Keeping Fit for the Higher Kingdom By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” (Romans 8:5-6, ESV)
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Introduction
In a world consumed by fleshly desires and worldly distractions, God calls His people to keep fit for His higher kingdom, where righteousness, truth, and eternal life abound. The divine exhortation is clear: believers must resist the temptations of indulgence and pursue a life of spiritual discipline, guided by the Holy Spirit. This lesson explores the urgent call to reject fleshly lusts, avoid the pitfalls of self-reliance, and embrace a Christ-like walk that reflects the values of God’s kingdom.
The contemporary era is marked by a proliferation of diversions that pull people away from God, leading them into the bondage of carnality and self-idolatry. Many, even those who profess faith, have succumbed to overindulgence, resulting in spiritual sloppiness and distance from God’s truth. This lesson delves into the importance of spiritual fitness, the dangers of fleshly indulgence, the futility of worldly education, and the transformative power of following the Holy Spirit. Through scriptural insights and practical guidance, believers are encouraged to prioritize God’s kingdom, to live uprightly, and to be a reflection of Christ in a world bound for destruction.
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The Call to Spiritual Fitness
God’s desire for His people is to keep fit for His higher kingdom, a realm defined by righteousness and communion with Him. Spiritual fitness is not about physical strength but about disciplining the flesh to prioritize spiritual growth and obedience to God. Believers are called to resist the lure of fleshly lusts, which lead to sin and separation from God, and instead seek to please Him in all things.
This call requires moderation and intentionality. Overindulgence in fleshly desires leads to spiritual sloppiness, weakening one’s walk with God. By contrast, a disciplined life, guided by the Holy Spirit, enables believers to focus on the eternal rather than the temporal, ensuring their hearts remain aligned with God’s purposes.
“So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.” (2 Corinthians 5:9, ESV)
To keep fit for God’s kingdom, believers must daily choose to prioritize spiritual growth over fleshly indulgence, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide them in the way of righteousness.
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The Dangers of Fleshly Indulgence
Fleshly indulgence is a pathway to spiritual ruin. Many, including those who claim to follow God, have abandoned themselves to their desires, justifying their actions until they are consumed by them. Such indulgence leads to a hardened heart, a lack of compassion, and a life distant from God’s truth. The Lord warns His people against following this path, as it mirrors the ways of the world and leads to death and damnation.
The example of Adam and Eve serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of indulgence. Their disobedience in partaking of the forbidden fruit brought humanity into the bondage of carnality, a condition that persists today. Believers are called to break this cycle by rejecting fleshly lusts and choosing the higher way of obedience to God.
“For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.” (1 John 2:16, ESV)
To avoid the dangers of indulgence, believers must practice self-control, seek God’s strength, and rely on the Holy Spirit to overcome temptation and live uprightly.
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The Futility of Worldly Education and Self-Reliance
The world promotes secular education and self-reliance as the keys to advancement, but these are often empty pursuits that lead people away from God’s truth. Secular knowledge, divorced from divine wisdom, fosters rebellion and hardens hearts against God. Those who rely on themselves or worldly systems grow increasingly distant from the truth, believing lies that lead to spiritual desolation.
Self-reliance is a form of self-idolatry, where individuals trust in their own abilities rather than God’s guidance. This mindset isolates them from the community of believers and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. God’s people are called to recognize their need for Him, remaining teachable and open to His instruction.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5, ESV)
Believers must reject the world’s false promises and instead seek the wisdom that comes from God, which leads to life and peace.
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The Transformative Power of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the believer’s guide and instructor, leading them in the way of righteousness and transforming them into the image of Christ. To be truly Christian is to be Christ-like, following the Holy Spirit’s guidance and seeking to please God above all else. This transformative process requires a serious commitment to God and a willingness to surrender personal desires for His higher purposes.
Those who prioritize pleasing God over indulging themselves gain clarity in their spiritual walk. The Holy Spirit empowers them to perceive God’s will, to walk in His truth, and to reflect the character of Jesus. This transformation sets believers apart from the world, enabling them to live as lights in a dark and corrupt generation.
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)
By yielding to the Holy Spirit, believers are equipped to live for God’s glory, to overcome the flesh, and to walk in the footsteps of Jesus.
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The Consequences of Choosing the World
The world is under the sway of the evil one, and its end is death and damnation. Those who choose to live for the flesh and indulge in worldly vanities are on a destructive path. This life is a proving ground, where individuals must decide what they value most. Choosing the fleeting pleasures of the world leads to short-sightedness and eternal loss, while choosing God leads to the higher life of righteousness and peace.
Believers are called to reject the world’s corruption and to live for the constructive aspects of God’s kingdom. By doing so, they become an inspiration to others, pointing them to the higher way of Jesus Christ.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2, ESV)
The choice to follow God is a choice for life, both now and eternally. Believers must remain vigilant, trusting in God’s mercies to keep them on the plain path of righteousness.
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Summary
The call to keep fit for God’s higher kingdom is a call to reject fleshly indulgence, worldly wisdom, and self-reliance. Believers are urged to prioritize spiritual discipline, to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and to reflect the character of Christ. The dangers of indulgence and the futility of worldly pursuits are stark reminders of the need to choose God’s way. By living uprightly and trusting in the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, believers can walk in righteousness and inspire others to do the same.
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Conclusion
In a world consumed by fleshly desires and empty pursuits, God calls His people to a higher standard of living. Keeping fit for His kingdom requires discipline, obedience, and a heart fully surrendered to His will. By rejecting the ways of the world and following the Holy Spirit, believers can live as true disciples of Christ, reflecting His glory and advancing His kingdom. Let us choose the higher way, trusting in God’s mercies and walking in His truth.
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The Call to Action
Examine your life and heart today. Are you indulging in fleshly desires or pursuing spiritual fitness for God’s kingdom? Reject the distractions of the world and the temptation to rely on self. Commit to following the Holy Spirit, seeking to please God in all things. Choose to live as a reflection of Christ, inspiring others to walk in His truth. Make this day a turning point, where you resolve to keep fit for the higher kingdom.
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Final Word of Encouragement
Beloved, you are called to a life of purpose and righteousness in God’s kingdom. The Holy Spirit is your guide, empowering you to overcome the flesh and walk in the likeness of Christ. Be glad that you have been redeemed from the bondage of carnality and given the privilege to serve God. Stand firm in His truth, and let your life be a testimony of His transformative power.
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Salvation Prayer
Heavenly Father, I come before You, acknowledging my sin and my need for Your grace. I believe that Jesus Christ, Your Son, died for my sins and rose again to give me eternal life. I repent of my sins and ask for Your forgiveness. I invite Jesus into my heart as my Savior and Lord. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and guide me in Your truth. Thank You for Your love and the gift of salvation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
