To abound in something means to have such a thing in large numbers or amounts. It means to be full of, overflow with, teem with, be packed with, be crowded with, be thronged with, be jammed with; be alive with, be overrun with, swarm with, bristle with, be bristling with, be infested with, be thick with something. A quick scan through the scriptures shows us quite a number of things that we should abound in as followers of Christ. Below is a list of things the word of God encourages us to abound in now and always:
1. Hope: May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope (Rom 15:13).
2. Sufferings of Christ: For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ (2 Cor 1:5).
3. Giving: But just as you excel in everything, [and lead the way] in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in genuine concern, and in your love for us, see that you excel in this gracious work [of giving] also (2 Cor 8:7).
4. Faith: You are rich in everything—in faith, in speaking ability, in knowledge, in the willingness to help, and in the love you learned from us. So now we want you to be rich in this work of giving too (2 Cor 8:7). Rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving (Col 2:7).
5. Utterance/Speech: But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also (2 Cor 8:7).
6. Knowledge: But just as you excel in everything, [and lead the way] in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in genuine concern, and in your love for us, see that you excel in this gracious work [of giving] also (2 Cor 8:7). For as these qualities are yours and are increasing [in you as you grow toward spiritual maturity], they will keep you from being useless and unproductive in regard to the true knowledge and greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Pet 1:8).
7. Diligence/Total commitment/Dedication/Enthusiasm: Indeed, the more your faith, your ability to speak, your knowledge, your dedication, and your love for us increase, the more we want you to participate in this work of God’s kindness (2 Cor 8:7).
8. Love: And this I pray, that your love may abound more and more [displaying itself in greater depth] in real knowledge and in practical insight (Phil 1:9). And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you (1 Thess 3:12). But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; 10 and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more (1Thess 4:9-10). For as these qualities are yours and are increasing [in you as you grow toward spiritual maturity], they will keep you from being useless and unproductive in regard to the true knowledge and greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Pet 1:8)
9. Grace: And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) abound toward you (2 Cor 9:8a)
10. Good works: so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work (2 cor 9:8b).
11. Fruit/Reward/Profit: Not that I seek the gift itself, but I do seek the profit which increases to your [heavenly] account [the blessing which is accumulating for you] (Phil 4:17). And [God] who provides seed for the sower and bread for eating will also provide and multiply your [resources for] sowing and increase the fruits of your righteousness [which manifests itself in active goodness, kindness, and charity] (2 Co 9:10).
12. Pleasing God: Brothers and sisters, now I have some other things to tell you. We taught you how to live in a way that will please God. And you are living that way. Now we ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus to live that way more and more (1 Thess. 4:1).
13. Virtue/Goodness/Moral excellence: For as these qualities are yours and are increasing [in you as you grow toward spiritual maturity], they will keep you from being useless and unproductive in regard to the true knowledge and greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Pet 1:8).
14. Self-control: For as these qualities are yours and are increasing [in you as you grow toward spiritual maturity], they will keep you from being useless and unproductive in regard to the true knowledge and greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Pet 1:8).
15. Patience/Perseverance/Steadfastness/Endurance: For as these qualities are yours and are increasing [in you as you grow toward spiritual maturity], they will keep you from being useless and unproductive in regard to the true knowledge and greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Pet 1:8).
16. Godliness: For as these qualities are yours and are increasing [in you as you grow toward spiritual maturity], they will keep you from being useless and unproductive in regard to the true knowledge and greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Pet 1:8)
17. Brotherly kindness/ brotherly affection/Christian affection: For as these qualities are yours and are increasing [in you as you grow toward spiritual maturity], they will keep you from being useless and unproductive in regard to the true knowledge and greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Pet 1:8)
18. Work of the Lord: Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing and being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose] (1 Cor. 15:58)
May we abound in all these more and more and more till Christ returns or calls us home in Jesus name. Amen
