1. The Dangers of Spiritual Stagnation, and How to Avoid It
Christians Should Fear Backsliding, and Stagnating in Their Walk With God
Philippians 2:12,13

2. Introduction Philippians 2:12,13
God puts some things inside the believer – it is all part of being born again
He puts His Holy Spirit in us – actually seals Him in
He puts eternal life itself in us – passed from death unto life
He puts a purpose – a calling – into our lives
He expects us to work those things out through our fingers and toes
But it doesn’t all happen naturally – takes effort
This is going to be a warning about backsliding, and becoming carnal, not growing, drying up, growing lukewarm, and then cold!
It will be a challenge to grow and glow hot and bright in this dark day and hour

3. Barren Lives Barren earth at creation (Genesis 1:1-3)
Parable of the fig tree – no fruit (Luke 13:1-6)
Barren wombs – no children
Sarah (Gen 11:30) - Isaac
Hannah (1Sam 1) - Samuel
Elisabeth (Luke 1:7) – John the Baptist
Barren Christians – most have no real fruit
We were created by God to bear fruit

4. Unfruitful Lives Parable of the Thorny Soil (Matthew 13:18,22):
Becomes unfruitful because of stress, worries, wrong priorities, and the cares of this world
Boils down to the softness of the heart
Fruitfulness is only accomplished by:
Walking with God (Psalm 1:1-3)
Abiding in Christ. Jesus saved us to enable us to be fruitful (John 15:1,2,5) – without Him we can produce nothing of value

5. False Fruit Gain the whole world’s wealth (Matthew 16:26)
Have all of men’s admiration
Full of Religious Zeal (Philippians 3:4-9)
Hypocrite – actor – tares – put on a show

6. Christian Growth
Starting with Faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:10,11)
Adding seven Christ-like attitudes and actions – get them INTO you
Let them work – turn them loose (2Peter 1:8) – they are the changing power
Enjoy the fruit that results

7. Warning! If you don’t grow… If you backslide…
If you cool off, and stay cooled-off…
You will lose big-time (2Peter 1:9-11):
Lose your sight – no spiritual awareness
Lose your memory – forgetting spiritual victories
Lose your progress – constantly fall back
Lose your heavenly rewards

8. God’s Promises God has given us Four Things With such help
“Divine power” (1:3)
“Great and precious promises” (1:4)
Seven spiritual ingredients to add to our lives
A perfect “calling and election” (1:10)
With such help
You can’t but bear fruit (1:8) – it will come!
You are promised to never fall (1:10)
You will be rewarded in heaven (1:11)

9. A Christian’s Fruit Pleasure to God – by faith, walk the walk
Changed life – new creature (2Cor 5:17)
Godly life – more like Jesus
A Christian family – saved and with one heart because of your changed life!
Another “life” – soul-winning – spiritual children
Our World turned “upside down”