I want to speak to you about something eternal, something life-changing—the abundant life that Jesus offers you. This lesson brings to a close our series on living abundantly, and I believe it’s no accident you’re hearing this today. Jesus doesn’t just offer life—He offers it more abundantly. That’s His promise in John 10:10, and I want to show you how you can walk in that promise today.
Let me remind you of something we’ve learned throughout this series: the abundant life isn’t found in stuff, success, or even the absence of suffering. It’s found in knowing Jesus deeply, abiding in Him, and bearing fruit that glorifies the Father. That’s the path. That’s the secret. And Jesus laid it out for you, one step at a time.
Let me walk you through it again, just as Jesus did with His disciples.
First: The Secret of Living is Bearing Fruit
In John 15:8, Jesus says, “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” You were made for this. Your life has a purpose—to bear fruit for God’s glory. But I must be honest: a branch that bears no fruit is cut off. That’s a hard truth but a truth rooted in love. If you’re not bearing fruit, something’s wrong. And that leads us to the next truth.
The Secret to Bearing Fruit is Abiding
You can’t bear fruit on your own. Jesus said it clearly in John 15:5: “I am the vine, you are the branches… without Me you can do nothing.” I mean nothing. Real life, abundant life, starts when you are connected to Jesus—abiding in Him daily. That connection is your lifeline.
The Secret to Abiding is Obeying
John 15:10 tells us, “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love.” This isn’t legalism; this is a relationship. If you want to remain close to Jesus, you must walk in His ways. It’s obedience that keeps you aligned with His heart.
The Secret to Obeying is Loving
Now, you might be thinking, “How can I obey Jesus consistently?” And the answer is simple: love Him. John 14:15—“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” I want you to feel the weight of that. Obedience is the fruit of love. You can’t force it. You can’t fake it. But if you truly love Him, your heart will want to follow Him.
The Secret to Loving Is Knowing
And now we’ve reached the heart of it all. Why do people struggle to love Jesus? Because they don’t truly know Him. The secret to loving is knowing. Like a strong marriage or deep friendship is built on understanding, your love for Jesus deepens the more you know Him.
So I ask you—do you know God? Not just about Him… but do you know Him?
And if you’re wondering how to know Him more, here’s where it all begins:
You Know God by Communicating with Him
There’s no shortcut here. If you want to know God, you have to spend time with Him. That means opening your Bible—not rushing through it, but reading it slowly, meditating on each phrase, letting His Spirit speak to your heart. It means praying—not just when you’re desperate, but as a regular rhythm of your life.
Communication is a two-way street. He speaks to you through His Word. You speak to Him through prayer. And I’ve seen what happens when that communication breaks down—it brings distance, confusion, and, eventually, spiritual dryness. Just like in any relationship, without communication, love fades. And I don’t want that for you.
God Still Speaks Today—Through His Word
You might wonder, “How is God talking to me now?” Through His Spirit-inspired Word. Men like Paul, Peter, John—they didn’t write on their own authority. The Spirit of God moved through them, and those same words still speak to your soul today. That’s why Scripture matters. That’s why you need it.
And You Speak to God—Through Prayer
Paul said in Philippians 4:6-7, “Be anxious for nothing… but in everything by prayer and supplication… let your requests be made known to God.” He wants to hear your heart. Not because He doesn’t know already—but because He desires relationship. Pray without ceasing, Paul said. That means don’t stop. Keep talking to Him. He’s listening.
Knowing God Also Comes Through Experience
Let me tell you something personal. Some of the most powerful moments I’ve had with God weren’t during a sermon or a Bible study—they were in everyday experiences. When I saw His faithfulness during my trials… when I felt His comfort in grief… when I rejoiced in answered prayers… that’s when I knew Him.
When you walk with Him, you start to feel His love and His strength carrying you. And it’s that kind of real-life experience that takes your knowledge of God from your head into your heart.
And then something beautiful happens…
It All Becomes a Cycle—A Beautiful, Life-Giving Cycle
Knowing God leads to loving Him. Loving Him leads to obeying Him. Obeying Him causes you to abide in Him. Abiding in Him allows you to bear fruit. Bearing fruit fills your life with abundance. And in that abundance, you come to know Him even more. And the cycle continues, deeper and richer.
And friend, I’m telling you—there is no greater joy than bringing a soul to Christ, than seeing someone come alive in the love of Jesus. That’s when you feel the fullness of the abundant life Jesus promised.
So, today, I have to ask you—are you bearing fruit?
You already know He loves you. You’ve heard His invitation. But have you obeyed it?
Have you believed the gospel? Have you repented of your sins? Have you confessed Jesus as Lord? Have you been baptized for the forgiveness of your sins?
If not, today is the day.
And if you are a Christian but you’ve stumbled—let me remind you: life will challenge you, and sometimes you will fall. But God is merciful. Go to Him in prayer. He’s ready to forgive and restore.
I urge you—step into the abundant life. Open your heart to know God. Because knowing Him… that’s the beginning of everything.
