Pastor Allen Victor delivered a message titled “Fit for the Kingdom,” teaching how believers could become spiritually fit for the year ahead. He began by noting that many people made New Year’s resolutions to get physically healthy, yet nearly 80% failed by February. Pastor Allen Victor explained that these failures often happened because people lacked a clear plan, set unrealistic expectations, relied on motivation instead of discipline, had no accountability, and tried to change without replacing old habits. He then pointed out that the same challenges often appeared in the Christian life when people attempted to grow spiritually without a clear plan or support.

Turning to Scripture, Pastor Allen Victor highlighted Jesus’ words in Luke 9:62, reminding the congregation that no one who looked back after putting his hand to the plow was fit for the kingdom of God. He also referenced 1 Timothy 4:8, explaining that while physical exercise had some value, godliness held promise both for the present life and the life to come. From Hebrews 12:1–2, he described the Christian life as a race and explained how believers could become spiritually fit.

First, Pastor Allen Victor taught the importance of accountability. He described the “great cloud of witnesses” in Hebrews 12:1 as the men and women of faith who inspired believers through their victories and failures. He encouraged everyone to stay connected to a local church community, to respect spiritual leadership as taught in Hebrews 13:17, and to build relationships that provided encouragement and accountability. Drawing from Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 and Hebrews 10:24, he reminded the church that believers were called to strengthen one another and stir up love and good works.

Second, Pastor Allen Victor explained the need to lay aside every weight. Not everything that was permissible was beneficial, as 1 Corinthians 10:23 reminded us. He spoke about distractions such as busyness, entertainment, and constant activity that could hinder spiritual growth. Just as people performed spring cleaning in their homes, he encouraged believers to conduct a “spiritual spring cleaning” by evaluating whether their time and habits were helping or hindering their walk with God. He urged replacing spiritual distractions with disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, service, fellowship, evangelism, and missions.

Third, Pastor Allen Victor addressed the need to deal seriously with sin, warning that sin easily ensnared believers. Using the illustration of an unhealthy diet, he compared indulging in sinful habits to trying to lose weight while eating junk food. From Galatians 5:19–21, he described the works of the flesh and reminded the congregation that sin must be confessed and confronted. Citing 1 John 1:9, John 3:20, and James 5:16, he encouraged believers to confess their sins, repent, and seek prayer and accountability so that healing and restoration could take place.

Fourth, Pastor Allen Victor urged believers to run with endurance. He explained that the Christian life was more like a marathon than a sprint and finishing well mattered more than finishing first. He encouraged everyone to create a practical spiritual plan—setting goals for prayer, Bible reading, fellowship, and service. Quoting Habakkuk 2:2, he reminded the church that writing down a vision helped a person run with purpose. He also emphasized the importance of praying for the power of the Holy Spirit to sustain spiritual growth.

Finally, Pastor Allen Victor reminded the congregation to stay focused on Jesus, as taught in Hebrews 12:2. He described Jesus as both the model and motivation for the believer’s life. Jesus endured betrayal, suffering, and the cross for the joy set before Him. Because of this, believers were encouraged not to give up when the race became difficult. Drawing from Philippians 3:13–14, Pastor Allen Victor urged the church to forget what lay behind, press forward toward the goal, and pursue the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

He concluded by calling believers to begin the year with spiritual determination: to get connected to the church, remove hindrances, deal seriously with sin, run with endurance, and keep their eyes fixed on Jesus. Pastor Allen Victor reminded everyone that the eternal reward found in Christ was far greater than anything the world could offer.

This message was shared by Pastor Allen Victor at Calvary Chapel West Jacksonville.

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Scriptures used in this message: Hebrews 12:1-2, Luke 9:62, 1 Timothy 4:8, Hebrews 13:17, Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, Hebrews 10:24, 1 Corinthians 10:23, Galatians 5:19-21, 1 John 1:9, John 3:20, James 5:16, Habakkuk 2:2, Philippians 3:13-14