Sermon Tone Analysis

Purpose of This Message:

Define what it means to thrive

See why progress is an uphill battle

Know how to make spiritual and natural gains when you are in a battle

(Let us pray)

Your Presenter: OrLando Yarborough III

At age 6 I accepted Christ into my life

I was in a mature church and community of believers

I was shielded and protected from many things

As I grew older, lived outside of the house, etc I had to become more proactive in my own spiritual and natural progress

To Thrive Is God's Idea

Genesis 1:27–28 (NKJV)

So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

Wellbeing Is Multidimentional

3 John 1–2 (NKJV): The Elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth: 2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

Faith, relationships, vocation, finances, and physical & mental health.

Living Full Is An Uphill Battle

God wants for you a full life in Christ.

John 10:10 (NKJV): The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.

I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

There is a real enemy.

Internally, Our sin nature is contrary to the Spirit and will of God.

(Romans 7:13-25)

Galatians 5:16–17 (NKJV): Walking in the Spirit 16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.

Externally, there is a spiritual battle to be fought and won.

Luke 22:31–32 (NKJV): And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon!

Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat.

32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”

Natural Progress: Better Gains Than Losses

There is something to be gained.

Joshua 1:10–11 (NKJV): Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying, 11 “Pass through the camp and command the people, saying, ‘Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you will cross over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you to possess.’

”

Spiritual Progress: Better Gains Than Losses

There is something to be lost.

(your soul)

There is something you have that God wants for you to keep.

(revelation.

truth.

joy.

courage.)

John 16:33 (NKJV): These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.

In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

So What Do We Do To Make Spiritual Progress In Settings Hostile To Progress?

Ephesians 6:10–20 (NKJV): The Whole Armor of God10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.14

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Get Dressed

Dress For (Spiritual) Success

Ephesians 6:10–20 (NKJV): The Whole Armor of God

Truth--holds everything together and keeps us on track.

Galatians 5:7–9 (NKJV): You ran well.

Who hindered you from obeying the truth?

8 This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you.

9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump.

Righteousness--is what sets us apart, reflecting God's character and nature.

John 13:35 (NKJV): By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Gospel of Peace--ready to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 4:2 (NKJV): Preach the word!

Be ready in season and out of season.

Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

Faith--grounds us in God's reality.

Hebrews 11:1–2 (NKJV): Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.

Salvation--don't forget Who to call.

Acts 2:21 (NKJV): And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved.’

God's Word--offensive vs defense.

Hebrews 4:12–13 (NKJV): For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

Prayer and Vigilance

Matthew 26:41 (NKJV): Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.

The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Big Idea Summary:

Thriving as multidimensional and what God thinks about it.

Why progress is an uphill battle

How to make spiritual and natural gains when you are in a battle

Additional Information and Resources:

The Books of Joshua and Ephesian speak to natural and spiritual progress in Christ.

Conclusion / Final Thoughts:

To dress for spiritual success, put on the whole armor of God.

Holy Spirit-empowered growth environments reinforce the dress code.

Next Steps:

Suit up.

Link up.

But do it prayerfully, wisely, consistently.

(Once a week won't cut it.

Your spiritual battle is every day, through the day.)