Embracing the Abundant Life: Improvement and Increase
Summary
Improvement and increase are the two words that have been resonating in my heart for weeks, and they are the foundation of our faith journey today. As we set our faith on these words, we are entering a season where things will not remain the same; they will get better and increase. This is a promise of abundance in every area of our lives—physically, emotionally, and intellectually—because Christ has been made unto us wisdom.
Today, we focus on the greatest gift ever given: the gift of life, not just any life, but the God-kind of life, known as "Zoe." This life is not merely biological existence; it is a life infused with the divine nature of God, characterized by abundance, satisfaction, and unending goodness. Jesus came to give us this life, contrasting Himself with the thief who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. The thief's tactics are stealthy, aiming to rob us of our dreams and hopes, but Jesus offers a life that is over and above, beyond what we can imagine.
Understanding our roles and defining our purpose is crucial. Just as I had to define my calling, we must all discern what God has called us to do. This clarity allows us to walk in the fullness of the life God has given us. We are not to be defined by past failures or limitations but by the abundant life that Christ offers. This life is not about karma or balancing scales; it is about grace—God's unmerited favor that tips the scales in our favor.
We must renew our minds and allow the Word of God to paint a new portrait of our lives. We are more than conquerors, chosen and called to live a life of significance. This life is not without challenges, but with a victorious mindset, we can overcome any obstacle. The grace of God empowers us to live a life without limits, where every area is touched by His love and generosity.
Key Takeaways:
1. Season of Improvement and Increase: We are entering a season where things will not remain the same; they will improve and increase. This is a promise of abundance in every area of our lives, as we set our faith on God's word and allow it to work mightily in us. [33:26]
2. The Greatest Gift: Zoe Life: Jesus offers us the God-kind of life, "Zoe," which is not just biological existence but a life infused with divine nature. This life is characterized by abundance, satisfaction, and unending goodness, contrasting the thief's intent to steal, kill, and destroy. [50:37]
3. Defining Our Purpose: Understanding and defining our roles is crucial to walking in the fullness of life God has given us. Clarity in our calling allows us to live a life of significance, not defined by past failures or limitations. [48:47]
4. Grace Over Karma: Life in Christ is not about balancing scales or karma; it's about grace—God's unmerited favor that tips the scales in our favor. We must renew our minds to embrace this abundant life, free from the limitations of natural thinking. [01:08:47]
5. Living a Life Without Limits: The grace of God empowers us to live a life without limits, where every area is touched by His love and generosity. We are more than conquerors, chosen and called to live a life of significance, overcoming any obstacle with a victorious mindset. [01:12:40]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[33:26] - Season of Improvement and Increase
[34:37] - Importance of Accurate Data
[35:26] - Life Track and Church Identity
[44:46] - Entering into the Word
[45:51] - The Greatest Gift: Life
[46:50] - Defining Roles and Purpose
[48:01] - Revealing the Father's Love
[50:37] - Zoe Life vs. The Thief
[53:14] - Abundant Life in Christ
[01:03:28] - Rewiring Our Minds
[01:08:47] - Grace Over Karma
[01:12:40] - Living Without Limits
[01:16:00] - Painting a New Portrait
[01:22:47] - Reigning in Life Through Grace
[01:25:05] - Unwrapping the Gift of Life
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- John 10:10
- Romans 12:2
- Psalm 91:16
---
Observation Questions:
1. In John 10:10, Jesus contrasts His purpose with that of the thief. What are the three actions attributed to the thief, and how does Jesus' purpose differ? [50:37]
2. According to the sermon, what does the term "Zoe" refer to, and how is it different from mere biological life? [53:14]
3. How does the pastor describe the process of defining one's role and purpose in life? What personal story does he share to illustrate this? [48:47]
4. What does Romans 12:2 suggest about the transformation of our minds, and how does this relate to living a life without limits? [01:12:40]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "Zoe" life challenge the traditional understanding of what it means to live abundantly? What implications does this have for a believer's daily life? [53:14]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of defining one's purpose. How might a lack of clarity in one's calling affect their spiritual journey and effectiveness in ministry? [48:47]
3. The pastor mentions the idea of grace over karma. How does this perspective shift one's understanding of life's challenges and blessings? [01:08:47]
4. In what ways does renewing the mind, as mentioned in Romans 12:2, empower believers to live a life of significance and overcome obstacles? [01:12:40]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the areas of your life where you desire improvement and increase. How can you actively set your faith on God's promises for these areas? [33:26]
2. Consider the concept of "Zoe" life. How can you begin to experience and recognize this God-kind of life in your daily routine? What changes might you need to make? [50:37]
3. Think about your current understanding of your purpose. Are there areas where you need more clarity? What steps can you take to better define your calling? [48:47]
4. The sermon discusses the idea of grace tipping the scales in our favor. How can you embrace this grace in your life, especially in areas where you feel unworthy or undeserving? [01:08:47]
5. Identify a specific mindset or belief that limits you. How can you apply Romans 12:2 to transform this area of your thinking and live a life without limits? [01:12:40]
6. The pastor shared a story about someone who struggled with success due to a hardwired belief in failure. Are there any similar beliefs in your life that you need to rewire? How can you start this process? [01:07:42]
7. How can you allow the Word of God to paint a new portrait of your life, as suggested in the sermon? What practical steps can you take to see yourself as God sees you? [01:16:00]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing a Season of Transformation
In this season, we are called to embrace the promise of improvement and increase in every area of our lives. This is not just a superficial change but a deep, transformative process that aligns with God's abundant promises. As we set our faith on God's word, we open ourselves to a life that is constantly evolving and growing. This season is marked by a shift from stagnation to progress, from lack to abundance, and from despair to hope. It is a time to trust in God's ability to work mightily within us, bringing about a renewal that touches every aspect of our being. [33:26]
"For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants." (Isaiah 44:3, ESV)
Reflection: What specific area of your life do you feel God is calling you to improve and increase? How can you actively participate in this transformation today?
Day 2: Experiencing the God-Kind of Life
The life that Jesus offers, known as "Zoe," is not merely about existing but living with divine purpose and abundance. This life is characterized by satisfaction and unending goodness, contrasting sharply with the thief's intent to steal, kill, and destroy. Jesus invites us to experience a life that is over and above our natural expectations, filled with His divine nature. This invitation is a call to step into a reality where God's presence infuses every moment, bringing joy, peace, and fulfillment beyond measure. [50:37]
"And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life." (1 John 5:11-12, ESV)
Reflection: How can you begin to experience the "Zoe" life that Jesus offers in your daily routine? What changes can you make to align more closely with this divine life?
Day 3: Discovering and Defining Your Purpose
Understanding and defining our roles is crucial to living the life God has intended for us. This clarity allows us to walk in the fullness of life, free from the constraints of past failures or limitations. By discerning what God has called us to do, we can live a life of significance and impact. This process involves seeking God's guidance, listening to His voice, and being open to His leading. It is about aligning our lives with His purpose and stepping into the unique calling He has for each of us. [48:47]
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take today to gain clarity on your God-given purpose? How can you begin to walk in the fullness of this calling?
Day 4: Embracing Grace Over Karma
Life in Christ is not about balancing scales or adhering to the concept of karma; it is about embracing grace—God's unmerited favor that tips the scales in our favor. This grace empowers us to live beyond the limitations of natural thinking, allowing us to experience the abundant life that Christ offers. By renewing our minds and embracing this grace, we can break free from the constraints of past mistakes and live a life marked by God's favor and blessing. [01:08:47]
"For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace." (John 1:16, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways have you been living with a mindset of karma rather than grace? How can you begin to embrace God's grace more fully in your life today?
Day 5: Living a Life Without Limits
The grace of God empowers us to live a life without limits, where every area is touched by His love and generosity. We are more than conquerors, chosen and called to live a life of significance, overcoming any obstacle with a victorious mindset. This life is not without challenges, but with God's grace, we can rise above them and experience His abundant blessings. By trusting in His power and love, we can live a life that reflects His glory and purpose. [01:12:40]
"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel limited? How can you invite God's grace to empower you to live without limits in this area?
Quotes
"John chapter 10, verse 10 is an, it's a verse we all know, but in this, Jesus is drawing a very sharp contrast between himself and the klepto that's called the thief. And that's literally in the Greek. Jesus said that he's a klepto. The English translated it thief, but you ever heard of a kleptomaniac? The devil's the chief kleptomaniac. And Jesus said this, he said, the thief, the klepto, comes only to steal, to kill, and to destroy." [00:50:20] (38 seconds)
"Now that's, that's the word klepto. again it's it's it means he steals by stealth the enemy comes in and he takes things out of your life without you even knowing they're gone and suddenly you're wondering what happened to my dream i i used to have dreams where'd my dreams go hello klepto right he he takes your hopes he takes anything that's good in your life and he takes it without you you don't even know till years down the road when you haven't become who you once thought you would be what happened to the dream that god gave me it was stolen by stealth that's what it means to steal and the second thing he does is he kills now this word is thuo in the greek and this is this is a barbaric word it literally means to butcher it's not you don't just kill like stop them from breathing this is the word butcher as in for a sacrifice see if you've been cut you can be sewn back up if you've been butchered there ain't no putting you back together yes sir and that's what the thief comes he comes he he comes in like a klepto he he stealthily steals from us and then the other is he just butchers your life ain't nothing right ain't nothing the way it's supposed to be and you even feel it when your hopes have been butchered your dreams have been butchered and you're not going to be able to do anything about it your love has been butchered and then this last one is to destroy and that's apaluma and apaluma literally means to make void to to siphon it all it's like a jug with nothing in it where he makes void in your life hope he makes void in your life joy" [00:51:18] (115 seconds)
"and someone that's gone that they have been destroyed their greatest ambition their highest aspiration is death because life is intolerable life without hope isn't life it's drudgery it's monotony it's it's a curse so jesus is saying the thief of life these are the three things he employs to destroy god's people but he's drawing a contrast between them and trust me when i say that i'm not telling you what i say this the thief sometimes wears religious garbs sometimes the thief is standing behind a pulpit and preaching sermons to you that instead of infusing you with life siphon all the joy out of you i mean if the devil appeared to you in anything but religious you know if he appeared to you in red horns pitchfork tail you say no you ain't taking my stuff but if he comes to you as a person of religion or a man of god then you'll listen to him but the effect is the same instead of being born into significance you live a life of no consequence and jesus says in contrast to this he says i came contrasting myself my mission my purpose to the thief i came so that they would have life now see when we read this we can't be like the pharisees who when he talked to them about being free they said what do you mean free we ain't enslaved to no man ain't never been know how no time any place ever been enslaved and yet the romans were walking around as they said we're not enslaved to anybody hello centurions and so when we read this we can't just say well i'm already alive because jesus is not talking about bios he's not talking about being biologically alive so here is a magnificent word and it's really hard to define it's the god kind of life it's called zoe and we can look it up in a biblical dictionary but it doesn't really do it justice because zoe being the god kind of life means it's kind it's god kind of big it's god kind of enduring it's god kind of everlasting it's god kind of grand how do you define the god kind of life you have better luck defining god himself yourself but jesus said this is the life that i came that you might have not biological life where you're just born you exist and you die he said i've come to reconnect you with the source of all life i've come that you might be infused with zoe" [00:53:14] (168 seconds)
"and then he said that you would have it abundantly and i like that word abundance because it literally means if you look it up it means over atop above beyond and all around so what jesus is saying and he says to i've come that they i'm going to backtrack he said i've come that they who's the they the they is everyone that the thief affected the thief everyone that the thief ever stole from jesus said i've come that you might have life i've come that the thief has ever killed and butchered your hopes your dreams your ambitions your relationships your home jesus is declaring to you i've come to give you the greatest gift man's ever received i've come that you who have been butchered might have life he said to you that have been destroyed that you once thought you would amount to something now you're satisfied with being nothing i've come that you might have zoe life the god kind of life that you might have life that you might have life that you might have life that you might have life and have it in abundance where it's too much it's too grand it's too big see we gotta listen we've got to allow the word of god to redefine us what does it mean to you to be infused with the god kind of life does that remain that that that life is nothing really much more than it was before i met christ except now i go to church on sundays is it more than that what is the god kind of life capable of well i read somewhere that god spoken to nothing and created everything that's the god kind of life i read somewhere that god spoke into the darkness and said let light be and light was that's the god kind of life i" [00:56:05] (117 seconds)
"it's a life that satisfies it's it's like when you when you end your day and you just think man that was an amazing day i would like to rewind it and enjoy it again but you don't need to because when you're walking in zoe tomorrow's going to be better than today so as good as today was tomorrow's going to be better than today tomorrow's going to be better than today because god is the only personality in all of creation that can do the most amazing thing that's ever been done in like forever today and outdo himself tomorrow and that's the kind of life that god wants this is the greatest gift ever given because it's zoe life and the psalmist referred to this go to psalm 91 verse 16 is this okay this morning psalm 91 verse 16 the psalmist said this with a long life i will satisfy him not with a long life will i punish him but with a long life will i satisfy him and in the satisfaction he'll see my salvation" [00:59:20] (81 seconds)
"everyone say it's the greatest gift ever now let's read john 10 10 again but this time i want to read it to you out of the passion translation a thief has only one thing in mind a thief has only one thing in mind he wants to steal slaughter and destroy but i have come to give you listen to this everything in abundance and our real life church if you're with us for the first time this might be new to you but this is old hat to us if it's written if it's written we don't need to question it and he said right here i came i have come that you to give you everything yeah in abundance, more than you expect, life in its fullness until you overflow." [01:02:29] (54 seconds)
"Can I tell you something, church? I don't do karma. I do charis. I don't believe in karma. I don't believe in karma. I believe in cares, the grace of God, the goodness of God. And we need to hardwire, rewire what we've been hardwired to believe in constant negativity that if you're winning too much, something's wrong. If things are going too good, something must be wrong. That ain't wrong. That's right. Because you are a recipient of the God kind of life." [01:04:39] (37 seconds)
"Imagine living a life without limits. Can you? Where you believe in your own new nature and the power of Christ in you to overcome anything that comes against you. Still talking about life. That's the idea behind this concept called life. Nothing can defeat you. No weapon formed against you can prosper. Every word spoken over you in judgment, you condemn it. You condemn it. We see limitations as stepping stones to greatness. Remember Goliath and David? To everyone else, Goliath was an insurmountable obstacle. To David, he was a doorstep." [01:13:18] (51 seconds)
"Jesus constantly spoke about a life without limits. And you know what? Here's the thing. He portrayed it. He portrayed it. Only someone with a religious brain, tainted, made toxic, can look at Christ and somehow see him as not enough. Right? Jesus always had the solution. Jesus never met anything and said, well, I wished I could. With one exception that I'm aware of. In his own hometown, because they placed limits on the limitless one. Apart from that, he met death. He raised him from the dead. He met blindness. He made him see. He met lameness. He made him to walk." [01:14:37] (53 seconds)
"Romans chapter 8, verse 37. Listen to this. Yet amid all these things, say all these things, we are more than conquerors. Do things come against us? Oh, absolutely. Do people persecute and prosecute? Absolutely. But in all these things, things seen and unseen, voices, viruses, we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing defeat, victory through him who loved us." [01:16:27] (39 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?