“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.” -John 10:10.
The benefits of the Christian life are hard to measure; in certain ways they're as vast as the God who bestows them (1 Corinthians 2:9). Even so, the best, most valuable of these benefits are eternal, spiritual, and physically intangible, but this isn't enough for many in the materialistic world of today; yet it IS the essence of faith (Hebrews 11:1).
The opening verse from John 10:10 is a familiar & beloved verse for many, but the problem is that usually only the second half of this verse gets focused upon, and it's often misused to promote the idea of material prosperity as a reward of the Christian life. It's presented this way to please Sunday Christians about their faith, and used to lure the unsaved toward receiving Jesus; which can only happen in pretense under this format (2 Timothy 4:2-4).
But to “have life more abundantly” could mean different things, so we need to know what it is in GOD'S eyes, not assuming that it's whatever we want it to be; as usual, the Bible will give us the true answers we're seeking;
“It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” -Matthew 4:4. -Bold type added to emphasize.
“16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” -2 Timothy 3:16,17. Bold type was added.
Remember that God is a supplier of NEED, and not greed (scriptures below); but mistakes about expecting to receive earthly treasure come by isolating certain verses or phrases from the passage they're a part of, while ignoring areas of scripture that oppose; and false teachers find receptive audiences when preaching messages of prosperity; but God's Word has a lot to say about His regard for material riches.
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” -Philippians 4:19
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” -Matthew 6:33.
The Bible's message is simply to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; then the Lord will provide everything that we truly need, and He wants us to be CONTENT with His provision. Paul's writing from Philippians 4:11-13 shows this, saying,
“11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
First Timothy 6:6-8 also affirms this leaning, saying;
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”
You may notice a focus on God supplying our needs of food and clothing, and that's because individual needs vary, but food & clothing are common to all; Philippians 4:19 promises to supply all.
This same passage from 1 Timothy 6 then continues further by warning us more directly about riches, and says in verses 6:9-12;
“9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” Bold type adds emphasis.
Jesus also taught plainly that we cannot serve God and mammon (money or material wealth), it isn't possible; and we should seek to lay up a lasting treasure in heaven instead, for the rich already have their reward now.
“20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God...24 But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.” -Luke 6:20&24.
“19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also...24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:19-21,24. Bold type added to emphasize hope!
Jesus also said that riches choke the Word in the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:22); that we must forsake all to follow Him (Luke 14:33); and that after we have obeyed God, we should call ourselves unprofitable servants, for it's our duty (Luke 17:10). And in the well known account of the Rich Young Ruler, Jesus is quoted 7 times that it's nearly impossible for the rich to be saved; so if Jesus gave all these warnings about material wealth, why should we think His phrase “life more abundantly” in John 10:10 includes it? Why would Jesus reward us with what He's warned against, and will tend to keep pulling us away from Him (Mark 3:24)?
“23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” -Mark 10:23-25; see also Matthew 19:23,24, and Luke 18:24,25.
Scripture tells us that in the Last Days false teachers will arise, teaching heresies based upon covetousness (2 Peter 2:1-3,17-21); our way of escaping these deceptions rests in the study of God's Word, and thereby learning to correctly apply the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15) as the foundation for our spiritual house.
Abundance for believers is forgiveness, peace, rest for our souls, and a prayer-hearing God who provides for all our needs; on earth, we are unprofitable servants, but our reward in Heaven is sure; secure in the hands of Jesus.
“24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.” -Matthew 7:24,25.
“28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” -Matthew 11:28-30.
Please also check out my short YouTube videos titled Life More Abundantly: John 10:10 and God's Promised Abundance.
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