Abundant Life and Being Rich According to Verses

(a) The Abundant Life is Available

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)

(b) Instructions to Believers who are Rich in possessions (‘money & materialistic things’)

A believer who is ‘rich’ (with money & materialistic possessions) may take hold of age-during life only with this attitude which is commanded toward them:

“Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.

Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,

storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.

O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called “knowledge”

— which some have professed and thus gone astray from the faith.

Grace be with you.” (1 Timothy 6:17 – 21)

(c) The Abundant Life Definition of Christ does “not” include the definition of ‘being rich with respect to money & materialistic things’.

A life within with Christ though one may be ‘poor’ (lacking money or materialistic things) on the earth.

It’s not “materialistic things” nor “money” which could be ‘part of this definition’ as the verse below clarifies in His Own Words (please note that it doesn’t mean, ‘life could be abundant with these possessions of money & materialistic things…’ but rather the exact opposite, as it is written):

“Then He said to them, “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed (covetousness); for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15)

Please note the words ‘abundance’, ‘life’ and ‘not… consist’ in the verse above in Luke 12:15 to understand Christ’s Own Definition in His Own Words.

Conclusion:

We are told to be “rich” in Greater things as other verses in the Bible reveal further when understood. For Example:

(i) Being “rich in faith”:

“Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?” (James 2:5)

(ii) Being “rich in wisdom & knowledge” of God in His Word (‘not’ worldly nor academic stuff is referred to here which may have its benefits but is ‘not’ greater ‘nor’ spoken of here):

“And He will be the stability of your times, A wealth of salvation, wisdom and knowledge; The fear of the LORD is his treasure.” (Isaiah 33:6)

The “fear of the LORD” is of utmost importance to attain these as the last verse above & the ones below correlate when seen together:

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7)

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10)

“Make your ear attentive to wisdom,
Incline your heart to understanding;

For if you cry for discernment,
Lift your voice for understanding;

If you seek her (“Wisdom”) as silver
And search for her (“Wisdom”) as for hidden treasures;

Then you will discern the fear of the LORD
And discover the knowledge of God.

For the LORD gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk in integrity,” (Proverbs 2:2 – 7)

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever (continually, always).” (Psalm 111:10)

“The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD Are riches, honor and life.” (Proverbs 22:4)

“Better is a little with the fear of the LORD Than great treasure (wealth, rich with money or possessions) and turmoil with it.” (Proverbs 15:16)

“Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.” (Proverbs 3:7)

“Who is the man who fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way he should choose.” (Psalm 25:12)