January 24, 2025.
Title: Understanding God's Gift of Life and Faith
The concept of "greater life" is not just about physical existence; it is about a life that is
abundant, eternal, and full of purpose—a life that is deeply rooted in faith. Through our
faith in Jesus Christ, we can receive life in its fullest sense. I will reflect the importance of life
from a biblical perspective
Biblical Texts
Let us look at three powerful scriptures that lay the foundation for this message of greater life:
1. John [Link] "Greater love has no one than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."
2. John [Link] "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they
may have life, and have it to the full."
3. John [Link] "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever
believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
These scriptures, have a profound impact on how we understand life, especially when we
consider the greater life Jesus offers. Challenge, everyday choices.
Contextual Understanding
1. John 15:13 – The Greatest Love: which is to lay down one’s life for one’s friends,
Jesus didn’t just offer His life for those who loved Him; He gave His life for the world,
for those who were yet to understand His love. The concept of laying down one’s life is
not just a physical death but a daily act of selflessness, where we continually put
others first in love. This is the life Christ modeled for us, and He calls us to live the same
way.
2. John 10:10 – The Abundant Life:
In John 10:10, Jesus contrasts His mission with that of the thief, He offers life in
abundance. The "abundant life" is not merely about living a life full of purpose, peace,
and connection with God. This life is one of spiritual richness, where we live
according to God's will, and through that, we experience true fulfillment.
3. John 3:16 – Eternal Life Through Faith:
• reminds us that eternal life is a gift given not earned through works or good
deeds; it is received through faith. Jesus' death and resurrection were not just
about securing a future in heaven, but about offering a new, abundant life here and
now for those who choose to follow Him.
The Problem of Born-Again Believers
1. Thinking that we have given our life to Christ: We were dead of sin (Ephesians 2:1-2),
2. Believing that death is the way to heavenly life: (John 14:6).
3. Believing resurrection will bring eternal life: (John 3:16).
• Resurrection is not the final act that guarantees eternal life.
• However, the resurrection is a judgment for all, whether good or bad.
• Eternal life is a gift given to those who have faith in Jesus Christ Resurrection is
not just about physical renewal; it is about our spiritual transformation through
faith in Christ.
The Principles of Life in Christ
1. The Life Jesus Offers is Greater and not comparable
• Is not just about living rather greater love, compassion and with purpose
and joy in the knowledge that we are loved by God. The "greater life" is a life
it is a life we receive through faith in Jesus Christ not that we can achieve.
2. The Faith Connection:
Just as trees draw life from their roots and fish draw life from the water, we draw life
from our faith in Jesus Christ. He is the source of all life. Our spiritual life depends on
our connection with Him, and this connection is maintained through daily faith, prayer,
and obedience to His word. It will flow through us, bringing peace and purpose to
everything we do.
3. Immortality and Eternal Life:
Immortality is not just about existing forever, but about living in a relationship with God
that extends into eternity. However, eternal life is a life we begin to experience here and
now through faith in Christ.
Application: The more we choose life in Christ, the more we will experience the abundant life
He offers.
• Choosing Life In Deuteronomy 30:19, God calls us to choose life avtively not
passively.
• Remind God every day , wake up each morning, recognize the gift of life that
God has given us and choose to live it to its fullest.
• It means acknowledging that life is not ours to control but is a gift from God.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the life that Jesus offers is greater, more fulfilling, and eternal. It is a life that
comes through faith, and it is a life we are called to choose each day. As we live out this
greater life, we are not only transformed ourselves but also become instruments of God’s
love and mercy to the world around us. I encourage each of you to reflect on the life Christ
offers and choose to live it fully, every day.
