the Gentiles go after these things, probably, the
wrong way, but your heavenly Father, He says, knows that you need these things,
(vs. 32). To this end, it becomes a stupid decision, as well as, a profound
spiritual blindness for one to enroll into secret fraternity or any
unconventional group for money and materials, which carries the implication of
eternal damnation (Rev. 21:8), since we have such a caring God, (see Matt.
6:25-36). By this, therefore, this lesson calls on:
(i)
Those who toe the path of
wickedness for money and materials to repent and return
to the Lord, (Isaiah 55:7)
(ii)
The people to learn to trust the Lord for money and materials, for
He cares, (1 Peter 5:7).
(iii)
Parents to be firm in giving their children good morals, as a way
of discouraging them
from joining evil fraternities or gangs for
money and materials (Prov. 22:6)
ABUNDANT
LIFE AND HEALTH
Health is one of the stimulants of abundant
life. When one is healthy, one’s life burbles, and this stirs happiness. All
this connotes abundant life. This is another concern of the Lord when He
inspired the Apostle John by the Holy Ghost to writ the Scripture, “beloved, I
wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul
prospers”, )1` John2). God’s words in focus shows that He really understands
that abundant life cannot thrive where there are health challenges, and that
unhealthy person is deficient in life, and so, cannot enjoy abundant life. Based
on this biblical truth, one is advised:
(i)
Not to allow the devil to steal, kill or destroy the abundant life
which God Has in stock for one, (John 10:10)
(ii)
To accept Jesus Christ and maintain a cordial relationship with
Him so as to enjoy the abundant life
He Has come to give, (vs. 10)
(iii)
To always approach Him by faith for healing whenever there are health challenges, (1 Peter 2:24)
ABUNDANT
LIFE AND THE PEACE OF GOD
Life without peace can never be satisfactory.
And so, there is nothing like abundant life where there is no peace. In fact,
abundant life is a life of happiness and peace. To give credence to this
eternal truth, the Scripture says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in
everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to
God. And the peace of God which transcends all human understanding will guard
your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus, (Phi. 4:6-7). Therefore, one of the
evidences of abundant life is peace of the heart and mind, and there is no
other access to divine Peace apart from Jesus Christ, as it is obvious in
today’s world that many have material goods without peace. To such individuals
comes the message that:
(i)
It is only Jesus that can guarantee the peace that foster abundant
life, (John 10:10; John 16:33)
(ii)
Satan never changes in his plan that sponsors the tribulations
that seek to steal, kill and destroy the peace which Jesus offers to foster
abundant life (vs. 10;vs. 33)
(iii)
To obtain the peace that make for abundant life, one needs Jesus,
who is the Prince of Peace
in
one’s life, (vs. 10; Isaiah 9:6)
In conclusion, please note that man’s well-being, manifested in good health,
peace and prosperity is the will of God, and so, it is senseless to go to the
devil for things that make for abundant life. BE INFORMED!
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