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The Dangers of Spiritual Stagnation, and How to Avoid It

The Dangers of Spiritual Stagnation, and How to Avoid It. Christians Should Fear Backsliding, and Stagnating in Their Walk With God Philippians 2:12,13. Introduction Philippians 2:12,13. God puts some things inside the believer – it is all part of being born again

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The Dangers of Spiritual Stagnation, and How to Avoid It

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  1. The Dangers of Spiritual Stagnation, and How to Avoid It Christians Should Fear Backsliding, and Stagnating in Their Walk With God Philippians 2:12,13

  2. IntroductionPhilippians 2:12,13 • God puts some things inside the believer – it is all part of being born again • He puts His Holy Spirit in us – actually seals Him in • He puts eternal life itself in us – passed from death unto life • He puts a purpose – a calling – into our lives • He expects us to work those things out through our fingers and toes • But it doesn’t all happen naturally – takes effort • This is going to be a warning about backsliding, and becoming carnal, not growing, drying up, growing lukewarm, and then cold! • It will be a challenge to grow and glow hot and bright in this dark day and hour

  3. Barren Lives • Barren earth at creation (Genesis 1:1-3) • Parable of the fig tree – no fruit (Luke 13:1-6) • Barren wombs – no children • Sarah (Gen 11:30) - Isaac • Hannah (1Sam 1) - Samuel • Elisabeth (Luke 1:7) – John the Baptist • Barren Christians – most have no real fruit • We were created by God to bear fruit

  4. Unfruitful Lives • Parable of the Thorny Soil (Matthew 13:18,22): • Becomes unfruitful because of stress, worries, wrong priorities, and the cares of this world • Boils down to the softness of the heart • Fruitfulness is only accomplished by: • Walking with God (Psalm 1:1-3) • Abiding in Christ. Jesus saved us to enable us to be fruitful (John 15:1,2,5) – without Him we can produce nothing of value

  5. False Fruit • Gain the whole world’s wealth (Matthew 16:26) • Have all of men’s admiration • Full of Religious Zeal (Philippians 3:4-9) • Hypocrite – actor – tares – put on a show

  6. Christian Growth • Starting with Faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:10,11) • Adding seven Christ-like attitudes and actions – get them INTO you • Let them work – turn them loose (2Peter 1:8) – they are the changing power • Enjoy the fruit that results

  7. Warning! • If you don’t grow… • If you backslide… • If you cool off, and stay cooled-off… • You will lose big-time (2Peter 1:9-11): • Lose your sight – no spiritual awareness • Lose your memory – forgetting spiritual victories • Lose your progress – constantly fall back • Lose your heavenly rewards

  8. God’s Promises • God has given us Four Things • “Divine power” (1:3) • “Great and precious promises” (1:4) • Seven spiritual ingredients to add to our lives • A perfect “calling and election” (1:10) • With such help • You can’t but bear fruit (1:8) – it will come! • You are promised to never fall (1:10) • You will be rewarded in heaven (1:11)

  9. A Christian’s Fruit • Pleasure to God – by faith, walk the walk • Changed life – new creature (2Cor 5:17) • Godly life – more like Jesus • A Christian family – saved and with one heart because of your changed life! • Another “life” – soul-winning – spiritual children • Our World turned “upside down”

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