John Reading GuideSample

How can we live abundant lives? We all want that, don’t we? But we can’t answer how until we focus on the more important question: What—or who—is the source of an abundant life?

Jesus says in 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.” Chasing anything other than Jesus will steal what God has blessed you with, kill your dreams and destroy your purpose in life. Jesus, and only Jesus, restores the blessings that have been stolen, brings life to dreams that have died and gives our lives purpose. Possessions come and go, as does the enjoyment they bring. The only way to experience joy that never leaves is to have something that cannot fail. An abundant life comes from Jesus, who never fails.

If you were to ask anyone who has the biggest house, fastest car or largest bank account, they will tell you they find themselves striving for more. But if you ask anyone who has made Jesus Lord of their life, they will tell you that they are blessed beyond anything they could have ever asked or imagined. A life apart from Jesus will always leave you lacking, but a life centered on Jesus is full of abundance.

1)  What did you learn about Jesus from this chapter?
2)  What do you strive for in life? How does what you strive for differ from what Jesus strived for?
3)  What are some common traps that keep us from living the full life Jesus promised?