“Do not love [agapaō] the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love for the Father is not in him [we cannot agapaō the world and God] . For ALL THAT IS IN THE WORLD, the lust [longing for what is forbidden] of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, IS NOT FROM THE FATHER, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but THE ONE WHO DOES THE WILL OF GOD LIVES FOREVER.” (1 John 2:15-17) The evil that is all around us, causing us so much trouble, is NOT from our Abba Father! The sickness, worry, heartache and sorrow is from that “thief” the devil to draw us away from God’s abundant blessings for our lives! “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they [we] may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10) Abundantly: perissos: superabundant (in quantity, or superior in quality), exceeding abundantly above!
How much was Jesus willing to “pay” for this kind of life for us? “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd LAYS DOWN HIS LIFE for the sheep.” (John 10:11) Jesus GAVE HIS ALL so we could live a “superabundant” kind of life! “No one takes it from me, but I LAY IT DOWN OF MY OWN ACCORD initiative. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” (John 10:18) This should be our prayer…like the man who brought his son to Jesus for healing! “…Everything is possible for one who believes. Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I DO BELIEVE; HELP ME OVERCOME MY UNBELIEF!” (Mark 9:23-24)
WHEN WE ASK FOR JESUS TO “HELP OUR UNBELIEF” WE WILLL RECEIVE AN ANSWER…
-Bill Stockham