Getting Out of Your Own Way: Overcoming Spiritual Self-Sabotage

Scripture Invitation

As we prepare our hearts for God's Word, I summon your senses and invite your intellect to the book of Ephesians, chapter 4, verses 1-3.

It is there that the Holy Spirit has highlighted our context for our brief sermonic time together this morning.

Bible Passage

Ephesians 4:1–3 CSB

Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Introduction

My brothers and sisters, today we gather to explore a topic rarely mentioned but prevalent in the lives of many believers - spiritual self-sabotage.

We often find ourselves hindering our own spiritual journey, restricting the flow of God's power and blessings in our lives.

Together, we will uncover the root causes of this self-sabotage and discover how to break free from its grip.

Context

The book of Ephesians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Ephesus, offering guidance on Christian living.

In this particular passage, Paul addresses unity and the importance of each believer using their spiritual gifts to build up the body of Christ.

Paul emphasizes the need for discernment, growth, and maturity in the church.

Illustration

“Imagine a grand symphony orchestra preparing for a concert.

Each musician in the orchestra possesses unique talents and skills, capable of creating beautiful melodies.

However, imagine if one musician, afraid of activating their gift and overshadowing others, decides to play soft and muffled.

The music loses its passion, its vibrancy, and fails to reach its full potential.”

Similarly, when we self-sabotage spiritually, we dampen the powerful harmonies of God's work in and through us.

This morning, we are challenged to eradicate the fear that holds us back and step into the fullness of our spiritual giftings.

In order to address our own spiritual self-sabotage, we must confront various areas where we resist growth and limit our own potential.

1. The fear of activating our spiritual gifts

Many fear the responsibility that comes with unveiling our spiritual gifts.

We must remember that these gifts are given by God, and He equips us to fulfill our purpose.

Romans 12:6–8 CSB

According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts: If prophecy, use it according to the proportion of one’s faith; if service, use it in service; if teaching, in teaching; if exhorting, in exhortation; giving, with generosity; leading, with diligence; showing mercy, with cheerfulness.

2. Remaining loyal to places and people we have outgrown

In 2024 we cannot afford to hold on to familiar and unfruitful relationships or environments prohibits our growth.

God calls us to step out of our comfort zones and be open to new experiences.

Isaiah 43:19 CSB

Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.

3. Avoiding deliverance in areas of strongholds

Fear, addiction, and unhealthy mindsets can hold us captive if we refuse deliverance.

This morning, We must recognize areas where we need breakthrough and seek God for freedom.

2 Corinthians 10:4–5 CSB

since the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds. We demolish arguments and every proud thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ.

4. We must partner with those who inspire spiritual growth

We must surround ourselves with people who challenge us helps us grow spiritually.

The word of God tells us in proverbs chapter 27 and 17 that:

Proverbs 27:17 CSB

Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another.

We need individuals who push us to reach our potential.

5. We have to learn to Relinquish control to fully embrace our potential

We often hinder our own progress by holding tightly to control and refusing to surrender to God.

Letting go and releasing control allows us to experience the abundant life Christ has promised.

Luke 9:23 CSB

Then he said to them all, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.

6. We need to Overcome self-doubt and seize opportunities

We often talk ourselves out of the doors God has opened for us due to self-doubt and fear of failure.

Today, We must learn to trust in God's provision and step boldly into the opportunities He presents.

Philippians 4:13 CSB

I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.

Closing

So I declare today, my brothers and sisters, it is time for us to get out of our own way!

Rid yourself of the chains of fear,

Rid yourself of the chains of doubt,

Rid yourself of the chains of self-sabotage.

BREAK FREE from the limitations that hold you back!

No longer will you be bound by the whispers of fear that keep you stagnant!

No longer will you be paralyzed by the doubts that plague your mind!

No longer will you hinder your own progress with self-sabotage!

For the Lord has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, of love, and of a sound mind!

Step boldly into the calling and activation of your spiritual gifts!

Let go of the loyalty that hinders your growth and embrace new horizons of God's blessings!

Choose deliverance in every area where strongholds bind you!

Surround yourself with those who challenge you to rise higher!

Release control into the hands of the Almighty, and watch as He works wonders through you!

Let go of the habit of talking yourself out of the open doors that God has placed before you!

Today, this moment, NOW is the time to get out of your own way!

Break free from the chains, soar on the wings of your God-given potential!

Rise up, my brothers and sisters, and embrace the transformative power of God in your life!

Embrace the activation of your spiritual gifts, release loyalty to places, people, and habits that constrain your growth, turn to God for deliverance, and partner with those who inspire your spiritual potential.

Surrender control to the Lord, step into the doors He has opened for you, and seize the opportunities that align with your purpose.

This is your time for breakthrough!