Spiritual Fitness: Discipline for a Christ-Centered Life

Summary

### Summary

In today's sermon, we explored the themes of spiritual fitness and the importance of maintaining a disciplined life in Christ. We began by discussing the necessity of being spiritually fit and prepared for the battles we face as Christians. We are soldiers in a spiritual war, and our readiness is crucial. The vision for our ministry aligns with the biblical foundation, emphasizing the urgency of correcting fallacies and preparing for the end times.

We delved into the story of Noah and the ark, drawing parallels to our spiritual journey. Just as the ark was designed to rise above the waters and sustain life, our spiritual lives must rise above worldly chaos and sustain our faith. The importance of maintaining a clean and orderly spiritual house was highlighted, using the metaphor of cleaning out a cluttered closet. When we come to Christ, we must ensure that our spiritual house remains clean, as demons are repelled by cleanliness and order.

The sermon also addressed the concept of discipline, particularly in resisting sin. Jesus' teachings on dealing with lust were used to illustrate the need for extreme discipline, likened to the pain of castration. This level of discipline is necessary to overcome persistent sins and maintain spiritual purity. We were reminded that deliverance from demons is only part of the journey; maintaining discipline is essential to keep our flesh in check and stay free from sin.

Finally, we discussed the growth of our ministry and the importance of deepening our spiritual roots. Adversity and conflict are seen as fertilizers that help us grow stronger in our faith. As our responsibilities increase, our spiritual roots must grow deeper to sustain us. The sermon concluded with a call to apply these teachings, emphasizing that true spiritual growth requires dying to our old selves and embracing a disciplined, Christ-centered life.

### Key Takeaways

1. Spiritual Fitness and Readiness: As Christians, we are soldiers in a spiritual war, and our readiness is crucial. We must be spiritually fit to face the battles ahead, aligning our vision with the biblical foundation and correcting fallacies as we prepare for the end times. [02:52]

2. Maintaining a Clean Spiritual House: Just as Noah's ark was designed to rise above the waters and sustain life, our spiritual lives must rise above worldly chaos. Keeping our spiritual house clean and orderly repels demons and ensures that we remain in a state of spiritual purity. [06:38]

3. The Importance of Discipline: Jesus' teachings on dealing with lust illustrate the need for extreme discipline in our spiritual lives. This level of discipline, likened to the pain of castration, is necessary to overcome persistent sins and maintain spiritual purity. [28:48]

4. Deliverance and Discipline: Deliverance from demons is only part of the journey. Maintaining discipline is essential to keep our flesh in check and stay free from sin. Discipline puts the flesh on the cross, a task that God cannot do for us; it is our responsibility. [49:26]

5. Deepening Spiritual Roots: As our responsibilities increase, our spiritual roots must grow deeper to sustain us. Adversity and conflict act as fertilizers that help us grow stronger in our faith. True spiritual growth requires dying to our old selves and embracing a disciplined, Christ-centered life. [56:06]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[01:18] - Spiritual Fitness and Readiness
[02:52] - Vision for the Ministry
[04:07] - The Story of Noah's Ark
[06:38] - Maintaining a Clean Spiritual House
[09:47] - Understanding Scripture in High Definition
[12:00] - The Return of Demons
[14:10] - Cleaning Out the Clutter
[17:12] - The Battlefield of the Mind
[20:52] - Repelling Demons with a Clean Life
[23:04] - Discipline as a Cure for Sin
[28:48] - Extreme Discipline in Overcoming Sin
[33:04] - Applying Discipline to Resist Satan
[49:26] - Deliverance and Discipline
[56:06] - Deepening Spiritual Roots
[01:00:22] - The Beauty in Affliction and Suffering

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 5:28-29 (AMP)
> "But I say to you that everyone who so much as looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye makes you stumble and leads you to sin, tear it out and throw it away [that is, remove yourself from the source of temptation]; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell."

2. Genesis 6:9 (NIV)
> "This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God."

3. Ephesians 6:11-12 (NIV)
> "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus suggest as a solution for dealing with lust in Matthew 5:28-29?
2. How is Noah described in Genesis 6:9, and what was his role in preparing for the flood?
3. According to Ephesians 6:11-12, what are Christians instructed to do to stand against the devil’s schemes?

#### Interpretation Questions
1. In Matthew 5:28-29, why does Jesus use such extreme language to describe dealing with sin? How does this relate to the concept of discipline discussed in the sermon? [28:48]
2. How does Noah’s preparation of the ark in Genesis 6:9 serve as a metaphor for maintaining a clean and orderly spiritual life? [06:38]
3. What does it mean to put on the "full armor of God" as described in Ephesians 6:11-12, and how does this relate to being spiritually fit and ready for battle? [01:18]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own spiritual fitness. Are there areas in your life where you feel unprepared for spiritual battles? What steps can you take to become more spiritually fit? [01:18]
2. Think about your "spiritual house." Is there any clutter or disorder that needs to be addressed? What practical steps can you take this week to clean and organize your spiritual life? [12:29]
3. Jesus speaks about extreme discipline in dealing with sin. What is one persistent sin in your life that you need to address with this level of discipline? How can you start this process today? [28:48]
4. The sermon mentioned that deliverance from demons is only part of the journey and that maintaining discipline is essential. How can you ensure that you maintain discipline in your daily life to keep your flesh in check? [49:26]
5. Adversity and conflict were described as fertilizers for spiritual growth. Can you identify a recent challenge in your life that has helped you grow spiritually? How can you embrace future challenges with this perspective? [56:06]
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of deepening spiritual roots as responsibilities increase. What are some ways you can deepen your spiritual roots to sustain you through increased responsibilities? [56:06]
7. Reflect on the metaphor of cleaning out a cluttered closet. Is there a specific area of your life where you have been putting off necessary changes? What is one action you can take this week to start addressing this area? [12:52]

Devotional

Day 1: Spiritual Fitness and Readiness
As Christians, we are called to be soldiers in a spiritual war, and our readiness is crucial. Spiritual fitness involves aligning our vision with the biblical foundation and correcting fallacies as we prepare for the end times. This readiness is not just about knowing scripture but also about living it out daily. We must be vigilant and prepared for the battles ahead, understanding that our spiritual journey requires discipline and commitment. Our vision for ministry should reflect this urgency, emphasizing the importance of being spiritually fit and ready to face any challenges that come our way. [02:52]

Ephesians 6:10-11 (ESV): "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil."

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to improve your spiritual fitness and readiness for the battles you face as a Christian?

Day 2: Maintaining a Clean Spiritual House
Just as Noah's ark was designed to rise above the waters and sustain life, our spiritual lives must rise above worldly chaos. Keeping our spiritual house clean and orderly repels demons and ensures that we remain in a state of spiritual purity. This involves regularly examining our hearts and minds, removing any clutter that may hinder our relationship with God. A clean spiritual house is a place where faith can thrive, free from the distractions and temptations of the world. By maintaining this cleanliness, we create an environment where God's presence can dwell and where we can grow spiritually. [06:38]

Matthew 12:43-45 (ESV): "When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation."

Reflection: What areas of your spiritual life need cleaning and decluttering today? How can you create a more orderly and pure environment for your faith to grow?

Day 3: The Importance of Discipline
Jesus' teachings on dealing with lust illustrate the need for extreme discipline in our spiritual lives. This level of discipline, likened to the pain of castration, is necessary to overcome persistent sins and maintain spiritual purity. Discipline is not just about avoiding sin but actively pursuing righteousness. It requires a conscious effort to resist temptation and to make choices that honor God. By embracing discipline, we can break free from the chains of sin and live a life that reflects our commitment to Christ. This journey of discipline is challenging, but it is essential for spiritual growth and purity. [28:48]

1 Corinthians 9:25-27 (ESV): "Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified."

Reflection: What persistent sin in your life requires extreme discipline to overcome? What practical steps can you take today to exercise this discipline?

Day 4: Deliverance and Discipline
Deliverance from demons is only part of the journey. Maintaining discipline is essential to keep our flesh in check and stay free from sin. Discipline puts the flesh on the cross, a task that God cannot do for us; it is our responsibility. This means that after experiencing deliverance, we must continue to live a disciplined life to prevent falling back into old patterns. Discipline involves daily choices and actions that align with God's will, ensuring that we remain free from the bondage of sin. It is a continuous process that requires vigilance and commitment to our spiritual well-being. [49:26]

Galatians 5:24-25 (ESV): "And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit."

Reflection: How can you maintain discipline in your life to keep your flesh in check? What daily habits can you establish to stay free from sin?

Day 5: Deepening Spiritual Roots
As our responsibilities increase, our spiritual roots must grow deeper to sustain us. Adversity and conflict act as fertilizers that help us grow stronger in our faith. True spiritual growth requires dying to our old selves and embracing a disciplined, Christ-centered life. This means that we must be willing to let go of our past and allow God to transform us from the inside out. Deepening our spiritual roots involves spending time in prayer, studying the Word, and seeking God's guidance in all areas of our lives. By doing so, we can withstand the challenges that come our way and continue to grow in our faith. [56:06]

Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."

Reflection: What steps can you take to deepen your spiritual roots today? How can you allow adversity and conflict to strengthen your faith rather than weaken it?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Something that repels demons more than anything is a person who cleans up their life. You know what we call that clean up? You know what we call that clean up? I gave y'all a hint on Sunday. Discipline. Discipline. Oh my God. We call that discipline when you clean up your life. I have to be disciplined now to keep the junk out of my closet." [23:04] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "If you fight against depression, anxiety, cutting, lust, homosexuality, masturbation, porn, lying, fear, it's not just, 'Lord Jesus, I come for prayer and deliverance,' but the Lord expects you to apply discipline to your life." [31:47] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "If you want to be free and stay free, if you want to be free and stay in your life, you are free. You want to be free and your life, if to be free, free. You free. That's why He died. And I want to stay free. But in order for me to stay free, I have to be willing to endure pain that is equivalent to the removing or cutting a part of your body off." [40:06] (105 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "God made you more than a conqueror and victory over what? My thoughts. My God. As a man thinketh. See, we see it, but we don't know how to apply it. God also wants you to see why. Says you have flesh and deliverance, right. God wants also wants you to see you have flesh and deliverance, right. Deliverance doesn't get rid of the flesh. Jesus. Deliverance gets rid of the demon, the thought enforcer." [47:07] (91 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "But your discipline puts the flesh on the cross. And that's the something, that's the thing that God will or cannot do. It's something God cannot do. He can't even do it. You. He up on that cross by himself. God had turned his back on his son. Didn't say he left him." [51:50] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "My vision for this ministry is not different. Then the Bible is no different than what God has already laid down as the foundation. Jesus said, come and learn of me. I am an end time pastor, which means when I see fallacy, Bible tells me that I'm supposed to correct. I'm supposed to say something is moving fast and fast. Bible tells me that I'm supposed to correct. I was going to be a time where men cannot work. Night is coming. Darkness. We are slowly as a body of Christ. We are slowly. I don't want to say slow. Let me stop that rapidly becoming apostate. What's slow is that we don't recognize how fast we're moving." [04:07] (76 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The ark was never designed to move. It wasn't a ship that it needed to move and go nowhere. Its job. Its job was just to rise up above the water. Y'all are right. It wasn't supposed to move and go all these other places. It was supposed to rise up. That was its purpose. It was to sustain the life." [06:38] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "When the demon comes back in the house, is swept and placed in order. He don't like that. Demons don't like clean things. Demons don't like clean places. Y'all are right. They don't like clean places. When that one demon, that one demon that was, had you, that one thing that had you. This is why when he leaves, he can't enter in. Not just himself now. It's too clean." [10:36] (62 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The cure wasn't to come to his disciples and they cast out the demon. That wasn't the cure. Jesus said, if you have this sin. He told the disciples and the crowd. I want you to apply. Watch this. One thing. Death. He didn't call. Come and get this lust. He didn't call to say that. That what he said. He told the disciples and the crowd. I want you to apply death in the scripture. He's not saying. Put your or cut your arm off. Okay. He's saying stop. Because motives. Are important." [26:30] (76 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Anytime your life enlarges, your responsibilities get bigger. Your relationships. I know I was expanding the room. That mean anybody who is attached to me, they will have to grow too. We had to deeper from where God has. See. So once you understand it, you see the beauty in the affliction. You see the beauty. Watch this. In the suffering. Y'all too fleshly. Y'all too fleshly. You're too fleshly. Too emotional." [01:00:40] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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