This video is a spiritual sermon focused on the theme of practical sanctification, emphasizing the profound impact of “little things” in the Christian life and character development. The speaker explores biblical teachings to illustrate how small choices, thoughts, and actions can influence the entire person and community (the church).
Key Themes & Scripture References
1. Little Things Matter Greatly
- Luke 16:10: “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.” A small act of faithfulness or unrighteousness reflects the character as a whole.
- Example from Genesis 2:16-17: The choice to eat from the one forbidden tree, though a small act, led to the fall of humanity.
- Small transgressions or compromises lead to spiritual death and sorrow (Testimonies Vol. 4, Ch. 57).
2. The Influence of Small Things
- James 3:3-5: Even small things like the bit in a horse’s mouth or the rudder of a ship control the entire body or vessel.
- The tongue, though small, can defile the whole person by spreading wickedness.
- The heart is deceitful and desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9), and small thoughts or feelings shape moral character.
3. Guarding the Heart
- Proverbs 4:23: “Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life.”
- We must guard even the smallest leaks in character, as these can spoil the whole spiritual life (Proverbs 23:7; Song of Solomon 2:15).
- The “little foxes” (small problems) can spoil the vineyard (the church, the individual believer).
4. The Battle of Thoughts and Feelings
- Thoughts and feelings combine to form character; wrong thoughts lead to evil actions (Mark 7:21-23).
- Spiritual discipline involves training and controlling thoughts (Mind, Character, Personality, Volumes 1 & 2).
- The will is the “governor” (James 3:4) that must steer us despite strong impulses and temptations.
5. Sanctification Requires Cooperation with the Holy Spirit
- True sanctification is not self-sufficiency but surrendering to God’s will and cooperating with the Holy Spirit.
- Christ’s example: obedience to death (Philippians 2:5-8) shows the exercise of the mind in obedience.
- Faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains—symbolizing small beginnings leading to great outcomes (Matthew 17:20).
6. Practical Steps for Spiritual Growth
- Prayer and fasting are vital disciplines that help deny self and strengthen spiritual resolve.
- Consistent daily prayer, even when least inclined, breaks Satan’s snare (Book of Prayer, Ch.2).
- Mental discipline and training thoughts help maintain peace and overcome temptation.
7. The Church as the Vineyard
- Christ is the true vine; believers are branches (John 15).
- The church (the vine) is vulnerable to “little foxes” which are small sins or compromises.
- The Holy Spirit’s “leaven” works invisibly but powerfully to transform the church.
8. Final Encouragement & Promise
- God patiently waits for us to turn our hearts fully toward Him.
- Little things like thoughts and feelings need to be surrendered to God for character perfection.
- The weakest points in character can become strengths through steadfast adherence to truth and cooperation with God’s grace.
Practical Takeaways
- Focus on Small Choices: Every small decision matters for your spiritual health.
- Guard Thoughts and Heart: Be vigilant over your inner life; thoughts lead to feelings and actions.
- Exercise Willpower: Like steering a ship, your will must direct your life despite external pressures.
- Rely on Prayer and Fasting: These disciplines strengthen your connection with God and resistance to temptation.
- Cooperate with the Holy Spirit: Sanctification is a cooperative process between you and God.
- Be Patient with Growth: Spiritual growth takes time; even small progress leads to significant transformation over time.
Closing Prayer
The sermon closes with a prayer asking God to help believers hear His voice, grow in sanctification through practical obedience, and prepare their hearts for Christ’s second coming.
