Ascending Together: Embracing God's Invitation to Growth

Today is an invitation to ascend—to leave behind the lowlands of spiritual stagnation and climb the mountain of the Lord. Throughout history, God has called His people to higher places, both literally and spiritually. The Psalms of Ascent, sung by pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem, remind us that our walk with God is meant to be one of continual elevation, moving from glory to glory and faith to faith. Each of us has a unique spiritual journey, but God’s desire is that we would not remain stuck, surviving, or oscillating between highs and lows, but that we would mature, be transformed, and experience the fullness of His presence and purpose.

The journey upward is not without its challenges. Like the pilgrims climbing Mount Zion, or Abraham ascending Mount Moriah, or Moses on Mount Sinai, there are moments of sacrifice, revelation, and victory. These mountaintop experiences are where God provides, reveals His plans, and breaks the power of our enemies and our own inner struggles. Yet, the paradox of the kingdom is that the way up is down—spiritual elevation comes through humility, brokenness, and dependence on God, not through self-reliance or striving.

God’s invitation is deeply personal. He calls each of us by name, not just a select few. He wants to reveal His plans for our lives, to give us clarity and vision that we cannot see from the lowlands. But to ascend, we must respond to His invitation, qualify for the climb—not by our own righteousness, but by the finished work of Jesus—and refuse to stay stuck in condemnation or spiritual infancy. The cross is our access point; grace is our qualification. When we come to Him with our brokenness, He clothes us in righteousness, breaks off condemnation, and gives us a new heart.

This is not a solitary climb. God desires that we ascend together as a community, each one discovering their calling, their gifting, and their place in His story. No one is excluded. The invitation is for all: “Come up here, and I will show you.” Today, let’s refuse to stay in the lowlands. Let’s answer His call, take the next step, and become climbers—people who live in His presence, see with His perspective, and walk in the fullness of His plans.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Spiritual Elevation Requires Humility and Desperation True spiritual ascent is not achieved by self-effort or religious striving, but by humbling ourselves before God. The way up is down—when we reach the end of ourselves and depend wholly on Him, He lifts us to new heights. Seasons of fasting, prayer, and brokenness are often the very means by which God gives us clarity and vision for the next step. [50:56]
• 2. Your Qualification Comes from Christ, Not Your Performance We are not qualified to ascend the hill of the Lord by our own righteousness or track record. Jesus’ finished work on the cross is our access; He clothes us in His righteousness and breaks the power of condemnation. When we confess our sins and come to Him, He is faithful to forgive and restore, making us worthy to stand in His presence and pursue His calling. [56:27]
• 3. God’s Plans and Clarity Are Revealed at Higher Elevations Just as Moses received the blueprint for the tabernacle on Mount Sinai, God often reveals His detailed plans for our lives when we seek Him at a higher place. In the lowlands, confusion and frustration can cloud our vision, but as we respond to His invitation to “come up here,” He gives us perspective, hope, and direction that we could not see before. [52:56]
• 4. Refuse to Stay Stuck—The Climb Is a Process, Not an Event Spiritual growth is not instantaneous; it’s a journey of continual ascent, step by step. Even if you feel stuck or condemned, God’s heart is to get you unstuck and moving upward. The process involves breaking off old mindsets, receiving a new heart, and taking practical steps of obedience, knowing that God is patient and faithful to complete the work He began in you. [63:48]
• 5. The Invitation Is for Everyone—No One Is Excluded God’s call to ascend is not reserved for pastors, leaders, or the spiritually elite. Every believer is invited to climb, to experience His presence, and to discover their unique calling and destiny. He knows you by name, cares deeply for you, and has written your days in His book. The journey upward is for all who will say, “Lord, here I am. I’m coming.” [65:48]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:45] - Gratitude for Worship and Community
• [03:10] - Introduction to the Psalms of Ascent
• [06:30] - The Pilgrimage to Jerusalem
• [10:15] - Four Types of Spiritual Journeys
• [15:00] - God’s Design: The Maturing Believer
• [18:00] - The Stock Market Analogy: Growth Over Time
• [20:00] - The Mountains of God: Moriah, Zion, Nebo
• [25:00] - Mount Carmel: Victory Over Enemies
• [28:00] - Mount Tabor: Encountering the Real Jesus
• [31:00] - Mount Sinai: Receiving God’s Plans
• [35:00] - The Importance of Spiritual Elevation
• [38:00] - How to Qualify for the Climb
• [42:00] - Breaking Off Condemnation
• [46:00] - The Process of Spiritual Ascent
• [50:00] - The Invitation to All and Closing Prayer

Bible Reading

Psalm 24:3-6 (ESV) — > Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
> And who shall stand in his holy place?
> He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
> who does not lift up his soul to what is false
> and does not swear deceitfully.
> He will receive blessing from the Lord
> and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
> Such is the generation of those who seek him,
> who seek the face of the God of Jacob.

2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV) — > And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

1 John 1:9 (ESV) — > If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Observation Questions

1. According to Psalm 24, what are the qualifications for ascending the hill of the Lord? What does it mean to have “clean hands and a pure heart”?
2. In 2 Corinthians 3:18, what does Paul say is happening to believers as they behold the glory of the Lord?
3. The sermon described four types of spiritual journeys: strong starter, survivor, porpoise, and maturing believer. What are the main differences between these journeys? ([39:32])
4. What does 1 John 1:9 promise to those who confess their sins? How does this relate to our ability to “ascend” spiritually?

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says, “The way up is down—when we reach the end of ourselves and depend wholly on Him, He lifts us to new heights.” Why do you think humility and brokenness are necessary for spiritual growth? ([50:56])
2. How does the finished work of Jesus on the cross change the way we approach God, especially when we feel unworthy or condemned? ([56:27])
3. The pastor mentioned that God often reveals His plans and clarity at “higher elevations.” What might it look like in real life to “come up here” and receive God’s perspective? ([52:56])
4. The sermon emphasized that the invitation to ascend is for everyone, not just pastors or leaders. Why is it important to remember that no one is excluded from this journey? ([01:05:48])

Application Questions

1. The sermon described spiritual ascent as a process, not a one-time event. Where do you see yourself on the journey right now—stuck, surviving, oscillating, or maturing? What is one step you could take this week to move upward? ([01:03:48])
2. Humility and desperation were described as keys to spiritual elevation. Is there an area of your life where you need to humble yourself or admit your need for God’s help? What would it look like to do that practically? ([50:56])
3. The pastor shared about breaking off condemnation and receiving God’s forgiveness. Are there any areas where you feel stuck in shame or unworthiness? How can you remind yourself of your qualification through Christ this week? ([56:27])
4. The sermon talked about God giving clarity and vision at higher elevations. Is there a decision or area of confusion in your life where you need God’s perspective? What would it look like to “come up” and seek Him for direction? ([52:56])
5. The invitation to ascend is for everyone, and God wants us to climb together as a community. How can you encourage someone else in their spiritual journey this week? Is there someone you could invite to take a next step with you? ([01:05:48])
6. The pastor mentioned practical steps like prayer, fasting, and serving as ways to respond to God’s invitation. Which of these (or another step) do you sense God inviting you to try or deepen in this season? ([54:32])
7. Think about a past “mountaintop” experience with God. What did you learn there, and how can you carry that perspective into your current season? ([42:23])