LIFE IS SPIRITUAL-BUILD YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE | FIRST SUNDAY SERVICE | MAKE JESUS FAMOUS

2 Corinthians 4:16 Therefore, we do not become discouraged (utterly spiritless, exhausted, and wearied out through fear). Though our outer man is [progressively] decaying and wasting away, yet our inner self is being [progressively] renewed day after day. (AMPC) Life is spiritual. When man fell, the whole earth came into chaos because the evil one came to the earth, and the earth has never been the same. But the Father and Jesus have shown us how, even amidst evil and darkness, we can still live a life that brings honour and glory to God. In this Kingdom, everything is voice-activated. God primarily gave us a mouth so that we can dictate, align, and reprogram our lives. You must make the most of your mouth because life and death lie in the power of the tongue. The enemy cannot kill you; death rarely comes from the outside, but mostly from the things that come from within. That is why the greatest victory is won from within. For this reason, the Scriptures emphasise focusing on the inside rather than the outside. When you have won on the inside, it is only a matter of time before the outside reflects that victory. In life, the most important things are often unseen. A plant may be as tall as a tower, but the things that keep it standing, even amidst storms, are unseen—its roots. In the same way, when we are rooted in the Spirit, we can weather the storms of life without fear. Therefore, refuse to fear, because we did not receive the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. Matthew 7:24-27 From Jesus' parable, the sand represents the things of men—human ideas, philosophies, and formulas—while the Rock represents Jesus Christ and the things of the Spirit. Your business, family, and everything you build must be founded on the Spirit. If they are to stand the test of time, they must be rooted in the Rock, who is Jesus Christ. Do not be in a hurry; make sure your foundation is in Him. Whatever you do, pay attention to your root system—your spiritual life, the unseen. The beauty people admire, your success, victories, and all that which becomes of you are related to your spiritual life. Luke 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Jesus grew in every dimension of His life—spiritually, mentally, and physically (soulish). As He matured, He was strengthened to face life's trials because His life was built on God's tested system. That is why Ephesians 6:11 instructs us to put on the full armour of God. The only armour that was tested; it is what Jesus wore, and He conquered sin, the devil, and the world. As long as we wear the armour 24/7, and allow our inner man to be renewed day by day, we will have the strength to overcome whatever Satan brings against us. How Do You Build Your Spiritual Life? This calls for engagement in activities that bring about the progression of your inner man. You must be intentional about spiritual growth—this is not a gift, but you must work at it. Two powerful mysteries make for a life of dominion that you must build. 1. Strength of character 2. Strength of power (gifting). Acts 6:3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; If you are to be a man who will stand the test of time, prevail, and finish well, you must develop the strength of character. The reason things were going wrong in the early church was that some of the men serving lacked the character of Christ. Though they were gifted, they were unfaithful in the work of the house. That is why the apostles instructed the church to choose men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. Joseph remained on the scale of promotion not because of favor and the gifting of God upon his life, but because of his godly character. In contrast, it was Samson's character that brought him down. Your gifting may open doors, but character will determine how far you go and how well you finish. If there are faults in your life, pay attention and ask the Lord for help because the enemy will only attack and tempt you in areas of your weaknesses. Therefore, how do you reinforce your inner man? 1. Through Prayer: Prayer strengthens your inner man and causes God to infuse you with Himself (His character). Scripture tells us for they that those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; He begins to take that area of weakness and reinforces it with His strength. Isaiah 40:31 2. Through the Word: Another way to build spiritual capacity is to read, study, meditate, and do the Word. Be a man and woman of the Word. Psalms 1:1-3 The ability to prosper is rooted in you being in the Word and the Holy Spirit because it is the Lord who gives the power to prosper. Exodus 17:11 And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.