HOW TO GUARD YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE

HOW TO GUARD YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Proverbs 4:23

Supporting Texts: 1 Peter 5:8, Jude 1:20-21, Ephesians 6:10-18, Matthew 26:41, 1 Corinthians 10:12

INTRODUCTION:
The Christian life is a spiritual journey that requires vigilance, discernment, and intentional effort. Just as people guard valuables like gold and precious stones, believers are commanded to guard their spiritual lives even more carefully. The Bible says, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23), highlighting the importance of protecting one's inner life.

Many believers begin their Christian walk with passion and zeal but slowly drift away due to carelessness, worldly distractions, and spiritual attacks. Guarding your spiritual life is not passive—it is active warfare that must be done daily. Without careful attention, a once vibrant spiritual life can wither into emptiness and defeat.

This sermon outlines practical biblical steps on how to guard and preserve your spiritual life from pollution, deception, and destruction.

1. BE VIGILANT AND SPIRITUALLY ALERT
A careless believer is an easy target for the devil. Spiritual alertness means being watchful against sin, compromise, and the devices of the enemy (1 Peter 5:8).

a) Resist the devil intentionally (James 4:7)
The devil seeks those who are unaware and unguarded. Resistance must be active and consistent.

b) Avoid spiritual slumber (Romans 13:11)
Wake up from laziness and indifference, and remain spiritually awake and discerning.

c) Keep watch through prayer (Matthew 26:41)
Prayer strengthens your spirit and exposes the enemy’s schemes.

d) Beware of false doctrines (2 Timothy 4:3-4)
Protect your mind from teachings that subtly erode sound doctrine and holy living.

Biblical Example: The ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13—only the wise who were watchful and prepared entered with the bridegroom.

2. BUILD YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE THROUGH THE WORD
The Word of God is your strongest spiritual defence and foundation. A neglected Bible is a sign of a weakening spiritual life.

a) Meditate daily on God’s Word (Joshua 1:8)
Meditation brings transformation and strengthens your spiritual foundation.

b) Hide the Word in your heart (Psalm 119:11)
The Word stored within helps you resist sin and temptation.

c) Be doers of the Word (James 1:22)
Application of the Word is where spiritual maturity develops.

d) Let the Word renew your mind (Romans 12:2)
Your thoughts and choices reflect your spiritual condition.

Biblical Example: Jesus resisted Satan in the wilderness using the Word (Matthew 4:1-11).

3. PRAY WITHOUT CEASING
Prayer is the breath of your spiritual life. A prayerless Christian is powerless and exposed.

a) Develop a strong personal prayer life (Luke 18:1)
Constant prayer fuels intimacy with God and spiritual growth.

b) Pray in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18)
Spiritual prayer builds your inner man and discerns spiritual matters.

c) Stand in the gap for others (Ezekiel 22:30)
Intercession sharpens spiritual sensitivity and authority.

d) Have specific prayer times (Daniel 6:10)
Discipline in prayer keeps your spirit consistent and alert.

Biblical Example: Daniel prayed consistently and remained spiritually strong in a corrupt system.

4. GUARD YOUR RELATIONSHIPS AND ASSOCIATIONS
The people you keep close influence your spiritual life positively or negatively.

a) Avoid corrupt companionship (1 Corinthians 15:33)
Sinful relationships corrupt good morals and spiritual convictions.

b) Walk with the wise (Proverbs 13:20)
Fellowship with spiritually-minded believers strengthens your faith.

c) Be accountable to spiritual mentors (Hebrews 13:17)
Spiritual covering helps you remain steadfast and focused.

d) Correct and rebuke in love (Galatians 6:1)
Guarding others also helps guard your own heart.

Biblical Example: Samson’s downfall was largely due to ungodly association with Delilah (Judges 16:4-21).

5. FLEE FROM EVERY APPEARANCE OF EVIL
Spiritual life decays when believers entertain sin or flirt with ungodliness.

a) Do not toy with temptation (Genesis 39:9)
Joseph’s greatness was preserved because he fled from sin.

b) Abstain from worldly lusts (1 Peter 2:11)
Your soul must not be weakened by constant indulgence in worldly passions.

c) Crucify the flesh daily (Galatians 5:24)
Discipline your desires and emotions to remain spiritually pure.

d) Let the Holy Spirit guide your choices (Romans 8:14)
Sensitivity to the Spirit will help you avoid dangerous paths.

Biblical Example: Lot’s wife looked back and became a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26)—an example of failure to flee.

CONCLUSION:
Guarding your spiritual life is not a one-time effort but a daily pursuit. It is a mark of spiritual maturity and seriousness about your walk with God. As a believer, your greatest treasure is your relationship with Christ, and you must protect it with everything you have.

Let us remember that the enemy is always on the lookout for careless Christians. But when you stay vigilant, grounded in the Word, consistent in prayer, and connected to godly relationships, your spiritual life will remain strong and fruitful.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to be spiritually alert and discerning at all times.
2. Father, give me a deeper hunger for Your Word daily.
3. I receive the grace to pray consistently and fervently.
4. Lord, separate me from every unprofitable relationship.
5. Help me to flee every form and appearance of evil.
6. Father, keep me from falling into spiritual complacency.
7. Let Your Holy Spirit guide my daily decisions and actions.
8. Build a hedge of protection around my spiritual life.
9. I refuse to be a victim of spiritual decay and backsliding.
10. Lord, preserve me blameless until the coming of Christ.

GOD’S WORD FOR YOU TODAY:
1. You will not be a victim of spiritual carelessness!
2. The fire of God upon your life shall not go out!
3. Every enemy seeking your downfall shall fail!
4. You shall rise in strength and walk in victory!
5. Your spiritual life shall be vibrant and unshakable!
6. The Lord shall guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus!
7. You shall overcome every secret temptation!
8. The Word of God will be alive in your spirit daily!
9. You shall be sensitive to divine leading at all times!
10. God will keep you faithful and fruitful till the end!