Growing or Dying No Middle Ground
Fred Tomlinson teaches that spiritual life demands continual growth through yielding to God's power, with no middle ground between growing and dying.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth and the continual work of God in our lives through the new birth, leading to a trajectory of Christ-likeness. It highlights the need to yield to God's power, climb higher in spiritual growth, and prioritize personal time in God's presence to hear His voice and experience His love. The speaker encourages a deep, personal relationship with God, focusing on eternal things and the transformative power of God's presence.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The law of spiritual growth: no growth means dying
- The miracle of new birth as God's power and grace
- Spiritual growth is a continual upward trajectory
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II
- Paul's teaching on inward renewal day by day (2 Corinthians 4)
- The importance of looking at unseen eternal things
- Yielding to God's power to release spiritual growth
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III
- God's invitation to intimacy and fellowship (Exodus 24:12)
- The imagery of the bridegroom calling his bride (Song of Solomon)
- God's love and longing for personal relationship
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IV
- The necessity of withdrawing into God's presence
- Be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10)
- The value of silence and solitude for spiritual growth
Key Quotes
“Where there is no growing there's dying and there's no middle ground.” — Fred Tomlinson
“Though our outward man perish yet the inward man is renewed day by day.” — Fred Tomlinson
“God is looking to do a good work in each and every one of our lives. And he's ready to do it.” — Fred Tomlinson
“Be still and know that I am God.” — Fred Tomlinson
Application Points
- Commit daily to yielding your life fully to God's power for continual spiritual growth.
- Focus your thoughts on eternal, unseen realities rather than temporary, visible circumstances.
- Make regular time to withdraw into God's presence through silence and solitude to deepen your relationship with Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Fred Tomlinson mean by 'no middle ground' in spiritual growth?
He means that in the spiritual life, one is either growing or dying; there is no neutral state.
How is new birth described in the sermon?
New birth is described as a miraculous work of God's grace and power that infuses the believer with the Holy Spirit and begins spiritual growth.
What role does yielding play in spiritual growth?
Yielding is the believer's response to God's power, allowing Him to release His energy for continual growth.
Why is focusing on unseen eternal things important?
Because spiritual growth depends on looking beyond temporary, visible things to eternal realities that God is working in us.
How can one practically experience God's presence according to the sermon?
By withdrawing from distractions, being still, listening, and embracing silence and solitude to deepen fellowship with God.