Get Ahead of Yourself | Levi Lusko | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

Get Ahead of Yourself

Fresh Life Church • Jul 13, 2026 • 33 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

Who you become in the future is directly shaped by the spiritual foundation you lay today, because time simply amplifies current character. When David defeated Goliath, he surrendered the giant's sword to God's sanctuary, allowing that weapon to be preserved and given back to sustain him years later during a time of exile. By planting yourself in the local church, honoring authority, worshiping continually, and tithing faithfully, you prepare spiritual weapons today that will secure and sustain your future.

Themes

Spiritual Discipline & CharacterSowing and ReapingWorship in TrialsHonoring AuthorityBiblical StewardshipChrist's Ultimate Victory

Pastor's Points

1.

Plant yourself spiritually

2.

Honor authority

3.

Worship constantly

4.

Tithe stubbornly

Key Points

1.
Plant yourself spiritually: Choose to stay rooted in the local church during seasons of crisis to receive spiritual nourishment and protection.
2.
Honor authority: Yield to God's ordained leadership and remain teachable, knowing that those who cannot be tested cannot be trusted to lead.
3.
Worship constantly: Praise God through every trial and difficult moment, because worshiping through pain brings heavenly healing and shifts spiritual atmospheres.
4.
Tithe stubbornly: Give God the first and best of what He entrusts to you to keep financial blessings from becoming idols and to open the door for His provision.
5.
Future you is simply an exaggerated version of current you, because time alone does not change character—it merely amplifies who you are today.
6.
The spiritual battles you resolve today will produce weapons of faith, wisdom, and victory waiting to sustain you in future trials.
7.
David knelt by the stream before facing Goliath, showing that you cannot rise like a lion in combat unless you first bow like a lamb before God.

Sermon Moments

“Future you is just an exaggerated version of current you. Time doesn't change you, it just makes you more of what you are today.”

“You can't rise like a lion unless you first bow like a lamb.”

“What you fight through will be waiting for you.”

“Worship that hurts like hell heals like heaven.”

“When the praises go up, His power comes down.”

“Giving God the first and best of what He entrusts to you keeps financial blessings from turning into idolatry.”

“David took the greatest weapon from Goliath and surrendered it to God's sanctuary, so God could return it to him in a later season of need.”

“Jesus cut the devil's head off, you might say, using Satan's own sword.”

This Week

Make a firm commitment to be consistently planted in your local church to receive spiritual feeding and community support.

Practice active submission and respect toward spiritual, organizational, and civic authorities in your life.

Choose to worship God intentionally in the middle of a painful or difficult situation you are currently facing.

Set aside the first and best portion of your income as a tithe to honor God and guard your heart against idolatry.

Identify a daily habit or choice today that needs to change so that "future you" grows in spiritual maturity.

Confront spiritual battles and challenges directly today rather than procrastinating or avoiding hard things.

Spend quiet time on your knees in prayer and submission before stepping into high-pressure battles or responsibilities.

Remember This

What you fight through and surrender to God today will produce weapons of faith and grace waiting to sustain you in your future trials.

A Challenge for You

Release your financial, medical, and relational battles into the hands of God, inviting Jesus to forgive you, heal you, and be your Lord and Savior.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.