Principles of an Abundant Life

Principles of an Abundant Life

In Ezekiel 34, God promised His people a rich and abundant life if they would follow His voice. He used the imagery of a shepherd feeding, guiding, and protecting his flock. Jesus echoed this promise in John 10:10, stating, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” Psalm 119:57–64 reveals seven practical principles for living such a life — a life full of meaning, joy, and spiritual richness. These principles are timeless and essential for any Christian who desires a closer walk with God.

The first principle is strong determination. The psalmist declares, “You are my portion, O Lord; I have said that I would keep Your words.” This is a deliberate and determined decision to obey God’s word no matter what. Whether circumstances are easy or hard, and regardless of who we are around, we must be resolved. Paul exemplifies this in Romans 8:37–39 when he says that nothing will separate us from the love of God in Christ.

Second, we see the necessity of a willingness to pray. Verse 58 says, “I entreated Your favor with my whole heart.” A rich, abundant life will always be a prayerful life. Paul, in nearly every letter, asked others to pray for him. Jesus Himself taught us persistence in prayer in Luke 11:5–10. We must be people of prayer if we want to experience the fullness of life God offers.

Third, the psalmist emphasizes self-examination. Verse 59 says, “I thought about my ways.” True spiritual growth requires looking honestly at our thoughts, actions, and motives. Proverbs 4:23 urges us to guard our hearts. Jesus, in Matthew 6:16–18, reminded His disciples to evaluate why they do good — not for man’s praise, but to please the Father. Self-examination only helps if we are willing to change what’s wrong.

Fourth, we must practice immediate obedience. “I made haste and did not delay to keep Your commandments,” says verse 60. Delaying obedience is dangerous. Hebrews 3:12–15 warns against hardening our hearts. Proverbs 27:1 reminds us not to boast about tomorrow. James calls life a vapor — fleeting and fragile. When we know what is right, we must act on it now.

Fifth, we learn the value of faithfulness during hardship. Verses 61–62 show the psalmist praising God even when bound by the wicked. He gives thanks at midnight because of God’s righteous judgments. Trials can make us either better or bitter. 2 Thessalonians 1:6–10 assures us that God will repay the wicked in His justice. We must hold fast to God’s goodness even in the storm.

Sixth, the writer highlights choosing godly companions. “I am a companion of all who fear You,” he says in verse 63. Amos 3:3 asks, “Can two walk together unless they are agreed?” Paul warns that evil companions corrupt good morals (1 Corinthians 15:33). Proverbs 1:10–19 strongly urges avoiding sinners who entice us. The people we associate with will shape our lives and even our future marriages. We must choose our companions wisely.

Finally, verse 64 teaches us the principle of continual learning. “Teach me Your statutes.” Never stop growing in God’s Word. Psalm 119:12–16 describes delighting in God's statutes, meditating on them, and never forgetting His word. No matter how long we’ve been in the church, we should always hunger for deeper understanding. A rich, abundant life comes from continual engagement with scripture.

Jesus wants us to have abundant life, but it is conditional. It requires our commitment, our prayers, our obedience, our endurance, and our love for His truth. These seven principles are not optional. They are the path to the life God designed for His people.

Sermon Outline: Principles of an Abundant Life

• I. Strong Determination

  • Psalm 119:57 — “I have said that I would keep Your words.”

  • Romans 8:37–39 — Nothing separates us from God when we are determined.

• II. Willingness to Pray

  • Psalm 119:58 — “I entreated Your favor with my whole heart.”

  • Luke 11:5–10 — Persistent prayer opens the door to God’s blessings.

  • Paul frequently asked for prayer (e.g., Romans 15:30).

• III. Self-Examination

  • Psalm 119:59 — “I thought about my ways.”

  • Proverbs 4:23 — Guard your heart diligently.

  • Matthew 6:16–18 — Check your motives.

• IV. Immediate Obedience

  • Psalm 119:60 — “I made haste and did not delay.”

  • Hebrews 3:12–15 — Obey today.

  • Proverbs 27:1 & James 4:13–15 — Life is short; don’t delay.

• V. Faithfulness in Trials

  • Psalm 119:61–62 — Praise even when bound by the wicked.

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:6–10 — God will bring righteous judgment.

• VI. Godly Companions

  • Psalm 119:63 — Companions must fear God.

  • Amos 3:3; 1 Corinthians 15:33 — Bad company corrupts.

  • Proverbs 1:10–19 — Avoid enticement of sinners.

• VII. Continued Learning

  • Psalm 119:64 — “Teach me Your statutes.”

  • Psalm 119:12–16 — Delight in God’s word.

Call to Action

The choice to live an abundant life is yours. Jesus came to offer it — but it requires effort, commitment, and obedience. If any of these principles are missing from your life, don’t delay. Turn back to God, renew your resolve, and embrace the life He wants for you. Make the decision today to live fully in Christ.

Scripture Reference List

• Psalm 119:57–64 – Seven principles for abundant life.

• Ezekiel 34:12–31 – God promises abundance to faithful Israel.

• John 10:9–10 – Jesus offers abundant life.

• Romans 8:37–39 – Strong determination cannot be shaken.

• Luke 11:5–10 – God rewards persistent prayer.

• Proverbs 4:23 – Guard your heart.

• Matthew 6:16–18 – Examine motives.

• Hebrews 3:12–15 – Urgency in obedience.

• Proverbs 27:1 – Don’t boast of tomorrow.

• 2 Thessalonians 1:6–10 – God will repay the wicked.

• Amos 3:3 – Agreement in companionship.

• 1 Corinthians 15:33 – Bad company corrupts.

• Proverbs 1:10–19 – Avoid the path of sinners.

• Psalm 119:12–16 – Keep on learning God’s word.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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