Title: NEXT LEVEL
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text:
Philippians 3:13-14 – "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
Supporting Texts:
2 Corinthians 5:17
Isaiah 43:18-19
Ephesians 3:20
1 Peter 2:9
INTRODUCTION:
In our journey of faith, God calls us to a higher level of living and purpose. The "Next Level" signifies a progression in our spiritual, personal, and communal lives. It is about moving beyond past experiences and embracing the future that God has in store for us. This sermon will explore how we can elevate ourselves to the next level through faith, obedience, and divine empowerment.
1. RECOGNISING THE CALL TO A NEXT LEVEL
God has a unique calling for each of us that propels us toward our next level.
a) Understanding Our Identity: Recognising that we are new creations in Christ gives us the confidence to pursue God’s call (2 Corinthians 5:17).
b) Awakening to God’s Promises: God promises to do a new thing in our lives (Isaiah 43:19), which invites us to look forward.
c) Assessing Our Current State: Acknowledging where we are helps us identify areas needing growth (Lamentations 3:40).
d) Desiring More from God: Cultivating a hunger for spiritual growth propels us to seek God’s next level for our lives (Matthew 5:6).
e) Biblical Example:
Moses was called to a higher purpose when God spoke to him through the burning bush, inviting him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 3:4).
2. LETTING GO OF THE PAST
To move to the next level, we must release our hold on past disappointments and failures.
a) Forgetting Past Failures: We must not let past mistakes define our future (Philippians 3:13).
b) Overcoming Regrets: Embracing God's forgiveness allows us to let go of regrets and move forward (Isaiah 43:25).
c) Healing from Past Wounds: Emotional healing is essential for spiritual progress (Psalm 147:3).
d) Breaking Free from Old Patterns: We must not be constrained by habits that hinder our growth (Romans 12:2).
e) Biblical Example:
The prodigal son, upon returning to his father, let go of his past life and embraced a new beginning (Luke 15:20-24).
3. EMBRACING CHANGE
Change is often necessary for us to reach the next level in our lives.
a) Accepting God’s New Direction: God may lead us in unexpected ways (Proverbs 3:5-6).
b) Stepping Out of Our Comfort Zones: Growth often occurs when we step beyond what is familiar (Matthew 14:29).
c) Learning to Adapt: Being flexible in our walk with God helps us to grow and embrace His plans (Ephesians 4:1-3).
d) Trusting God’s Process: Believing in God’s timing allows us to remain patient as we transition to the next level (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
e) Biblical Example:
Peter stepped out of the boat in faith, embracing change by walking on water towards Jesus (Matthew 14:29).
4. ACTIVATING OUR FAITH
Faith is a crucial element in moving to the next level.
a) Trusting in God’s Power: Our faith in God empowers us to achieve the impossible (Ephesians 3:20).
b) Believing in His Promises: Holding on to God’s promises fuels our journey (Romans 4:20-21).
c) Engaging in Prayer: Prayer activates our faith and invites God’s intervention in our lives (James 5:16).
d) Taking Bold Steps: Acting on our faith propels us into new opportunities (Hebrews 11:1).
e) Biblical Example:
The woman with the issue of blood activated her faith by touching Jesus' garment and received healing (Mark 5:27-34).
5. STAYING FOCUSSED ON THE GOAL
Maintaining focus is essential for reaching our next level.
a) Setting Spiritual Goals: Clear goals guide us on our path of spiritual growth (Proverbs 16:3).
b) Prioritising God’s Kingdom: Putting God first in our lives aligns our focus (Matthew 6:33).
c) Surrounding Ourselves with Support: Having a community of believers encourages us to stay on track (Hebrews 10:24-25).
d) Persevering Through Challenges: Resilience in the face of adversity is key to achieving our goals (James 1:2-4).
e) Biblical Example:
Paul pressed on towards the heavenly prize, unwavering in his focus despite challenges (Philippians 3:14).
CONCLUSION:
The call to the "Next Level" is a divine invitation to rise above our current circumstances and embrace the abundant life that God has promised. By recognising our calling, letting go of the past, embracing change, activating our faith, and staying focused, we can move forward in our spiritual journey. Let us respond to this call with boldness and confidence, trusting that God has great things in store for us.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, I thank You for calling me to the next level in my life.
2. Father, help me to let go of past disappointments and failures.
3. Lord, grant me the courage to embrace the changes You have for me.
4. Father, strengthen my faith to trust in Your power and promises.
5. Lord, help me to set clear spiritual goals for my growth.
6. Father, may I always prioritise Your kingdom in my life.
7. Lord, surround me with a supportive community of believers.
8. Father, give me resilience to persevere through challenges.
9. Lord, help me to be bold in taking steps towards my next level.
10. Father, I declare that I will see the manifestation of Your plans for my life.
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. I declare that you are stepping into a new season of growth and elevation.
2. You will experience God's transformative power in every area of your life.
3. I decree that old burdens and failures will no longer hold you back.
4. You will have the courage to embrace the changes that God has planned for you.
5. I declare that your faith will lead you to extraordinary breakthroughs.
6. You will achieve the goals that God has set before you.
7. I decree that you will thrive in a supportive community of believers.
8. You will persevere through challenges and emerge victorious.
9. I declare that every step you take will lead you closer to God’s purpose.
10. You will witness the fulfilment of God's promises in your life as you move to the next level.
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