INGREDIENTS OF THE ABUNDANT LIFE

ROMANS 12:1-12 [Espec. v. 12]

John 10:10 - I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. LIVE A LIFE OF REJOICING [v. 12]

 

1. The Example of Abraham [Jn. 8:56, Rm. 4:18, Heb. 11:8-19]

- Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.

- Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

 

2. The Example of Jesus [Heb. 12:2]

- Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 

3. The Example of Paul [1 Corinthians 13:6, Phil. 3:1, 4:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:16]

- Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

-Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord.

- Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

- Rejoice evermore.

 

II. BE PATIENT IN TRIBULATION [v. 12]

 

1. For Others’ Sake [2 Tm. 2:10]

-Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

 

2. For Christ’s Sake [ Tm. 2:12, Heb. 12:2-3]

-If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:

-Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

 

3. For Your Sake [James 1:12, 5:11]

- Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried , he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

- Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

 

III. BE INSTANT IN PRAYER [v. 12]

 

1. For the Meat of the Word [Acts 6:4]

- But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

 

2. For the Master of the Word [Acts 10:1-5, 21-23, 30-33]

 

3. For the Ministry of the Word [Col. 4:2-4]

- Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.