03/05/2026
By: Deborah M. Zottor (Sis)
A message titled “Overcoming Stagnation” was delivered by Pastor Joseph Owusu-Boateng during Sunday Service, drawing from 1 Corinthians 3:1–3. He emphasised the need for believers to intentionally pursue spiritual growth and avoid remaining at the same level in their Christian journey. Pastor Owusu-Boateng explained that salvation is a process that begins with redemption and leads to sanctification, noting that while justification is a one-time experience, sanctification is a continuous work of the Holy Spirit. He described sanctification as the process through which the Holy Spirit shapes believers, producing the character of Christ in them over time.
Pastor Owusu-Boateng highlighted that stagnation occurs when a believer remains at one stage of spiritual development without making meaningful progress. According to him, movement should not be mistaken for growth, as true progress is reflected in transformation and maturity. He referenced the church in Corinth, explaining that despite the time and effort invested in them, they struggled with spiritual growth. He noted that their condition serves as a warning to believers today, emphasising that what caused a person to fall in the past should not continue to hinder them in the present.
Pastor Owusu-Boateng outlined stages of spiritual development, ranging from spiritual infancy to maturity and leadership, highlighting five key stages. He described Nephios as the stage of spiritual infancy, marked by limited understanding, dependence on others, and vulnerability to sin. The Paidion stage represents early growth, in which believers begin to develop spiritual disciplines but remain susceptible to temptation. At the Meirakion stage, believers gain strength, develop discernment, and begin taking responsibility for their spiritual growth. He further explained that Teleios reflects maturity, where believers exhibit Christ-like character and spiritual fruit, while Presbuteros represents seasoned believers who guide others and leave a legacy of faith.
He explained that growth requires intentional effort, discipline, and a willingness to move beyond dependence and immaturity. He further identified key causes of stagnation, including lack of spiritual goals, indifference toward one’s spiritual state, unrepentant sin, and lack of fellowship. He cautioned that neglecting the Word of God can leave a believer spiritually vulnerable, even if they remain unaware of it.
The message also highlighted signs of stagnation, such as loss of motivation, returning to past sinful habits, spiritual apathy, and a sense of disconnection from God. He urged believers to regularly examine themselves to ensure they are making progress in their walk with God. Pastor Owusu-Boateng concluded by encouraging the congregation to take practical steps to overcome stagnation. These include setting clear spiritual goals, avoiding willful sin, spending quality time in God’s presence, and maintaining strong fellowship with other believers. He emphasised that growth is intentional and that believers must actively cooperate with the Holy Spirit to become all that God has called them to be.
| | |
➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖
> Powered By:
> Media Ministry
