Living The Abundant Life
Ryan begins by expressing gratitude and committing the time to the Lord, emphasizing the importance of God's living word. He shares a burden on his heart regarding "body life" within the church, referencing John 10, where Jesus describes Himself as the door and the good shepherd. Ryan highlights that Jesus came to give us abundant life, which is not just eternal life but a life lived for God and for one another. He cites Philippians 1, where Paul, despite being imprisoned, finds joy in his suffering as it encourages others to share the gospel. Ryan explains that abundant life means living for Christ, as Paul states, "to live is Christ." He encourages humility and selflessness, urging believers to look out for one another's interests, following Christ's example of servanthood. Ryan warns against partiality, reminding the congregation that every member of the body of Christ has a role. He concludes by emphasizing that the abundant life is characterized by love and service, encouraging everyone to live out this life through the Holy Spirit, ultimately reflecting Christ's love to the world.
- Introduction and commitment to the Lord
- Importance of body life in the church
- Jesus as the door and good shepherd (John 10)
- Understanding abundant life beyond eternal life
- Paul's testimony in Philippians 1
- Living for Christ as the essence of abundant life
- Call to humility and selflessness
- Warning against partiality in the church
- Encouragement to reflect Christ's love through service
- Conclusion: Living the abundant life through the Holy Spirit
7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. 23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: 24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.
20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
