Higher Ground
Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO
Desiring a Deeper Walk with God
Many Christians find themselves on a spiritual plateau—stable, but not growing. This sermon calls us to reach for higher ground, both in character and closeness to God. The hymn “Higher Ground” captures this yearning for more. Like Paul, we must press forward, not remain satisfied with past victories. Philippians 3:13–14 urges us to forget what's behind and reach toward the upward call. The Christian walk is not static. It’s a climb.
Refusing to Settle for Spiritual Stagnation
The song expresses a longing to rise above doubts and fears. We cannot remain in the valleys of spiritual confusion and worldly worry. Instead, we set our aim—our heart’s desire—on the upward journey. Paul told Timothy to flee sin and pursue righteousness, godliness, and faith (1 Timothy 6:11–12). To climb, we must shed the weights that hold us down (Romans 6:12–14) and travel light with only virtues as our companions.
Anticipating the Devil’s Resistance
As we press upward, Satan attacks. But he does so subtly, appearing as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:13–15). His darts often come disguised as good things. That’s why Paul says to take up the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10–13). Higher ground is harder ground—Satan fights hardest when we climb.
Keeping Eyes on the Eternal Summit
The ultimate higher ground is heaven. Our inheritance is incorruptible, undefiled, and reserved for us (1 Peter 1:3–4). Paul said we must discipline ourselves like athletes (1 Corinthians 9:24–27) and fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:16–18). The reward is worth the climb.
Sermon Outline: Higher Ground
I. The Desire for Higher Ground
Philippians 3:13–14 – Paul pressing forward
Luke 9:62 – No looking back
Matthew 7:13–14 – The narrow, difficult path
Application: Christians must not be content with mediocrity. Spiritual growth is a daily goal.
II. Setting the Right Aim
1 Timothy 6:11–12 – Fleeing sin, pursuing righteousness
Romans 6:12–14 – Presenting ourselves to God
2 Corinthians 5:17 – Becoming a new creation
James 1:27; 1 John 2:15–17 – Staying unspotted from the world
Application: We must rid ourselves of worldliness and intentionally aim for spiritual maturity.
III. Expecting Satan’s Attacks
Ephesians 6:10–13 – Armor of God against spiritual forces
2 Corinthians 11:13–15 – Satan’s deceit
James 4:7; 1 John 5:4 – Resisting the devil through faith
Application: Satan intensifies his efforts when we climb. Victory depends on discernment and steadfast faith.
IV. Looking Toward Heaven
1 Peter 1:3–4 – Our heavenly inheritance
1 Corinthians 9:24–27 – Discipline in the Christian race
2 Corinthians 4:16–18 – Fixing our gaze on the unseen
Application: Keep heaven in view. Don’t lose heart. The reward is eternal and glorious.
Call to Action
Are you stuck on a spiritual plateau? Do you have the desire to press upward, or have you grown complacent? Higher ground doesn’t come by accident—it takes purpose, effort, and prayer. If you’ve not yet begun the climb, obey the gospel today. If you’ve lost strength or vision, seek prayer and support. Don’t let Satan keep you grounded. Set your aim on heaven and start climbing now.
Scripture Reference List
Philippians 3:13–14 – Pressing toward the goal
Luke 9:62 – Fit for the kingdom
Matthew 7:13–14 – Narrow way
1 Timothy 6:11–12 – Pursuing godliness
Romans 6:12–14 – Dead to sin, alive to God
2 Corinthians 5:17 – New creation
James 1:27 – Pure religion
1 John 2:15–17 – Do not love the world
Ephesians 6:10–13 – Armor of God
2 Corinthians 11:13–15 – Satan as angel of light
James 4:7 – Resist the devil
1 John 5:4 – Victory by faith
1 Peter 1:3–4 – Inheritance in heaven
1 Corinthians 9:24–27 – Running for the crown
2 Corinthians 4:16–18 – Focus on eternal things
Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO
https://www.granbychurchofchrist.org/
https://www.granbychurchofchrist.com/
