John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Introduction:
Many christians separate their church life, home life, and school life. And we are under the misconception that we need to separate our Christian lives and our regular lives. They are one life: life in Jesus Christ. Jesus tells us that the thief comes to steal but Jesus came to give us the abundance and fullness of life. The best life we can live is in Jesus Christ, but Satan deceives us, saying it's boring, or that we need to live two separate lives. In the 21st century, we are no longer persecuted for believing in Jesus Christ, but there are so many other things that seem better than Jesus, but ultimately we must remember only in Christ is the abundance of life. How can we enjoy the fullest life in Christ?
1. The Fullness of Life in Immanuel
Joseph, Daniel, Joshua. They experienced harder lives than us but they enjoyed the blessing of Immanuel. God with me, with my family, with my school, with my work. We have to be able to see that all the spiritual blessings are found in Jesus Christ. Why are we here? Because we believe that giving worship is enjoying the fullness of life. There are other things that seem to be better, but there is no life in them. People think that happiness is owning a big house, being a billionaire, having a prestigious degree or job. But there is no satisfaction or happiness without Jesus Christ. We need to see that truth for ourselves to enjoy the true fullness of life in Immanuel.
However, even though God has given us the blessing of Immanuel, we drift away and leave God. We leave because Satan, the thief, deceives and steals from us. Satan works like a conman, who works with our desires to steal the fullness of life in Christ that we could be enjoying. Augustine said “Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in thee” You have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in you. Our greatest assurance can be found in Jesus Christ, who is with us. For example, God told Joshua ”I will be with you like I was with Moses. I will give you the land you stand upon.” Then all Joshua needs to do is believe and step forward.
Philippians 4:12
How can we enjoy the fullness of life in Immanuel? Prayer is the mystery, the key to enjoying.
2. The Fullness of Life in the Heavenly Mandate
Steve Jobs changed the world as we live today. His only mindset was to change the world through Apple products. He also meditated and simplified his life. Enjoying the fullness of life is living for God’s heavenly mandate for you. Why am I studying or working? Not for money but to save all nations. We can live our lives going all out, because we know what we are living for. Many Christians think that christian life is separating from and rejecting the world. If our greatest priority is Jesus, we can live in the world without staking our lives on the world.
In the book of Acts, the Apostles’ greatest focus was on the word and prayer. So many Christians live their lives without direction or purpose, but God has given us a clear path for world evangelism.
3. The Fullness of Life in the Kingdom of God
Where are our eyes fixed on? In a marathon, you can finish the race if you can see the finish line. Where is our finish line? The kingdom of Heaven
Matthew 24:14
There is an end, and God is calling us to live for the kingdom of God. We are investors who can choose to live for the temporary kingdom of the world or the eternal kingdom of God. The things of the world are passing away, but the things of heaven are forever.
Conclusion:
How can we enjoy the fullest life: Enjoying immanuel, living for our heavenly mandate, fixing our eyes on the kingdom of God.
Resolve to enjoy Immanuel to the fullest, regardless of our circumstances.
Resolve to hold onto and stake our lives on the word everyday through the pulpit, and Prayer Journal.