1. Kingdom Living Series The Key to Abundant Living Fettes Park Baptist Church 13 th July 2014 Alvin Chew Matthew 7:24-27

2. Your 3 wishes..

3. I have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly. John 10:10

4. How does “abundant life” look like to you?

5. What is the bible’s perspective of Abundant Life?

6. The Abundant Life that Jesus offers The unshakeable lifeFree from lonelinessFree from worry Free from the need of the approval of others Free from the need to keep up with the Joneses Constant peace and joy Free from lust Free from bitterness & anger

7. Strength to live a life of love instead of a life full of anger, hate and enmity. Strength to bless those who curse you or disapprove of you. Strength to “turn the other cheek” or “walk the extra mile” when treated unjustly.

8. Abundant Life & Strength are …. The “Good News” or Gospel of the kingdom This abundant Life is available to all through Jesus It is available here and now for those who believe and obey.

9. Matthew 7:24-27 ““Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who builds his house on sand. The rain came down, the stream rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

10. Summary A parable. Two men – one wise and one foolish. The wise man “heard and obeyed” and the foolish didn’t. The wise man’s life was unshakeable while the foolish man’s life was destroyed when hit by the storms of life. Its a lesson about obedience.

11. Obedience is the KEY to experiencing Abundant Life

12. Obedience Theme in STM The narrow gate that leads to life is obedience V13-14 The fruit of a good tree is obedience V15-20 The true disciples are those who obey V21-23 The strong foundation is built on obedience V24-27

13. Obedience theme in other NT passages Whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, continues in it not forgetting what they have heard but doing it – they will be blessed in what they do. James 1:22-25

14. Obedience & Abundance Are inseparable

15. How do we become people who “hear and obey”? Cultivating Obedience

16. Obedience can be cultivated.. By coercion – force a person to obey by some kind of punitive rules or methods. By a love relationship – a person obeys out of love and trust.

17. Examples of Obedience by Coercion The Law and punishment for disobeying (Deut 28:15-68) Parents chastising children (Proverbs 13:24) Government and Company Policies

18. Obedience through a Love Relationship Obedience with affections – A person obeys out of love, trust and deep respect for another person. Example: Jesus & Peter

19. If you love me, keep my commands. John 14:15 Love precedes obedience

20. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18 The Kind of Love

21. God initiates … We love because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19) I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. (Jeremiah 3:13)

22. Our Response Know that God loves you, he died for your sins and offers you abundant life.. Love God in return by seeking to know Him more & to obey His will.

23. Grow in love & obedience to Jesus Solitude – Have a date with Jesus! Scripture – Have your life centered on what scriptures say..

24. Summary and Conclusion We have learned what abundant life means according to the bible. We have learned that the key to abundant life is believing in Jesus and obeying Him. We have learned that having a growing love relationship with Jesus will help us to obey Him more.