Blog: Max Dawson
August 8, 2016
The three words in the title above are found in .
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
To have something in abundance means to have it in a large amount. The word used by Peter means God has given to us “much mercy.” Of ourselves, we have no claim on God’s mercy. Rather, it is something He extends to us because He is good and kind. God’s mercy tells us much about God and, at the same time, emphasizes our unworthiness. His mercy is great enough to provide forgiveness of every sin we have committed. It is abundant!
What should be our response? There are some more uses of abundant that should be our reply to His mercy. Below are some more uses of “abundant” in Scripture. But in these verses it is we who should abound–not God.
says we should abound in “faith, speech, knowledge, diligence, love, and in the grace of giving.”
tells us that God has provided for us in order that we may abound in “every good work.”
says we should abound in “hope.”
teaches us that we should abound in faith “with thanksgiving.”
says Christians should have “rejoicing that is more abundant.”
Finally, lists seven qualities that Christians should grow in. They are “faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love.” In Peter taught that there is great benefit for us if we have these things in abundance!
In , Peter said that when we have these things, we will receive an “abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
THE FINAL WORD
Here is the point: Since God has given us “abundant mercy,” should we not give Him an abundant response in our faith, hope and love–as well as these other things found in Scripture?
God has made abundant provision for us. Let us reciprocate with abundance toward Him. He does not give us a little; He gives us much. Let us give much in return.
Think about how you are serving Him this week.
I look forward to seeing you at Wednesday Bible Class at 7 PM. Until then…
May God’s blessings be upon you my dear friends.
–Max