TLDR;
This sermon emphasises that rising in the kingdom of God requires strength and the ability to fight against various obstacles. It identifies temptation, resistance from gatekeepers, adversaries blocking opportunities, and lack of blessings as key battles believers must confront. Overcoming these challenges involves building spiritual strength through prayer and knowledge, calling on God's sovereignty, raising intercession, and seeking revelation and obedience to unlock blessings. The ultimate force that lifts men is the anointing.
- Only fighters rise in the kingdom of God.
- Believers must build strength through prayer and knowledge.
- Overcoming temptation is essential for spiritual growth.
- Gates represent authorities that resist progress.
- Adversaries block opportunities, requiring intercession to overcome.
- Blessings are unlocked through revelation and obedience.
- The anointing is a lifter that breaks opposition.
- Internal enemies like fear, doubt, laziness, and distraction must be confronted to fulfil destiny.
Introduction: The Necessity of Fighting to Rise [0:00]
In the kingdom of God, only those who fight are able to rise. Complaining is futile; instead, believers should learn from others' experiences and persevere. Rising inevitably brings battles, as Satan reserves his resources for those making progress. Strength is essential to overcome resistance, and believers must be prepared for warfare to ascend.
Temptation: The First Battle [2:36]
Temptation is identified as the first enemy to overcome in the journey of rising. Unrestrained appetites and lusts can hinder progress, making self-restraint crucial. Just as Jesus was tempted after his baptism, believers' convictions and character will be tested. Overcoming temptation leads to empowerment and increased authority. Constant falling without rising again is a hindrance, and believers should focus on building strength to resist temptation.
Gates: Fighting Authorities [5:38]
Gates represent authorities that resist one's rise. Every realm has gatekeepers who may question your presence and resist your advancement. The speaker shares his personal experience of facing resistance during his ordination process, where some individuals opposed his recognition as an apostle. Overcoming these gates requires calling on the sovereignty of God, who is a higher authority capable of uprooting opposing forces.
Adversaries: Overcoming Blocked Doors [11:43]
Adversaries are those who block opportunities and access, even after one has gained a position. They may divert resources and create obstacles to hinder progress. To combat adversaries, believers must raise intercession and mobilise others to pray for them. The speaker recounts a time when adversaries spread false information to shut doors, but he overcame this by enlisting prayer and support from ranking individuals, rendering the negative voices useless.
Windows: Unlocking Blessings [19:25]
Windows represent blessings that are unlocked through revelation and obedience. The speaker shares personal experiences of preaching without receiving adequate compensation or recognition, highlighting the importance of open windows of blessing. Revelation and obedience are essential to access these blessings, as emphasized in Ephesians and James.
The Anointing: The Ultimate Lifter [24:37]
The anointing is the ultimate force that lifts men and breaks opposition. The speaker encourages listeners to pray for the anointing, which can exalt and break yokes. He shares a story of encountering someone who once spoke negatively about him, only to be surprised by his success later on. The anointing empowers believers to rise above opposition and fulfil their destiny.
Internal Battles: Confronting Silent Enemies [29:16]
The sermon concludes by identifying four silent enemies that hold men down: fear, doubt, laziness, and distraction. Fear and doubt undermine confidence and faith, while laziness hinders action and discipline. Distraction pulls focus away from purpose. Overcoming these internal battles is crucial for rising to greatness and fulfilling one's destiny.