Make Spiritual Fitness A Priority (Sermon Blog)
Series Recap:
In our Restoration series, we’ve been exploring how God restores our lives—through grace, through truth, and now through spiritual fitness. In Part 3, Pastor Steve challenged us to take our faith seriously by practicing the spiritual disciplines that help us grow stronger, healthier, and more mature in Christ. Just as physical fitness requires intentional effort, spiritual growth also requires commitment, consistency, and discipline.
Why Spiritual Fitness Matters
Pastor Steve shared a sobering insight from recent research:
many people identify as Christians, but fewer are actively practicing their faith.
Spiritual fitness matters because:
God has a purpose and mission for our lives
Growth does not happen accidentally
A passive faith leads to spiritual weakness
If we are serious about following Jesus, spiritual growth must become a priority—not an afterthought.
Spiritual Growth Is Like Physical Training
To help us understand spiritual disciplines, Pastor Steve compared them to physical fitness.
Just like physical training:
Growth requires effort
Progress comes over time
There is often discomfort before strength
Results come through consistency
You don’t get physically fit by accident—and you don’t grow spiritually without intention.
“Fan Into Flame” What God Has Given You
Pastor Steve pointed us to 2 Timothy 1:6–7, where Paul encourages Timothy to fan into flame the gift God has given him.
God has already given us:
Spiritual gifts
Power
Love
Self-discipline
But those gifts must be developed. Spiritual strength grows when we cooperate with the Holy Spirit instead of neglecting what God has placed inside us.
The Holy Spirit: Our Personal Trainer
One helpful image Pastor Steve shared was this:
the Holy Spirit is like a personal trainer.
He guides us
He challenges us
He strengthens us
He helps us grow
But just like a trainer at the gym, we have to show up. Growth happens when we present ourselves daily and allow God to shape us through spiritual disciplines.
Practicing the Spiritual Disciplines
Pastor Steve explained that there are many spiritual disciplines, but encouraged us to start small—by intentionally practicing one or two.
Some key disciplines include:
Prayer – showing up daily to talk with God
Meditation & Solitude – quieting our hearts to hear Him
Reading & Studying Scripture – letting God’s Word shape our thinking
Fasting – seeking God with focused dependence
Worship – redirecting our hearts toward God
Service – loving others through action
Simplicity & Frugality – resisting materialism and creating margin
Evangelism – sharing faith beyond our comfort zone
The goal is not perfection, but consistency.
Embracing the Learning Curve
Spiritual growth, like physical fitness, includes a learning curve.
Results are not instant
Growth takes patience
Faith develops over time
Pastor Steve reminded us that quitting too soon is one of the biggest barriers to growth. Spiritual disciplines are a lifelong pursuit, not a short-term challenge.
Knowing God More Deeply
Drawing from Ephesians 1:17–19, Pastor Steve highlighted three things spiritual disciplines help us grow in:
1. Knowing God Better
Not just knowing about God, but knowing Him personally and relationally.
2. Living With Hope
God’s presence brings hope—even when circumstances feel hopeless.
3. Experiencing God’s Power
The same power that raised Christ from the dead is available to strengthen believers today.
Spiritual disciplines help create space for “God moments” where faith becomes deeply personal.
Becoming a Spiritual Heavyweight
Pastor Steve encouraged the church to become spiritual heavyweights—people who are strong, grounded, and mature in faith.
Spiritual growth doesn’t just benefit us individually:
It strengthens families
It blesses the church
It impacts the community
When believers grow spiritually, the entire body of Christ grows stronger.
Run With Purpose
Pastor Steve closed with 1 Corinthians 9:24–27, reminding us that athletes train with purpose—and so should we.
We train not for a temporary prize
We discipline ourselves for an eternal one
We run with intention, not casually
Faith lived with purpose leads to lasting impact.
A Question to Reflect On
As we continue this Restoration journey, consider this question:
What spiritual discipline might God be inviting you to practice this year?
Small, faithful steps can lead to powerful spiritual growth.
Pastor Steve will conclude the Restoration series next week.
Join us as we wrap up this journey of grace, truth, and spiritual growth together.