Duane Sheriff Ministries - Messages

In the seventh episode of "Nurturing Spiritual Growth," Duane emphasizes the importance of Christian maturity and urges believers to grow into the likeness of Christ in every aspect of their lives. Spiritual maturity is not only about obtaining salvation and securing a place in heaven but also about living out heavenly principles here on earth. This means demonstrating behaviors that align with being citizens of heaven rather than reflecting our old, sinful natures. In 1 Corinthians 13, the Apostle Paul speaks about putting away childish things when becoming a man. This metaphor describes the journey from spiritual childhood to adulthood, highlighting that maturity involves more than aging or having spiritual gifts. Possessing spiritual gifts does not necessarily equate to maturity, as gifts can be misused if character and love do not accompany them. The true measure of spiritual maturity is characterized by love and the correct use of God's gifts. It's possible for believers to operate in gifts of the Spirit and still be immature if they lack the foundational love of God, which should direct all actions. Immaturity can lead to misusing spiritual gifts, potentially causing harm to oneself and others. This misuse demonstrates a lack of spiritual development, which should ideally blend the operation of gifts with a mature character formed by God's love. 1 Corinthians 13, famously known as the "love chapter," underscores that spiritual gifts must operate out of love to be genuinely effective and beneficial. This love is not just an abstract feeling but a concrete force that should guide all interactions and the exercise of spiritual gifts. Duane also addresses the concept of spiritual food in terms of "milk" and "meat." He explains that spiritual milk represents the basic, foundational teachings of Christianity essential for new believers, while spiritual meat involves doing God's will. Just as physical children grow from milk to solid food, spiritual believers must progress from elementary teachings to more profound truths.

In the sixth episode, "Nurturing Spiritual Growth," Duane emphasizes the importance of personal growth and helping others. Spiritual maturity is not just about an individual's growth but also involves creating an environment where everyone can mature, particularly within the church community. Many believers who think they have achieved maturity still show signs of immaturity, such as judging or looking down on less mature individuals. True maturity involves recognizing these immature tendencies and actively working to overcome them. In 1 Corinthians, Paul draws a distinction between spiritual and carnal believers. Paul characterizes carnal believers as those who are still like "babes in Christ," lacking the ability to grasp more profound spiritual teachings. On the other hand, mature Christians can adapt their messages based on the spiritual readiness of their audience, which helps to prevent unnecessary conflict and division. One key sign of immaturity is the tendency to create divisions within the church based on personal preferences or loyalties to different leaders. Such behavior is carnal and not indicative of a mature believer. We should examine our behaviors and attitudes, especially those that might contribute to envy, strife, and division, as these are signs of immaturity. Mature believers should focus on unity and the collective growth of the community rather than promoting division. The truth may inherently offend, but it should not be a weapon to harm others. Instead, mature believers should aim to communicate by speaking truthfully and with love, which promotes understanding and growth, even when the topics are challenging. Duane takes a compassionate and nurturing approach to spiritual growth, personally and within the church. He calls on all believers to mature in their faith and assist others in their spiritual journey, emphasizing that this is key to building a strong, unified, loving community that reflects Christ's teachings.

In the fifth episode of "Nurturing Spiritual Growth," Duane discusses the concepts of wisdom, spiritual immaturity, and maturity. He focuses on how believers can grow from simple converts to mature disciples of Christ by providing a roadmap for their spiritual development based on biblical teachings. Wisdom is crucial for personal growth in the life of a believer. It involves knowledge and applying God's word in everyday situations. Wisdom is necessary to discern right from wrong and make decisions that align with God's will. Duane describes spiritual immaturity as a stage in which believers are learning the basic principles of faith. He likens new believers to children who are just beginning to understand the world around them. In this stage, individuals may struggle with fundamental concepts such as faith, grace, and redemption. Spiritual immaturity is not a negative phase but a necessary step in growth. However, staying in this phase for too long can lead to stagnation and vulnerability to false doctrines. Maturity in faith means that believers can handle the "meat" of the scripture, which includes complex doctrines and teachings that require a higher level of spiritual comprehension. Mature believers are not swayed by every new teaching or trend but rather grounded in their faith, capable of teaching others, and effective in applying biblical principles to life's challenges.

In the fourth episode of "Nurturing Spiritual Growth," Duane discusses how to nurture our spiritual development individually and within the community of believers. As Christians, our ultimate goal is to become more like Jesus Christ, reflecting His character and virtues in our everyday lives. Romans Chapter 8 focuses on God's plan for believers to become more like Christ. This transformation is not only for personal growth but also to reflect Christ's virtues in our relationships with others. God wants all of us to embody His attributes and carry His glory, which was His original intention in creation but was disrupted by sin. However, Christ can reconcile and restore us to our intended purpose. Duane also talks about the process of spiritual maturation using the metaphor of newborn babies who must desire the pure milk of the Word to grow (1 Peter 2:2). This growth involves more than just increasing in knowledge; it's about transforming our mindsets and behaviors to align more closely with God's will. The 'renewing of the mind' is portrayed as essential for this transformation, enabling believers to discern and live out the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. Often, Christians are distracted by debates around predestination and salvation, focusing too narrowly on whether actions lead to heaven or hell rather than embracing the broader, more impactful purpose of reflecting God's love and righteousness. We need to see beyond these debates and focus on living out our faith through acts of love and service, nurturing our spiritual growth. The focus should be on the practical aspects of spiritual growth, such as the importance of community and how we treat each other. In Matthew 25 and Acts 9, Jesus takes a personal interest in how we treat other members of the body of Christ. Acts of kindness and love towards fellow believers are seen by Christ as done unto Him, emphasizing the profound connection between personal spirituality and communal responsibility. Believers should continually assess and elevate their understanding of God's Word and His purposes. Spiritual maturity involves an ongoing process of learning, applying, and manifesting the principles of God's Kingdom in every life area, leading to holistic and fulfilling Christian living. This teaching calls for a deep and reflective Christianity that seeks personal salvation and a desire to positively impact the world by genuinely expressing Christ's love and truth. Nurturing spiritual growth is a personal endeavor and a communal responsibility that enriches the individual believer and the broader Christian community.

In the third episode of "Nurturing Spiritual Growth," Duane discusses spiritual growth from a Christian perspective. He emphasizes that spiritual growth is more about internal transformation than external conformity. Duane also discusses the importance of believers being image-bearers of Christ and explores the concepts of predestination and God's will in Christians' lives. Christians often have questions about God's will for their lives, such as career choices or personal decisions. While these decisions are essential, they are secondary compared to God's primary will, which is for believers to be transformed into the image of Christ. This transformation involves how believers reflect Christ's image in every aspect of their lives. The concept of predestination is often misunderstood. Predestination in the biblical context refers not to a predetermined fate of salvation or condemnation but to God's plan for believers to conform to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. This idea is foundational to understanding spiritual growth because it aligns with God's purpose for every believer—becoming like Christ in character and action. Sin can hinder transformation, which distorts God's image in people. Jesus restores our image and relationship with God, allowing us to reflect God's glory. Romans 8:28-29 explains that God's foreknowledge and predestination involve shaping believers to mirror Christ's image, which is the ultimate goal of Christian growth. The process of transformation involves the renewal of the mind, as stated in Romans 12:2. Believers should change their thinking, aligning it with God's truths to demonstrate the reality of God's kingdom on Earth. This mental renewal is crucial because it affects how believers understand and live out their faith in practical terms. Duane cautions against the dangers of conforming to the world's values, often contrary to God's principles. He stresses that societal pressures to adapt to secular standards can lead believers away from the truth of Scripture and hinder their spiritual growth. Instead, he encourages believers to stand firm in their faith and pursue a life that reflects Christ's love and righteousness. Believers are encouraged to rise above cultural and personal challenges by focusing on the transformative power of Christ's love and renewing their minds. By doing so, they will grow in faith and become effective ambassadors of Christ's kingdom on Earth. This process involves learning about God and living in a way that genuinely reflects His love and truth to the world.

This message speaks to the importance of raising children according to biblical principles and the challenges parents face in a culture that is increasingly hostile towards Biblical values. Children are a gift from God, and the Bible compares them to arrows in the hands of a warrior (Psalm 127:3-5), suggesting that parents are warriors engaged in a spiritual battle for their children. This message outlines three stages of parenting: the training stage (0-10 years), the teaching stage (10-20 years), and the transition stage (20+ years), and how parents are meant to relate to their children during each of these phases of life. Using the parables of the lost coin, the lost sheep, and the prodigal son from Luke 15, Duane encourages parents to remain steadfast in their faith and values, even when their children go astray. The father in the parable of the prodigal son stayed true to his principles while waiting for his son to "come to his senses" (Luke 15:17). Some of our children may rebel against their upbringing, but there is hope that they will eventually return to the truth, as the prodigal son did. Duane encourages parents to pray for their children, trust God, and not compromise the truth of God's word. It is crucial that we learn what Scripture teaches us about parenting, discipline, and remaining faithful to God, even when our children go astray. It offers encouragement to parents struggling with rebellious children, reminding them of God's love and the hope that their children will return home, just as the prodigal son did.

In the second episode of "Nurturing Spiritual Growth," Duane emphasizes the importance of spiritual maturity in a believer's life and how every Christian needs to transition from spiritual infancy to maturity, as it is God's will. This transition is a growth process that involves a deeper understanding and application of God's Word, aiming to mold believers into true image-bearers of Christ. When believers enter the kingdom of God, they are spiritually reborn, possessing a fully mature, righteous, and holy spirit due to the sanctifying work of Christ. However, new believers often lack knowledge and practical application of the Bible, similar to newborn babies who are entirely dependent on milk for nourishment. To address this gap, Duane discusses the necessity for believers to be nurtured with the "milk" of basic biblical teachings before they can handle the "meat" of more profound doctrines. This spiritual nourishment is crucial for their growth, enabling them to gradually develop the capacity to apply God's Word in their lives to reflect Christ's character and love. Spiritual maturity involves more than personal holiness; it also encompasses how believers interact with the world around them. Mature believers should manifest Christ's traits in their actions, attitudes, and interactions with others, effectively displaying the gospel's transformative power. Ephesians 4 explains the role of the fivefold ministry – apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. These ministry gifts are given to equip the saints for service and build up the body of Christ until all attain unity in faith and knowledge of Jesus. This unity is crucial for the church's collective maturity, reaching the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. Duane warns against the dangers of spiritual immaturity, which can leave believers susceptible to being misled by false doctrines and deceitful teachings. He emphasizes the importance of community in the church, where mature believers help to nurture and guide the less mature, promoting growth and stability in faith. Believers should continuously strive for spiritual growth, not settling for mere infancy in their faith but pressing on toward the fullness of maturity that God desires for them. This journey requires intentionality, commitment, and a deep engagement with God's Word, ensuring that believers are not just hearers but doers. Spiritual growth is a progressive journey that every believer is called to embark on, with the ultimate goal of being conformed to the image of Christ and effectively impacting the world with the gospel's truth.

In this episode, Duane discusses spiritual growth, emphasizing the journey from immaturity to maturity in the Christian faith. He explains that this growth is about increasing knowledge, deepening character, and becoming more like Christ. This process involves moving from spiritual immaturity, where believers may be easily swayed by incorrect teachings or worldly influences, to a mature understanding and application of biblical truths. Spiritual immaturity is like being a child in faith. Like young children, new believers need simple, foundational teachings, which he compares to milk. These basics are essential for starting their spiritual journey. However, staying in this stage too long can lead to a lack of depth and susceptibility to being misled. As in the physical world, where children grow and develop, spiritual growth requires moving beyond the basics to tackle more complex and substantial "food," Duane calls meat. Transitioning to spiritual maturity involves embracing and applying deeper biblical teachings—meat. Maturity is a believer's ability to handle complex situations with wisdom, reflect Christ's character in daily actions, and positively influence others toward Christ. Mature believers should not only focus on their growth but also support and mentor less mature ones, helping them grow in their faith and understanding. Christians are expected to grow from spiritual infants to mature adults in their faith. This growth is not just for personal benefit but is essential to discern truth and fulfill God's purpose for each believer, which is to reflect Christ's image to the world. Mature Christians navigate life's challenges effectively and help others do the same. The goal of every believer should be to reach a point where they are not just consuming spiritual milk but are also capable of digesting spiritual meat, thereby achieving a deeper understanding and application of God's word.

In the third session of the "Our Identity Conference," Duane explores the transformative power of understanding one's identity in Christ by contrasting the lives and impacts of two men: Adam and Christ. Adam, the first man, disobeyed God, which led to sin entering the world. In contrast, Jesus Christ, through His ultimate sacrifice, brought salvation and righteousness to humanity. This comparison is foundational to understanding redemption and transformation. Adam's disobedience led to sin and death spreading to all humanity, creating a separation between humanity and God, marking every human as inherently sinful from birth. Jesus, the "second" or "last Adam," signifies a new beginning for humanity. His life, death, and resurrection offer hope and a new nature to those who believe in Him. By His obedience and sacrifice, Jesus reversed Adam's curse, providing a path to righteousness that is not based on human efforts but on grace. Jesus' act was a free gift, bringing justification and life, whereas Adam's act brought judgment and condemnation. This contrast is crucial for believers to understand their new identity in Christ. Believers are no longer defined by their sins or human nature but by faith in Christ and rebirth as new creations. The practical application of this teaching is a life transformed by the renewing of the mind. Believers are called to live out their new identities, not conforming to the sinful patterns of the world but embracing the holiness and righteousness imparted by Christ. This transformation is not instantaneous but is a progressive journey of aligning one's thoughts and actions with the truth of God's word. Believers should fully embrace this new identity, letting it transform every aspect of their lives. This involves a continuous effort to renew one's mind, allowing the truth of God's word to replace old, sinful thought patterns and behaviors.

2 Corinthians 5:17 says that those who are in Christ are completely new creations. Their old sinful selves have passed away, and they have been made brand new in their spiritual nature. In this message, Duane teaches that although our physical bodies and minds did not literally become new at salvation, our spirits were recreated and made righteous before God through faith in Jesus. Many believers still view themselves solely based on their physical characteristics and fleshly nature instead of their new spiritual reality. The Bible says we are no longer to regard anyone from a merely human perspective but through the lens of who we have become through the transforming work of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:16). Our true identity comes not from our family heritage, ethnic background, or any other natural factors, but from our spiritual rebirth in Christ. Jesus discovered His identity as the Son of God by having the Scriptures revealed to Him through the Holy Spirit. As Jesus read the Old Testament, the Spirit revealed the prophecies and symbols that were speaking about Him. The same applies to believers - as we study the Bible, the Holy Spirit will reveal how the descriptions of who we are in Christ are relevant to us. Just as Jesus saw Himself in the Scriptures, we will recognize our new identity through God's word. According to Romans 5, we were all born into sin because of Adam's disobedience in the Garden of Eden. Because of his one trespass, we were all made sinners by nature from conception. However, through Jesus' perfect obedience and sacrificial death, those who put their faith in Christ have been made righteous before God (Romans 5:19). Our sin was imputed to Jesus on the cross, and His righteousness has now been imputed to us. Believers are no longer sinners but have been made the very righteousness of God in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). Understanding this truth about our identity transforms how we view ourselves. When we realize we have been made completely righteous through Christ, we repent and turn from sin because it no longer matches who we really are as new creations in Christ.

In this message, Duane teaches that we are all born with a fallen identity because of sin entering the world. Many people struggle with their fallen identity and try to pretend to be something they are not. Others have had false identities imposed on them by family or society. The world also tries to confuse people's identities for its hidden agendas and purposes. However, when we come to faith in Jesus Christ, we receive a brand new identity as God's children. This identity is not based on our physical body or external circumstances but on our reborn spirit. The Bible teaches that when we accept Christ, we are crucified, buried, and raised with Him to new life (Galatians 2:20, Romans 6). Our old sinful self died with Christ, and we are made into a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). Understanding this new identity in Christ is extremely important because it connects us to our true purpose in life. When we know who we really are in Christ, it gives us a passion to live for Him. Our identity sets the course for how we think, feel, and act. Just as Jesus was attacked about His identity as the Son of God, Satan also tries to confuse believers about who they are in Christ. The devil wants to derail us from living out our God-given identity and purpose. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that believers must regard themselves and others based on this new spiritual reality, not on external appearances (2 Corinthians 5:16). Though we live in physical bodies, our true life is hidden in Christ. Colossians 1:27 calls this the "mystery" that Christ actually lives inside those who follow Him! Just as we use mirrors to see our physical appearance, we must use the Bible as a mirror to see our true spiritual identity. As we renew our minds according to the truth of God's Word, we experience the power of becoming who we already are in Christ. Though it is ultimately a spiritual mystery, knowing our new creation identity is the key to living with passion and purpose for God's glory.

Duane Sheriff teaches a powerful sermon about the difference between our spirit and flesh as believers in Christ. It's essential to understand that while our flesh is still weak and incapable, Christ Himself lives in our spirit through the Holy Spirit. "Christ is in my spirit. And while I have a spirit united to Christ, I have this soul, mind, will, and emotions, but I live in this body." Because of this reality, we should not be condemned or confused by the weakness we experience in our flesh. Instead, we must learn to depend on Christ's power in our spirit. Duane outlined four fundamental truths we need to understand about our flesh: 1. Without God, we can accomplish nothing of eternal value. "Without Him, I can do nothing" (John 15:5). "But I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). 2. Without God, we have nothing good in ourselves to boast about. "Without Him, I have nothing...Everything I have is by the grace of God." We should never be arrogant because our gifts and abilities come from God's grace. 3. Without God's wisdom, we truly know nothing as we ought to know. "If anyone thinks he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know" (1 Corinthians 8:2). Only God can give us true knowledge and understanding. 4. In our flesh, we are inherently unworthy. "For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy of being called an apostle" (1 Corinthians 15:9). Yet by God's grace, Paul could say, "I labored more abundantly than they all" (v.10). Despite our fleshly weaknesses, we must believe the reality that Christ dwells in our spirit. Duane uses the analogy of tea to illustrate how Christ has infused our spirit. Though remaining distinct from us, just as you call water "tea," once the tea bag has steeped in it, God calls us the "body of Christ" because Christ has infused our spirit through salvation. Believers should not be arrogant or condemning but walk with humble dependence on God's grace. We should continually look to Christ's power in our spirit, not our fleshly efforts, which accomplish nothing. As Paul said, "I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me" (1 Corinthians 15:10).

What is truth? There is power in the Truth, and once you hear the truth, no lie can hold you in bondage. Darkness desires to suppress the truth and cancel anyone who speaks the truth. God desires to revive the hearts of believers with the Truth, and we should eagerly seek after and be passionate for the Truth. Duane uses the example of Pilate, who stood before the embodiment of Truth itself but chose to reject and condemn Truth due to external pressures and personal denial. The story of Pilate is a reflection of society's struggle with Truth, where we confront it every day but often choose to deny, reject, or even condemn it for various reasons, such as seeking comfort, conforming to societal norms, or due to ignorance. This impactful teaching highlights the importance of recognizing and embracing the Truth, especially in the face of opposition, to break free from the chains of lies and experience genuine freedom.

Duane Sheriff emphasizes that eternal life is not just about existing forever but about having an intimate relationship with God through Jesus Christ guided by the Holy Spirit. This relationship with God goes beyond just existing in eternity and instead embodies a deep connection and union with God. At the heart of eternal life is a relationship steeped in love, nurtured through learning of Him.

Duane Sheriff teaches the importance of Jesus as the Passover Lamb. Jesus's sacrifice on the cross fulfills the prophecy of the Passover Lamb in the Old Testament. The lamb's blood was used to symbolize salvation and protection for the Israelites in Egypt. Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus fulfills this prophecy by providing salvation and forgiveness of sins to anyone who believes. This momentous event in history serves as the foundation for personal faith and spiritual growth, bridging the gap between humans and God.

Duane Sheriff teaches the transformative power of grace and emphasizes the significance of developing spiritual habits that will lead to victory and peace. True humility involves denying oneself, prioritizing others, aligning with God's will, and cultivating a deep and more intimate relationship with Jesus, transforming knowledge of God into a direct experiential understanding that fosters spiritual growth, peace, and a more grace-filled life.

Duane Sheriff teaches the importance of meekness and humility in our lives. Meekness is not a passive trait but a powerful quality that attracts grace and transforms lives. Being meek or humble can foster a deep connection with God and help us face life's challenges with peace and resilience. Jesus invites us to learn from His meek and humble heart, presenting it as a key to finding rest for our souls. If we embrace humility, it has the power to transform our relationship with God, which is marked by peace, submission, and spiritual growth.

Duane Sheriff teaches the significance of drawing near to God, submitting to His will, and acknowledging the depth of His jealous love. God desires an intimate relationship. His divine jealousy is not rooted in insecurity or possessiveness but in a profound love and longing for undivided devotion. God's holy jealousy starkly contrasts human envy, highlighting the pure, passionate commitment God yearns for from us. We must recognize and cherish God's unique love for each of us and strive for a deeper, more faithful engagement with Him, free from the distractions and allegiances that often entangle our hearts and minds.

Duane Sheriff teaches the importance of humility as a crucial aspect of fully experiencing God's grace. Jesus invites us to learn from Him and to seek an intimate knowledge of God, which goes beyond mere knowledge about Him. Humility is a defining attribute of God's character, contrasting with humanity's prideful nature and false gods. God is approachable, humble, and involved in our lives, challenging us to cultivate a deep, personal relationship. Understanding and practicing humility is the cornerstone for living a life of grace, leading to peace, rest, and freedom.

Duane Sheriff teaches the difference between the yoke of grace and the yoke of the law. The yoke of Jesus is not a burden but a source of rest and freedom, which starkly contrasts the yoke of the law described as bondage. There is transformative power in coming to Jesus, taking His yoke upon ourselves, and learning from Him. True rest for our souls is found in a relationship with Christ, not in adherence to the law or religious practices. When we understand this concept, we can live a life of grace, free from guilt, condemnation, and the relentless pursuit of self-righteousness.