Spiritual Progress vs. Spiritual Stagnation

 

Spiritual Progress vs. Spiritual Stagnation

Luke 1:53 – “He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty.”
Phil 3:13 – “Forgetting the things which are behind, pressing on toward what is ahead.”
Matt 5:6 – “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.” 

Aspect	Spiritual Progress	Spiritual Stagnation
Meaning	The continual advancement and deepening of spiritual life — being more filled with God and having Christ formed within.	The state of spiritual standstill or decline — numbness toward spiritual reality and the lack of fresh experience of God.
Cause	Arises from genuine spiritual hunger and a sense of need — a heart that longs for God and feels insufficient.	Rooted in self-satisfaction, complacency, and indifference toward one’s spiritual lack.
Distinction	Actively pursues God, always sensing the need for more of Him, and keeps receiving new revelation and experience.	Passively relies on past experiences and victories, becoming static and proud.
Explanation	God’s grace is prepared only for the hungry (Luke 1:53). He arranges circumstances to produce a heart that wants Him (2 Chron 20:12). Spiritual progress is a continual cycle of being emptied and filled (2 Kings 4:1–6).	When a person feels full or satisfied with past victories, God cannot fill him again. Remembering “Jericho’s victory” can hinder today’s progress (Josh 7:3–4).
Examples	The widow who borrowed empty vessels — the more emptiness, the more filling (2 Kings 4:3–6); Paul forgetting the things behind (Phil 3:13); David thirsting for God (Ps 42:1–2).	Israel became self-satisfied after earlier victories (Deut 4:25); Laodicea said, “I am rich” (Rev 3:17); those who ceased to hunger stopped growing.
Application	Examine whether your heart still hungers for God; let difficulties drive you to deeper seeking; receive God’s new light with a childlike spirit (Luke 18:17).	Beware of spiritual numbness and pride; do not rely on past knowledge or experiences; let old concepts be removed for fresh revelation.
Interrelation	Progress and stagnation are opposites: progress comes from sensing one’s lack; stagnation from self-sufficiency. God uses trials to turn stagnation into new hunger.	Through hardships, God awakens need in the heart, transforming spiritual standstill into pursuit.
Scriptural References	Luke 1:53 – “He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty.” Phil 3:13 – “Forgetting the things which are behind, pressing on toward what is ahead.” Matt 5:6 – “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.” 2 Kings 4:1–6 – The empty vessels and the oil. 2 Chron 20:12 – “Our eyes are on You.” Ps 81:10 – “Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.” Josh 7:3–4 – Past victories cannot ensure today’s strength. Rev 3:17–18 – Laodicea’s self-satisfaction and God’s counsel.

 

Key Insights:

• True spiritual progress depends on inner hunger, not favorable circumstances.
• God allows difficulties to create in us a wanting heart.
• The way of growth: empty → filled → emptied again → filled again.
• Stagnation arises from complacency, pride, and reliance on old experiences.
• God’s grace is reserved for those who are still seeking Him.

 

Conclusion:

Spiritual progress is a continuous cycle of hungering, being filled, hungering again, and being filled again. God will not let His children live on yesterday’s manna but will dig deeper through trials to make room for more of Himself. Those who feel full and self-sufficient cannot be filled; those who remain needy, hungry, and open will be filled with God Himself and continue to grow.

 

*Please refer to the May 2025 International Elders and Responsible Brothers Training  General Topic: Matthew 5-7 Vital Aspects Chapter 1 The Blessing of the Poor in Spirit and the Pure in Heart, Who Are Under the Heavenly Rule of Christ the New King, and Who See God and Express Himself in His Life, and Have His Authority to Represent Him