Breaking The Chains Of Spiritual Stagnation

BREAKING THE CHAINS OF SPIRITUAL STAGNATION

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Hebrews 12:1-2

Supporting Texts: Philippians 3:13-14, Isaiah 40:31, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Revelation 3:15-16, Proverbs 4:18

INTRODUCTION

Spiritual stagnation occurs when a believer’s walk with God becomes inactive, unfruitful, or lacking growth. Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us to lay aside every weight and sin that hinders us and run the race with endurance, keeping our eyes on Jesus. A stagnant Christian life is dangerous because it leads to complacency, weakness, and eventually spiritual decline.

Many factors can cause stagnation, such as sin, distractions, discouragement, or a lack of spiritual discipline. Just as a river must keep flowing to remain fresh, our spiritual lives must continually move forward in faith, prayer, and obedience to God’s word.

This sermon will examine the causes of spiritual stagnation, how to break free from it, and how to sustain spiritual growth.

1. IDENTIFYING THE CAUSES OF SPIRITUAL STAGNATION

a) Sin and disobedience (Isaiah 59:2)

Sin separates us from God and hinders our spiritual growth.

b) Lack of prayer and Bible study (Matthew 4:4)

A weak devotional life leads to spiritual dryness.

c) Fear and discouragement (Joshua 1:9)

Fear stops us from stepping into God’s plan and growing in faith.

d) Worldly distractions (1 John 2:15-17)

Love for material things can shift our focus away from God.

e) Biblical Example: The Lukewarm Church of Laodicea (Revelation 3:15-16)

They became stagnant because of complacency and self-satisfaction.

2. BREAKING FREE FROM SPIRITUAL STAGNATION

a) Repent and return to God (Acts 3:19)

Genuine repentance brings spiritual renewal and revival.

b) Renew your passion for God’s Word (Psalm 119:105)

God’s Word is the fuel for spiritual growth.

c) Develop a consistent prayer life (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Prayer keeps us spiritually alive and connected to God.

d) Step out in faith and obedience (James 1:22)

Faith requires action; we must act on God’s Word to grow.

e) Biblical Example: The Prodigal Son’s Decision to Rise (Luke 15:18-20)

He broke free from stagnation when he decided to return to the Father.

3. SUSTAINING SPIRITUAL GROWTH

a) Keep your eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2)

Jesus is our example and source of strength.

b) Fellowship with other believers (Hebrews 10:25)

Community strengthens faith and prevents stagnation.

c) Stay filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18)

The Holy Spirit empowers us for continual growth.

d) Serve in God’s kingdom (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Active service in the church keeps our faith alive.

e) Biblical Example: Paul’s Pressing Forward (Philippians 3:13-14)

Paul refused to be stagnant but pressed on toward his divine calling.

CONCLUSION

Spiritual stagnation is a dangerous state that must be broken. God has called us to move forward in faith, prayer, and service. We must identify and remove the obstacles hindering our spiritual growth and commit ourselves to a deeper relationship with Christ.

As we lay aside every weight and sin and fix our eyes on Jesus, we will experience fresh fire, renewed strength, and unstoppable progress in our walk with God.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord, deliver me from every spiritual stagnation.

2. Father, ignite a fresh hunger for Your presence in my life.

3. Holy Spirit, empower me to grow in faith and righteousness.

4. Lord, remove every distraction hindering my spiritual progress.

5. Father, help me to run my race with endurance and finish strong.