Title: “Tips For Spiritual Success”
Scripture: Joshua 1:6-9
Introduction:
Christians are assured of good success when they fill their hearts and minds with God’s Word and obey it, but because many of them have neglected this, they are less than successful in their spiritual lives.
I. WAIT ON THE LORD
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
A. Many Christians expect their desires and fancies to be realized without delay
B. Lack of patience has destroyed the moral fiber of homes and nations
C. God’s time is always best
1. When we wait on the Lord prayerfully and patiently, our strength is renewed
2. As we learn to diligently rely on God, we become spiritually successful
II. WALK AS THE LORD
“And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” (Ephesians 5:2)
A. Some profess to be Christians but their lives are a contradiction
B. Christ loved us so much that he gave his live for us and we should strive to follow His example
1. In our words
2. In our thoughts
3. In our deeds
4. In our actions
C. Spiritual maturity and success comes through loving (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)
III. WORK WITH THE LORD
“We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.”
(1 Corinthians 6:1)
A. When it comes to doing service for God many Christians are neglectful
1. Their time is occupied for selfish pursuits
2. Their efforts are used for egotistic objectives
Illustration:
The only place that success comes before work is in the dictionary.
B. We must schedule time for doing God’s work and give Him first place in our lives
(2 Corinthians 5:15)
C. The Lord will help us as we help the needy, visit the sick, and witness to the unsaved
D. Working with God will bring spiritual success
IV. WATCH FOR THE LORD
“Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:” (Mark 13:35)
A. Our world is infiltrated with violence and greed, and millions are fearful of what the future may hold
B. Christians who are watching for the Lord’s return will not be overwhelmed by the present world
1. The promise of His coming gives them comfort
2. The assurance of His coming offers them hope
Conclusion:
We can have spiritual success now and eternally if we will begin to wait on the Lord, walk as the Lord, work with the Lord, and watch for the Lord.
