Life and Living

Jabez’s prayer shows the possibility of turning painful life to meaningful living.

Our Lord Jesus promised the same thing when likening Himself as the good shepherd.

John 10:10

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it more abundantly.

Poor, oppressed and sick and spiritually dead under the rule of Roman Empire.

Just like devil constantly comes to steal, to kill and to destroy.

Abundant life; Having all that we seek .

Life and Living

How to get hold? What way/ approach?

Matthew 6:33 ‘Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What should we eat?’ or ‘What should we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.'

Abundant Life

1. How to get hold of ‘all these things shall be added unto you’?

a. Seek ye first the kingdom of God

b. And His righteousness.

Abundant Life

a. The kingdom of God.

• Introduced by John the Baptist.

• Proclaimed by our Lord Jesus.

• Eternal life vs earthly kingdom.

• Salvation for all vs personal interests.

Abundant Life

b. God’s righteousness.

• Righteousness by observance of laws.

• Right in man’s sight vs right with God.

• Righteousness by faith in Jesus.

• Work vs relationship.

Abundant Life

2. Seek ye first;

• Right knowledge.

• Right priority.

• Right focus.

Abundant Life

3. Abundant life comes only by having:-

right knowledge; right living.

right priority; right action

right focus; right pursuit

All these things shall be added unto you.

Abundant Life

Do we have the boldness of Jabezto dream and seek changes in life?

Are we just making a living or living a life?

Are we living the life given to us according to the plan of the Giver?