Sermons from Good News: seven habits of a strong Christian, part 1

Church 5/15/2024

Sermon message:

Thesis: Seven habits of a strong Christian.

These are habits you have to work at and cultivate.

A daily routine is needed. Choose what God has for us and not what the enemy has for us.

Galatians 6:8

For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.

We are a Spirit, we have a Soul, and we live in a Body. Doing the right thing is important.

Romans 12:1-2

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Proverbs 8:34-35

Blessed is the man who listens to me,

Watching daily at my gates,

Waiting at the posts of my doors.

For whoever finds me finds life,

And obtains favor from the Lord;

Blessed is the person who listens to God. There is a promise He has for those who do.

“God’s Phone Number”: Jeremiah 33:3

‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and [a]mighty things, which you do not know.’

Point #1: Strong Christians feed their spirit.

Matthew 4:4

But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ”

John 16:33

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.”

Point #2: Strong Christians build their faith.

Faith is the assurance of things not seen but hoped for.

David encouraged himself in the Lord.

Hebrews 11:33-34

who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

Consider Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego; consider Daniel while in the lion’s den.

Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.

Proverbs 4:23 (one translation)

Guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life.

Proverbs 4:23 (another translation)

Keep your heart with all diligence,

For out of it spring the issues of life.

Point #3: Strong Christians speak the word.

Proverbs 18:21

Death and life are in the power of the tongue,

And those who love it will eat its fruit.

Mark 11:23

For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.

Philippians 4:19

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Mark 11:12-14

Now the next day, when they had come out from Bethany, He was hungry. And seeing from afar a fig tree having leaves, He went to see if perhaps He would find something on it. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. In response Jesus said to it, “Let no one eat fruit from you ever again.”

It’s important to have the Word of God rooted deeply in your heart.

Romans 4:17

(as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did;

Point #4: Strong Christians control their thought life.

If you try to self-soothe with mind altering substances you’re avoiding any issues that God may want to deal with and restore your mind and heart from.

Joshua 1:8

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Our thought life can be healthy or toxic. Our thoughts and words affect everything else.

2 Corinthians 10:5

casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

God has given us authority over our thoughts.

Romans 12:1-2 again

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Point #5: Strong Christians anchor their hearts through praise.

Psalm 34:1

I will bless the Lord at all times;

His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Psalm 70:4

Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You;

And let those who love Your salvation say continually,

“Let God be magnified!”

Giving is an offering of praise.


Point #6: Strong Christians pray in the Spirit.

Jeremiah 33:3

‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’

The Holy Spirit is our advocate and helper, as Jesus promised.

Jude 1:20-21

But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Point #7: Strong Christians get rid of baggage.

Hebrews 12:1

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.