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Next Level
Pastor Eringa Edosa
Sermon Notes

Next Level

Overview

This sermon encourages us to pursue spiritual growth and move to our "next level" in the year of the Holy Spirit. Drawing inspiration from biblical figures and the story of the 12 spies, it presents a practical "LEADS" framework for personal development, effective engagement, and achieving God-given results, emphasizing the importance of self-leadership, community, and a transformed mindset.

Key Scriptures

  • John 14:6
  • Numbers 13:1-2, 17-20
  • Psalm 1
  • Proverbs 18:24
  • 1 Corinthians 15:33

Main Points

  1. The Call to the Next Level - God desires continuous growth.

    The year 2026 is declared "the year of the Paraclete, the year of the Holy Spirit," inspired by John 14:6, where Jesus promises "another Helper." Following a year of conquest, this year calls for believers to move to their next spiritual level. The sermon highlights biblical examples like Samuel, Saul, David, Solomon, Joseph, Gideon, and Mary, demonstrating how God elevated ordinary individuals to extraordinary callings, often through challenging circumstances.

  2. Leadership for Growth: The LEADS Framework - Practical steps for personal and spiritual advancement.

    Drawing from a professional leadership framework, the sermon applies five key principles to spiritual growth:

    1. L - Lead Self: Cultivate self-awareness, understand strengths and weaknesses, develop good character (avoiding "bad company" as per 1 Corinthians 15:33), and commit to personal growth.
    2. E - Engage Others: Be friendly (Proverbs 18:24), communicate effectively (remembering the 7% words, 38% tone, 55% body language rule), and listen.
    3. A - Achieve Results: Set clear, achievable goals, take consistent action, and assess outcomes to ensure progress.
    4. D - Develop Coalitions: Actively network and maintain relationships, recognizing the importance of community and support.
    5. S - Systems Transformation: Challenge and change your way of thinking, moving beyond self-centered perspectives and embracing a broader, God-honoring worldview.
  3. Moses' Assignments for Success - Lessons from the 12 spies for navigating your journey.

    Moses' instructions to the 12 leaders sent to spy out Canaan (Numbers 13:17-20) provide practical "assignments" for moving to the next level:

    1. Check Out the People: Evaluate your relationships – who are your core people, friends, and influences? Are they strong or weak?
    2. Check Out the Land: Assess your foundation and environment. Is it "good or bad"? Are there "weeds" like gossip, complaining, or jealousy, or is it characterized by thankfulness?
    3. Check Out the Cities: Examine your dwelling places – your home, work, marriage, and even your mindset. Are they "like camps or strongholds," open or protected?
    4. Check Out the Soil: Consider where you are sowing your time, talents, and finances. Is your "soil rich or poor," fertile or barren? Are you investing in ways that will yield a return, aligning with God's desire for you to prosper (Psalm 1)?
    5. Bring Proof: Don't just talk about your faith or goals; demonstrate them with tangible "fruit of the land." Show evidence of your worship, healing, provision, and progress in all areas of life.

Discussion Questions

  1. The sermon emphasizes moving to the "next level." What does "next level" look like for you personally and spiritually in 2026?
  2. Considering the "Lead Self" point, what is one area of your character or personal growth you feel God is calling you to focus on this year? How will you pursue it?
  3. The 7-38-55 rule for communication was shared. How might being more aware of your tone and body language improve your interactions with others, especially in challenging conversations?
  4. Moses instructed the spies to "check out the people." Who are the key people in your life, and how do your relationships with them impact your spiritual journey?
  5. Reflect on the "land" and "soil" points. What "weeds" might be present in your spiritual foundation, and where are you currently "sowing" your time and resources? Are these areas yielding good fruit?
  6. The sermon challenges us to "bring proof." What tangible evidence of God's work in your life or your commitment to Him can you point to right now? What "fruit" do you hope to show by the end of the year?
  7. How can the promise of the Holy Spirit (the Paraclete) empower you to apply these principles and move to your next level?

Application

This week, choose one aspect from the "LEADS" framework (Lead Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions, Systems Transformation) or one of Moses' assignments (Check People, Land, Cities, Soil, Bring Proof) and intentionally apply it to a specific area of your life. For example, if you choose "Lead Self," identify a small, concrete step you can take for personal growth or character development.