Abound In The Work Of The Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58 says, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” This verse is often used by Gospel preachers to encourage brethren to abound in faithful work and service to the cause of Christ. A Christian’s life must be a life of abounding work. A Christian must be a faithful follower of the Master, a “steadfast, unmovable, always-abounding” servant who is firmly grounded in the Bible’s revealed truths. Unfortunately, some brethren are not “steadfast and unmoveable;” rather, they are like “children tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness” (Ephesians 4:14). Such are those who lack the qualities associated with “always abounding in the work of the Lord.”

According to W.E. Vine, the Greek word rendered “abounding” (perisseuo, Ok) in this passage is defined as “to be abundantly furnished, to abound in a thing…the work of the Lord.” Likewise, Strong defined this word as From G4053; “to super-abound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (trans.) to cause to super-abound or excel: (make, more) abound, (have, have more) abundance, (be more) abundant, be the better, enough and to spare, exceed, excel, increase, be left, redound, remain (over and above)” (Strong’s, 04502). Therefore, one who abounds has an overflowing abundance. Note the account (Luke 4:5-10) of Jesus’ instructions to Simon Peter. He said, “Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.” When Peter obeyed and let down the nets as Christ directed, they caught enough fish than their nets could carry, and the ship began to sink. This is ABUNDANCE!

Abound In The Work Of The Lord

The phrase “in the work of the Lord” applies to all things that God commanded man to do. Regarding this phrase, commentator Albert E. Barnes said, “Always engaged in doing the will of God; in promoting His glory, and advancing His kingdom. This phrase means not only to be engaged in this, but to be engaged diligently, laboriously; excelling in this. The ‘work of the Lord’ here means that which the Lord requires; all the appropriate duties of Christians. Paul exhorts them to practice every Christian virtue, and to do all they could do to further the gospel among men.“ (Barnes Notes, Vol. 8, p. 324).

What The Scriptures Say About Abounding

Upon revealing the different definitions and comments, let’s now look at the Scriptures that teach us how we are to bound “in the work of the Lord.” In order to abound in the Lord’s work, we must carry out the following:

1) Abound in faithful service, coupled with thanksgiving – Colossians 2:5-7

Apostle Paul says in Colossians 2:5-7 that “For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joy and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him: Rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.”

2) Abound in hope – Romans 15:13,14

Apostle Paul says in Romans 15:13,14 that “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.” Fundamentally, hope is a desire with expectation. Therefore, the Christian should hope to receive an “inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away” (1 Peter 1:4; 5:4). Our hope for heaven should be based on the truths revealed in the Scriptures, not on some false hope created by false teachers.

It is rather unfortunate that many have laid down the sword of truth and have not finished the race, resulting in a “faith” that is made shipwreck (1 Timothy 1:19). In Apostle Paul’s letter to young Timothy, he expressed confidence that he, based on his own steadfastness in the faith, would receive the eternal crown: “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

3) Abound in suffering for the cause of Christ – 2 Corinthians 1:5-7

Regarding this, Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:5-7 that “For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope of you is steadfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.”

Here, it is worth pointing to the fact that Apostle Paul clearly made mention of steadfastness. Therefore, as workers for the Lord God Almighty, we must be steadfast, even though severe persecutions may arise. Remember that Christ warned His disciples that they would have to endure persecutions and that they would come to those who do the Lord’s work (Matthew 10:16-28). Likewise, Apostle Paul himself suffered persecutions and warned in his writings of persecutions that would come to the faithful (2 Corinthians 11:24-28; 12:10; 2 Timothy 3:11,12). Having read and understood this, we must be willing to suffer and should not find it strange when we are called upon to suffer persecutions for righteousness’ sake  (Matthew 5:10-12; 1 Peter 4:12-16; Revelation 2:10).

4) Abound in love – 1 Thessalonians 3:12,13

Apostle Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 3:12,13 that “And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: to the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.” The love that Apostle Paul mentioned in these verses is the agape type of love.

Occasionally, some liberal-minded brethren accuse preachers who boldly teach the truth of not “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15), or of being caustic, unloving, abusive, or abrasive. Likewise, some brethren accuse other preachers who boldly “reprove, rebuke, and exhort” of knowing only how to preach on divisive issues, of blasting the denominations, or of nailing or clobbering church members for their shortcomings. Sadly, brethren who make such charges really don’t know the true Bible meaning of love. Remember and reflect on Apostle Paul’s words: “speaking the TRUTH in LOVE” (Ephesians 4:15).

Understanding agape love

Agape love is the type of love that “does not always run with natural inclinations, nor does it spend itself upon those for whom a natural affinity is discovered – love seeks the welfare of all” (Vine).

We can portray agape love by considering the words of Jesus when he commanded: “But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:44-48).

More on agape love

Some people say that “Faults are thick where love is thin.” Read 1 Corinthians 13 and John 13:34-35 and determine how true this statement is. Behold, Godly love (agape love) has to do with abounding in love for:

• God. Keeping His commands, maintaining the right attitude towards His word, and service to Him.
• Christ. Submission to, and appreciation for, the Sacrifice He made for us. Diligent service and respect for His authority, His name, His church, and His doctrine.
• The Holy Spirit. Utmost respect for the revealed word, as well as diligently studying it, living it, teaching it, earnestly contending for it, and defending it when it is under attack.
• Alien sinners. Being “an example of the believers” (1 Timothy 4:12), working to teach and save those who are willing to hear the gospel of Christ.
• Faithful brethren. Encouraging, commending, edifying, and helping them accomplish the Lord’s work.
• Unfaithful brethren. Warning, rebuking, exhorting, restoring, and withdrawing fellowship from the impenitent.
• Enemies. Praying for, doing good to, blessing, feeding the hungry, and giving drink to the thirsty.

5) Abound in knowledge and judgment – Philippians 1:9,10

Apostle Paul says in Philippians 1:9,10 that “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; that ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.” Behold, Christians are to abound and grow in the knowledge of God’s word. Have in mind that the Bible commands and exhorts us to study God’s word (2 Timothy 2:15; Hebrews 5:12-14; Ephesians 3:3,4; 5:17; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:17,18). In order for us to remain steadfast in our faith in Christ, we must possess knowledge about His word, will, and way.

Our judgment must always be based on the revealed word. As Christians, we are to “Judge righteous judgment.” Jesus Christ Himself commanded us to  “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24). That is, our judgment must not be passed on our own personal standards, but on Bible principles of Truth (Matthew 7:1-5). Therefore, righteous judgment requires the correct application of Bible truths. Apostle James taught that we are to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 2:22-25).

6) Abound in giving as we have been prospered – 1 Corinthians 16:1,2

Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 16:1,2 that “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” Note that the Macedonians mentioned by Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 are examples of cheerful/abundant givers. According to the Apostle, they “first gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us by the will of God” (verse 5). Those who find it difficult to give on the “first day of the week” (which means every week) have not first given themselves to the Lord. That is, they are not willing givers.

Apostle Paul encouraged and exhorted the Corinthians to be of such a mind as the Macedonians, to abound in giving, to sow bountifully. He wrote in 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 saying, “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always, having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.” 

7) Abound in every good work – John 9:4

John 9:4 says, “I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” Likewise, it is expected of us Christians to do good works. We are to do “the work of the Lord.” That is, we are to do all that He has commanded us to do. Jesus Christ, during His earthly ministry, openly did His Father’s work. Just as Christ was obedient to His Father, we must be obedient to all things (godly works) commanded by Christ.

In the same light, Apostle Paul in his letter to the Colossian brethren said, “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.” (Colossians 1:9,10; cf. Mark 14:6-9; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Philippians 1:6; 1 Timothy 3:1; 5:10; 2 Timothy 2:21; Hebrews 13:21).

8) Abound in partaking of the “divine nature” – 1 Peter 2:3,4

1 Peter 2:3,4 says, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” Apostle Peter teaches that we can partake in the divine nature by building and maintaining an obedient faith (which is the very foundation of what we believe, teach, and practice according to verse 5 through 7). In doing this, we must add:

• Knowledge (Knowledge of God’s word);
• Virtue (strength, manliness, moral excellence, and courage);
• Brotherly kindness (love [phileo-Gk.] of the brethren); charity (love, [agape-Gk.];
• Temperance (Self-control);
• Godliness (an attitude and actions that result in an acceptable relationship with God); and
• Patience (long-suffering, persistence, endurance, and perseverance).

We can find the result of these additions to our faith in 2 Peter 1:8-10 – “For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.”

Marks of God’s Abounding Grace (1 Timothy 1:12-17)

1 Timothy 1:12-17 says, “I am grateful to the one who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he considered me faithful in putting me into ministry, even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I was treated with mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief, and our Lord’s grace was abundant, bringing faith and love in Christ Jesus. This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them! But here is why I was treated with mercy: so that in me as the worst, Christ Jesus could demonstrate his utmost patience, as an example for those who are going to believe in him for eternal life. Now to the eternal king, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! Amen.”

It is very important for us to know the marks of God’s abounding grace in the lives of Christians. So, what are the marks of God’s abounding grace in a believer’s life? Behold, each of us has received grace not only for salvation but for many other things. In 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Apostle Paul reflects on God’s abundant grace over his life. In verse 14, he says, “and our Lord’s grace was abundant, bringing faith and love in Christ Jesus.” When Apostle Paul uses the word “abundantly,” it actually means “super-abundantly” or  “an exceeding abundant amount.” Note that he added the Greek prefix “huper” to intensify the word “abundant” (pleonazo). Amazingly, the prefix “huper” has made its way into the English Language. It is used of “hypersensitive” people or “hyperactive” children. Below are the marks of God’s abounding grace:

1) God’s Abounding Grace Calls and Equips Us to Serve Him

1 Timothy 1:12 says, “I am grateful to the one who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he considered me faithful in putting me into ministry.” When Apostle Paul considered God’s amazing grace, he recognized how God called and equipped him for ministry. He was appointed into service as an Apostle. When he says that he was “strengthened,” it can as well be translated as he was made “equal to the task.” Note that Paul was not equipped in his own strength to serve as an apostle and to suffer the persecution that came with the apostolic ministry. The Lord God Almighty made him equal to the task, and this is true for us as well. It is worth noting that in whatever way that God has called us to serve, He makes us equal to the task.

Note how God speaks to Jeremiah, who felt unequipped to speak as a prophet. In Jeremiah 1:6-10, he says, I answered, “Oh, Lord God, I really do not know how to speak well enough for that, for I am too young.” The Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ But go to whomever I send you and say whatever I tell you. Do not be afraid of those to whom I send you, for I will be with you to protect you,” says the Lord. Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I will most assuredly give you the words you are to speak for me. Know for certain that I hereby give you the authority to announce to nations and kingdoms that they will be uprooted and torn down, destroyed and demolished, rebuilt and firmly planted.”

2) God’s Abounding Grace Forgives Our Sins

1 Timothy 1:13 says, “even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I was treated with mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief.” In addition to calling and equipping us to serve, God’s grace continually forgives and removes the guilt of our sin. Paul said that despite the fact that he was a blasphemer, persecutor, and violent man, he was given mercy because he acted in ignorance and unbelief. As a blasphemer, Paul blasphemed Christ. As a persecutor, he imprisoned and put Christians to death. And as a violent man, Paul delighted in hurting believers – he was more like a bully or a sadist. Paul’s wickedness had reached its max as he didn’t want to hear anything about believers and was always willing and ready to persecute them in all ways. Though he was so sinful, God’s grace still forgave him.

God’s grace forgives us as it did to Paul. That is, His super-abundant grace and mercy meet us in our failures. It is in this light that 1 John 1:9 says, “But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness.” This Biblical verse makes us understand that when we confess, not only does God forgives the sins we confessed, but he purifies us from “all unrighteousness.” That is, when we confess known sin, God cleanses us even from unknown sin. We call this super-abundant grace. Paul says, “I was treated with mercy ‘because’ I acted ignorantly in unbelief.” Thus, does our ignorance make us less responsible for our sins? When Paul makes mention of his ignorance, he is probably referring to the Old Testament teaching of intentional and unintentional sins (Numbers 15:28-31).

3) God’s Abounding Grace Changes Our Hearts

1 Timothy 1:14 says, “and our Lord’s grace was abundant, bringing faith and love in Christ Jesus.” Amazingly, God’s super-abundant grace not only called, equipped, and forgave Paul, but also radically changed his heart. He mentions two other blessings that came from God’s grace: faith and love. This also holds for all believers. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so that no one can boast.” Upon considering the saving faith that he had received, Paul realized it was a gift from God. Behold, there was nothing spiritually or intellectually special about Paul that made him accept Christ as Lord and Savior; it was grace. God’s super-abundant grace opened his blind eyes so that he could see Christ’s beauty.

This is also true for each one of us. 1 Corinthians 2:14 says, “The unbeliever does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him. And he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” Note that before salvation, we were all unbelievers, at one time, consumed with ourselves and blinded to heavenly realities. Fascinatingly, God through His grace sent the Holy Spirit to capture and wake us up so we could see and respond to Christ, the savior of the world. The Almighty God lavished faith on us, but not just faith for salvation, faith to following Him daily. Likewise, at salvation, God lavishes the gift of love on believers. Romans 5:5 tells us that the love of God has been shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. Even our affection for God, His Word, and others, all come from God.

4) God’s Abounding Grace Convicts and Humbles Us

1 Timothy 1:15 says, “This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them!” Note that when Paul says, “This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance,” it means that he is about to give a statement of special importance. Interestingly, he uses this phrase five times in the Pastoral Epistles. Today, many people think that these were well-known quotations possibly from an early hymn or creed. Following this statement, Apostle Paul gives the gospel in miniature: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them!” (v. 15). In this verse, what stands out most is the fact that Paul calls himself the worst or chief (KJV). What did Paul mean by this? Was Paul really the worst sinner?

Why did Paul call himself the worst sinner? Obviously, Paul was not the worst sinner on the planet. It is without a doubt that his sins were certainly heinous and evil, as he persecuted Christians and blasphemed Christ. However, his statement appears to reflect genuine conversion and humility coming from his receiving of God’s abundant grace. This is common for people who are graced to encounter God. Likewise, when Prophet Isaiah saw God in Isaiah 6:5, he declared “Woe is me. I have unclean lips and I come from a people of unclean lips” (paraphrase). Similarly, Peter cried out, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!”, when he recognized Christ as Lord (Luke 5:8). God’s abundant grace is such that it creates genuine conviction of sin and humility in its recipient.

5) God’s Abounding Grace Displays God’s Glory to Others

1 Timothy 1:16 says, “But here is why I was treated with mercy: so that in me as the worst, Christ Jesus could demonstrate his utmost patience, as an example for those who are going to believe in him for eternal life.” The display of God’s amazing grace is meant to glorify Him. By giving Paul, a blasphemer, super-abundant grace in salvation, God displayed His immense patience to the world. God continually came after Paul, though he dwelled in great rebellion. God Almighty is immensely patient; He desires that none should perish but that all would come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). In His loving nature, He holds back his wrath, in the hope, that people will repent and turn to Him. By saving a tremendous sinner like Paul, God displayed the glory of His attributes to the world.

Some people often handle Scripture as though God’s primary goal in redemptive history is to save souls, but it’s not really the case. God’s primary goal is his glory, and the salvation of the lost is ultimately a vehicle for that. Ephesians 1:11-12 says, “In Christ we too have been claimed as God’s own possession, since we were predestined according to the one purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, would be to the praise of his glory.” Interestingly, this is not only for the world and believers to see, it is also for angels.  Ephesians 3:10 says, “The purpose of this enlightenment is that through the church the multifaceted wisdom of God should now be disclosed to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly realms.”

6) God’s Abounding Grace Makes Us Models for Others

1 Timothy 1:16 says, “But here is why I was treated with mercy: so that in me as the worst, Christ Jesus could demonstrate his utmost patience, as an example for those who are going to believe in him for eternal life.” Paul’s salvation not only reflected God’s glory but also became a model for others. By saving a chief sinner like Paul, God gives hope to others who are far away from Him and those praying out of love for the salvation of others. Behold, if God can save Paul, He can equally save anybody! This should encourage us to never stop praying for even the most hardened sinner. The Lord God Almighty saved Paul in an amazing way that he became an example or pattern that encourages others to believe in God.

This is also true for us. Our salvation and therefore our testimonies are powerful tools meant to be shared with others for their encouragement and the glory of God. Remember the story of the demoniac, when he tried to follow Christ, the Lord said: “‘Go to your home and to your people and tell them what the Lord has done for you, that he had mercy on you’” (Mark 5:19). God is telling us the same as we can read from Psalm 107:2 – “Let the redeemed of the Lord, say so”. We have different testimonies – some dramatic and others less dramatic – but they are all marked by God’s super-abundant grace. And God uses them to lead others to Christ. Thus, we must faithfully share our salvation stories with others, as well as the stories of God’s daily grace in our lives. These are not ours to keep but God’s.

7) God’s Abounding Grace Provokes us to Worship

1 Timothy 1:17 says, “Now to the eternal king, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! Amen.” Paul considered all that God did for him and started praising Him. In his doxology, he gives four wonderful designations for our great God. Below are Kent Huphes’ comments on the designations that Paul used to ascribe praise to God:

• Paul calls him “the King eternal.” God is the King of all ages who sovereignly governs every age before creation, after creation, to the final age, and on into eternity.
• Paul calls him “immortal.” God is not subject to decay or destruction and therefore is in the most absolute sense “imperishable, incorruptible, and immortal.”
• Apostle Paul calls him “invisible,” for the physical eye cannot see him. He “lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see” (1 Timothy 6:16). All that human beings have ever seen of him (other than the incarnate Christ) are glimpses of his glory.”
• Paul calls him “the only God” (mono theo). He alone is what he is. Of himself God has declared, “I am the Lord, and there is no other” (Isaiah 45:18).

Abound In The Work Of The Lord

1 Corinthians 15:58 – “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

Colossians 2:6-8 – “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.”

Romans 15:13 – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

Philippians 4:11-13 – “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Romans 10:12 – “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.“

Group 1 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

1 Corinthians 15:1-58 – “Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. …“

Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.“

Group 2 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

1 Corinthians 3:16 – “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?“

Ephesians 4:28 – “Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.“

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

Romans 10:9 – “Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Group 3 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Hebrews 13:8 – “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.“

Galatians 3:26 – “For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.“

1 Corinthians 15:23 – “But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.”

2 Corinthians 5:21 – “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

Group 4 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

1 Corinthians 12:11 – “All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.”

Deuteronomy 28:11 – “And the Lord will make you abound in prosperity, in the fruit of your womb and in the fruit of your livestock and in the fruit of your ground, within the land that the Lord swore to your fathers to give you.”

Philippians 4:16-17 – “Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.”

Group 5 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

1 Corinthians 15:24-28 – “Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.”

Genesis 2:15 – “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.”

Group 6 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Romans 6:4 – “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.“

Romans 8:11 – “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.“

Matthew 28:19 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,“

Group 7 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Romans 6:1-2 – “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?“

Matthew 24:12-13 – “And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”

Genesis 2:18 – Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”

Group 8 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Psalm 13:5-6 – “But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.”

Genesis 1:28 – And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

Genesis 1:26 – Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

Group 9 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Deuteronomy 28:9-11 – “The Lord will establish you as a people holy to himself, as he has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the Lord your God and walk in his ways. And all the peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they shall be afraid of you. And the Lord will make you abound in prosperity, in the fruit of your womb and in the fruit of your livestock and in the fruit of your ground, within the land that the Lord swore to your fathers to give you.”

1 John 3:5 – “You know that he appeared to take away sins, and in him there is no sin.“

Group 10 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

2 Peter 3:10 – “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.”

Colossians 2:8 – “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.“

Group 11 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Jude 1:7 – “Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.”

1 John 2:2 – “He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.”

2 Peter 3:9 – “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

Group 12 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Ephesians 5:22-25 – “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,”

Galatians 3:27 – “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”

Ephesians 5:23 – “For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.“

Ephesians 1:23 – “Which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.”

Group 13 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Ephesians 1:11 – “In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,”

Ephesians 1:22 – “And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,”

Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Ephesians 1:10 – “As a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.“

Group 14 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

1 Corinthians 15:28 – “When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.”

Galatians 1:3 – “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,”

1 Corinthians 6:10 – “Nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.“

1 Corinthians 2:13 – “And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.“

Group 15 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 – “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”

Romans 12:1 – “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”

Group 16 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Romans 8:26 – “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.“

Acts 10:34 – So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality,”

Romans 8:27 – “And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”

Romans 8:9 – “You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.”

Group 17 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Acts 2:22 – “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know—“

Romans 6:3 – “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?“

John 17:3 – “And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”

John 17:23 – “I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.“

Group 18 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Leviticus 20:13 – “If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.”

Genesis 4:25 – “And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and called his name Seth, for she said, “God has appointed for me another offspring instead of Abel, for Cain killed him.”

Revelation 3:21 – “The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.“

Group 19 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Ezekiel 18:23 – “Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?“

John 15:26 – “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.”

Proverbs 28:20 – “A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.”

Genesis 9:1 – And God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.”

Group 20 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Genesis 1:1-31 – “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. …“

Genesis 1:1-3:24 – “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. …“

Group 21 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

1 Peter 1:17 – “And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile,”

1 Peter 2:9 – “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.“

Hebrews 1:2 – “But in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.”

Group 22 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Ephesians 4:6 – “One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

1 Timothy 5:21 – “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.”

Ephesians 1:22-23 – “And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.“

Group 23 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

1 Corinthians 3:9 – “For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.”

2 Corinthians 11:3 – “But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.“

Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Group 24 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Romans 1:1-32 – “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, ...”

Acts 8:38 – “And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.”

Group 25 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

John 6:27 – “Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.”

Luke 10:7 – “And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house.“

Matthew 24:3 – As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the close of the age?”

Group 26 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Romans 2:11 – “For God shows no partiality.“

John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.“

Acts 2:36 – “Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

Acts 2:38 – And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Group 27 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Mark 16:15 – And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”

Malachi 3:6 – “For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.”

Daniel 12:1 – “At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book.“

Group 28 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Ecclesiastes 12:7 – “And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.”

Isaiah 66:19 – “And I will set a sign among them. And from them I will send survivors to the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, who draw the bow, to Tubal and Javan, to the coastlands far away, that have not heard my fame or seen my glory. And they shall declare my glory among the nations.”

Proverbs 31:31 – “Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.”

Psalm 103:8 – “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.”

Group 29 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Genesis 19:1-38 – “The two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them and bowed himself with his face to the earth and said, “My lords, please turn aside to your servant’s house and spend the night and wash your feet. Then you may rise up early and go on your way.” They said, “No; we will spend the night in the town square.” But he pressed them strongly; so they turned aside to him and entered his house. And he made them a feast and baked unleavened bread, and they ate. But before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both young and old, all the people to the last man, surrounded the house. And they called to Lot, …“

Group 30 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Proverbs 31:15 – “She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.“

Joshua 5:13-15 – “When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” And the commander of the Lord’s army said to Joshua, “Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.“

Group 31 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Leviticus 18:22 – “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.“

Leviticus 19:15 – “You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor.“

Genesis 26:4 – “I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and will give to your offspring all these lands. And in your offspring all the nations of the earth shall be blessed,“

Group 32 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Joel 2:12-13 – “Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.”

Ezekiel 33:11 – “Say to them, As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?“

Also Read

• What Does The Bible Say About The Almighty?
• What Does The Bible Say About Goodness?
• Bible Verses About Forgiveness
• Bible Verses About Love
• What Does The Bible Say About Evil?
• What Does The Bible Say About Righteousness?
• Bible Verses About Eternal Life
• Bible Verses About Following Jesus Christ
• What Does the Bible Say About Purification?
• What Does The Bible Say About Ability?