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 (abundantly). 

What must be in place for an abundant life?

• Compelling Vision (I exist to . . .)
• Relentless Conviction
• Courageous Action (doing whatever it takes to take hold of the abundant life Jesus says is yours)

The abundant life is difficult, not because of our work, but because it demands we surrender to God’s work in us.

Influence

Anointed Authority

Position — the follower obeys the leader

Exodus 20:19

“You speak to us, and we will listen; but do not let God speak to us, or we will die.”

Permission — the follower loves the leader

Production — the follower admires the leader

People Development — the follower is loyal to the leader

Personhood — the follower respects and trusts the leader

Matthew 8:5–13

When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer came and pleaded with him, “Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.” Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.”

But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come...”

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel! Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, “Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened.” And the young servant was healed that same hour.

Anointed — being set apart by God for a holy purpose He has in mind for you.

Authority — God gives you all the rights and responsibilities necessary to make sure that what God wants to happen, happens.

Calling

1 Peter 2:9

You are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

Connection

We doubt our connection to God.

We doubt our calling from God.

Don’t define your life by anything or anyone who doesn’t know, understand or care about your calling and connection to God. Only God gets to define my life.

Don’t give the thief influence or power in any area of your life that you have placed under the anointed authority of God.

Live the abundant life in the anointed authority of one who is called by and connected to the giver of life.