Four Keys to Spiritual Success

A. Solomon received a great formula for blessings from God.

1. We are going to hear today four steps that lead to abundant living.

2. These are four basic rules that lead to daily victory.

B. So, what are these keys to spiritual success?

1. Humility: the quality that makes us like Jesus.

2. Holiness: the characteristic that identifies us as Christians.

3. Health: the physical benefits that flow from being right with God.

4. Honor: the gifts we give to God because we love Him.

C Let’s take a look at these keys...

Proverbs 3:7–10 NKJV

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. 8 It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones. 9 Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; 10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.

Humility: Makes Us Christlike

Proverbs 3:7 NKJV

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil.

1. Solomon’s first key is to not think yourself better than anyone else.

a. Pride is the first step toward a fall. ()

Proverbs 16:18 NKJV

18 Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.

b. Pride identifies us with the Pharisees. And, after all, who wants to be lumped in with the Pharisees?

2. Consider the humility of Jesus. ()

Philippians 2:5–7 NKJV

5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.

a. He had a humble birth in a stable.

b. He made Himself of no reputation.

c. He took upon Himself the form of a servant.

d. He became obedient to the death of the cross.

Holiness Identifies Us as Christians

prov 3.7

Proverbs 3:7 NKJV

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil.

1. Fear the Lord and turn away from evil.

2. To fear the Lord is to have a reverential trust in Him.

a. This is where repentance and faith begin.

b. Recognizing our sins, we turn to Him in faith for salvation.

3. We recognize the holy life of Jesus as our example.

a. Trusting Christ as Savior, we receive the power to live victoriously.

b. Temptation is then limited to what we can overcome through Christ. ()

i cor 10.13

1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV

13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

c. Others see our new life and recognize Christ in us.

Health Improves Because of Holy Living

Proverbs 3:8 NKJV

8 It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.

1. We are able to forgive because we have been forgiven. Unforgiveness is unhealthy for us. Really...

2. We can stop worrying because we have learned to trust God.

3. We find real joy because we walk in God’s will.

4. New life in Christ improves health in both body and soul.

Honoring God in Giving Increases His Blessings

Proverbs 3:9 NKJV

9 Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase;

Proverbs 3:9–10 NKJV

9 Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; 10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.

1. Giving teaches us the joy of living by faith.

a. Fear says: “I’m afraid to give.”

b. Faith says: “I’m so blessed I can’t withhold.”

Conclusion:

Have you been using the Four Keys to Spiritual Success?

Will you start using them today?