The Abundant Life

Introduction

Good morning, church.

We’ve been spending time in Ecclesiastes, a book that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever wondered, “What’s the point of all this?” It shows us how easy it is to spend our lives chasing after things that ultimately leave us empty.

In our culture, we’re often told to pursue “the good life” by accumulating wealth, experiences, or success. But if you’ve ever achieved a major goal, only to feel strangely dissatisfied afterward, you know exactly what Ecclesiastes means by “vanity.”

Today, I want to offer you a message of hope and fullness—a message that stands in contrast to life’s fleeting frustrations.

Jesus makes an extraordinary promise in John 10:10:

John 10:10 NIV

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Let’s explore what it means to live the abundant life Jesus offers, a life that truly satisfies. Life to the Full.

Life Without Christ: A Perceived Abundance

Jesus begins this verse with a warning: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.”

What are these “thieves”?

They are the things we pursue apart from God, thinking they will bring us meaning or fulfillment. They are teachers that will lead us astray. They are leaders who will promise life but leave us empty.

The world offers many promises of abundance—money, success, pleasure, comfort. But these things are like thieves.

They may offer short-term satisfaction, but in the end, they rob us of true joy and purpose.

This is exactly what Ecclesiastes describes. Qoheleth, the Teacher, had everything: wealth, wisdom, power, pleasure. He pursued every kind of abundance imaginable. Yet his conclusion was sobering:

Ecclesiastes 1:14 NIV

I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

The truth is, life without Christ is a life of perceived abundance—a counterfeit abundance. It may look good on the surface, but it leaves us empty.

Think about the story of someone who “had it all” by the world’s standards. Maybe it’s a celebrity who achieved fame and fortune, only to publicly admit they still feel unfulfilled. That’s the kind of emptiness Ecclesiastes warns us about.

But Jesus offers something radically different.

Jesus’ Promise of Abundant Life

Jesus says, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” What does He mean by “abundant life”? Or life to the fullest?

It’s Not About Material Wealth: Jesus is not promising financial prosperity or a life free from hardship. In fact, He warns us that we will face trials.

It’s About Spiritual Fullness: The abundant life Jesus offers is a life rooted in a relationship with Him—a life of peace, joy, and purpose that transcends circumstances.

John 6:35 CSB

“I am the bread of life,” Jesus told them. “No one who comes to me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in me will ever be thirsty again.

Abundant life is found in Christ alone, who satisfies the deepest longings of our hearts.

I recently read the testimony of a woman who faced immense suffering—a cancer diagnosis, the loss of a loved one, financial struggles. And yet, she described her life as “abundant” because of the joy and peace she found in Jesus. Her circumstances didn’t define her abundance; her relationship with Christ did.

This is the kind of life Jesus offers—a life where even in the midst of pain or uncertainty, we experience His peace and presence.

Living the Abundant Life Today

So how do we live the abundant life Jesus offers?

Let me share three practical steps:

Rest in God’s Grace: Stop striving to earn God’s love or approval. You are already loved as His child. Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us that salvation is a gift of grace, not something we can achieve.

Align Your Priorities with God’s Kingdom: Jesus says in Matthew 6:33, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” This means putting eternal things—your relationship with God, your family, your mission for Christ—above temporary pursuits.

Experience Joy Through Faith: Joy isn’t about perfect circumstances; it’s about trusting God in every season. Galatians 5:22 tells us that joy is a fruit of the Spirit, something God cultivates in us as we walk with Him.

Application: I encourage you to ask yourself:

Where are you striving instead of resting in God’s grace?

What priorities need to shift so you can focus on God’s kingdom?

How can you cultivate joy through faith, even in challenging times?

The Eternal Perspective

Finally, we need to remember that the abundant life Jesus promises begins now but finds its ultimate fulfillment in eternity.

Ecclesiastes shows us that life “under the sun” is fleeting and frustrating. But Jesus invites us to lift our eyes to Him and live with an eternal perspective. Revelation 21:4 describes the day when God will wipe away every tear, and death, mourning, and pain will be no more.

Picture a marathon runner. They endure the pain of the race because they are focused on the joy of the finish line. In the same way, we can live abundantly now because we know the ultimate reward is waiting for us.

Next Steps

As we close, let me ask you: Are you experiencing the abundant life Jesus offers? Or are you chasing after what the world promises, only to feel empty?

If you’ve never accepted Jesus as your Savior, today is the day to receive the fullness of life He offers. And if you are a believer, I challenge you to live in the abundance Jesus has already given you—rest in His grace, align your life with His kingdom, and find joy in trusting Him.

Let’s pray.

Questions for Further Reflection

What “thieves” have you allowed to rob your joy and purpose?

How can you embrace the abundant life Jesus offers?

Where is God calling you to shift your priorities this year?

What role does resting in God’s grace play in living the abundant life?

YouTube

Sermon Title: The Abundant Life Text: John 10:10 Description: Are you chasing after the "good life" only to find it leaves you feeling empty? In this sermon, Pastor Ryan unpacks Jesus' promise in John 10:10 to bring us abundant life. Discover how this fullness is not about material wealth or worldly success but a life rooted in a relationship with Christ. Learn practical steps to embrace God’s grace, align your priorities with His kingdom, and find joy in every season. If you're seeking purpose, peace, and true fulfillment, this message is for you! Learn more about our church and connect with us: 🌐 Website: laughlinchurch.com 📱 Download our app: laughlinchurch.com/download-the-app 📘 Facebook: Laughlin Church 📸 Instagram: @laughlincommunitychurch #AbundantLife #John1010 #Jesus #Purpose #ChristianLiving #LaughlinChurch

Notes

Here’s a simple and engaging notes page for your sermon titled The Abundant Life. It includes key points, Scriptures, and space for personal reflection or application:

Sermon Notes: The Abundant Life John 10:10

Main Verse:

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." – John 10:10

1. Life Without Christ: A Perceived Abundance

The world offers “thieves” that promise abundance but leave us empty.

Examples: ___________________________ Ecclesiastes 1:14: “All is vanity and a striving after wind.” What “thieves” have stolen your joy or purpose?

2. Jesus’ Promise of Abundant Life

Abundant life is:

Not about __________________________. But about __________________________. Jesus says:

“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger” (John 6:35). How has Jesus satisfied the deepest longings of your heart?

3. Living the Abundant Life Today

Practical Steps:

Rest in God’s Grace

Key Verse: “For by grace you have been saved through faith...” (Ephesians 2:8). What does it look like to rest in God’s grace this week?

Align Your Priorities with God’s Kingdom

Key Verse: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness...” (Matthew 6:33). What priorities need to shift in your life?

Experience Joy Through Faith

Key Verse: “In your presence there is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11). Where can you find joy in your current season?

4. The Eternal Perspective

The abundant life begins now and is fulfilled in eternity.

Revelation 21:4: “He will wipe away every tear... death shall be no more.” How does this eternal promise encourage you today?

Reflection Questions

What "thieves" have distracted you from the abundant life Jesus offers? How can you embrace the fullness of life in Christ this week? Where is God calling you to trust Him more deeply?

Takeaway Thought: The abundant life is not about what you have—it’s about who you have in Jesus.

This layout is user-friendly, encourages participation, and allows people to engage with the sermon personally.

Bible Study

Bible Study: Living the Abundant Life

Main Text: John 10:10 Duration: 3-4 Days

Day 1: Understanding the Abundant Life

Scripture Reading: John 10:1-10

Reflection:

Read verses 1-10 slowly, focusing on Jesus’ role as the Good Shepherd. What does Jesus mean when He contrasts the “thief” with Himself? What characteristics of the thief can you identify in your life (e.g., distractions, false promises, sin)?

Word Study: The Greek word for "abundantly" (περισσόν, perissón) means “exceeding, beyond measure, more than expected.” This is not just “getting by” or “having enough” but overflowing fullness. Reflect on how Jesus’ promise of abundance surpasses worldly definitions of success or happiness.

Questions for Reflection:

In what areas of your life are you tempted to listen to the "thieves" instead of the Shepherd? How does Jesus’ promise of abundance challenge the way you view your goals or priorities?

Prayer Point: Ask God to help you discern the voices of "thieves" in your life and to trust in His abundant provision.

Day 2: Resting in God’s Grace

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10

Reflection:

Reflect on verses 8-9, which emphasize that salvation is a gift of grace, not earned by works. How does resting in God’s grace free you from the pressure to prove your worth?

Word Study: The Greek word for "grace" (χάρις, charis) signifies unmerited favor, kindness, and divine enablement. Consider how this unearned gift shapes your understanding of the abundant life.

Questions for Reflection:

How can embracing God’s grace change the way you approach daily life? Are there areas where you’re striving instead of resting in what Jesus has already done for you?

Action Step: Write down one way you can rest in God’s grace this week, whether through prayer, silence, or letting go of a specific burden.

Day 3: Aligning Your Priorities with God’s Kingdom

Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:19-34

Reflection:

Focus on verses 33-34. Jesus calls us to seek God’s kingdom and righteousness above all else. How does this priority shift your perspective on what truly matters? Reflect on the connection between anxiety and misplaced priorities. How can trusting God’s provision bring peace?

Word Study: The Greek word for "seek" (ζητέω, zētéō) means to desire, search for, or pursue with intention. Consider how actively seeking God’s kingdom requires daily commitment.

Questions for Reflection:

What distractions keep you from focusing on God’s kingdom? How can you adjust your priorities? How does trusting in God’s provision affect the way you handle stress or uncertainty?

Prayer Point: Pray for clarity to discern God’s kingdom priorities and the courage to pursue them.

Day 4 (Optional): Living with Eternal Perspective

Scripture Reading: Revelation 21:1-7

Reflection:

Meditate on the description of the new heavens and new earth. How does this vision of eternity shape your understanding of abundance? How can living with an eternal perspective bring joy and purpose to your daily life?

Word Study: The Greek word for "new" (καινός, kainos) describes something fresh, unprecedented, or superior in quality. Reflect on how Jesus’ promise of a "new heaven and earth" offers hope and renewal.

Questions for Reflection:

How does the promise of eternity impact your decisions and priorities today? Where can you bring a glimpse of heaven’s hope to those around you?

Action Step: Write down one way you can share the hope of abundant life in Christ with someone this week.

Closing Challenge:

Over the next week, reflect on how the abundant life Jesus offers transforms your daily decisions, relationships, and goals. Prepare your heart for the upcoming sermon by focusing on how to align every aspect of your life with God’s eternal purpose.