Brief Summary
This YouTube video by Official Ayo Ajani delivers a powerful message about achieving perpetual victory by understanding and utilizing the power of self-determination and renewing the mind. It emphasizes that external circumstances do not dictate one's life; rather, it is the inner state and the programs running deep within our hearts that determine our outcomes. The sermon highlights the importance of taking responsibility for one's life, recognizing and breaking free from limiting beliefs, and embracing the often-lonely journey of personal transformation.
- The Holy Ghost gives utterance, requiring a response from believers.
- Attitude in God's presence matters and influences the move of the Holy Spirit.
- Keys for perpetual victory involve understanding the power of self-determination and renewing the mind.
- External circumstances do not dictate one's life; it is the inner state that matters most.
Introduction: A Night of Encounters and Change
The sermon begins with a prayer and acknowledgment of the Holy Spirit's presence, setting the stage for a night of encounters and change. It emphasizes that God is building and writing a beautiful story with the lives of those present. The speaker highlights the importance of responding to the Holy Spirit, stating that a lack of response can short-circuit the move of God's spirit, regardless of how powerful it may be. The attitude of believers, including their excitement and reception, significantly impacts the move of the Holy Spirit.
The Ministry of the Holy Spirit and Believer's Response
The Holy Ghost's primary role is to grant utterance, enabling believers to speak and share God's word. This utterance requires a response from the believer, and a lack of response can hinder the move of God's spirit. The speaker emphasizes that attitude matters, including shouts, jumps, and excitement, as these demonstrate a receptive heart. He notes that days of significant life change often occur on ordinary days, highlighting that anointing for the next level or global impact can happen unexpectedly.
Keys for Perpetual Victory: Introduction
The sermon introduces the concept of keys for perpetual victory, describing them as tools that can be used whenever needed for continuous, unstoppable success. The speaker expresses confidence that many who receive God's word, whether in person or online, will experience superlative results. He defines prophetic utterance as declaring God's definite counsel to His people, emphasizing that the current night is another opportunity for God's counsel to be received.
As in Water Face Answereth to Face: Reflection of the Inner Man
Referencing Proverbs 27:19, the speaker explains that just as water reflects the face put before it, a person's life reflects the state of their inner man. He asserts that one cannot blame external factors for their life's condition, as it is a reflection of their heart. Taking responsibility for the inner man is crucial for taking responsibility for one's life. No one, including the devil, has the power to influence your life unless you give them that power.
The Power of Self-Determination: Designing Your Life
Drawing from James 3:4, the speaker likens the tongue to a rudder, emphasizing that even amidst fierce winds, the captain (governor) determines the ship's direction. He introduces the concept of the power of self-determination, highlighting that where one ends up is a choice, regardless of external pressures. This message aims to empower individuals to design or reinvent their lives, breaking free from stagnation and achieving desired results. God will never violate the power of self-determination, and if God won't violate it, Satan can't stop it.
Romans 12:2: Conformed vs. Transformed
The speaker focuses on Romans 12:2, urging listeners not to be conformed to the world but transformed by the renewing of their minds. He identifies four key words: conformed, world, transformed, and renewing. He explains that "conformed" means to be squeezed into a mold, indicating that the world exerts unseen pressure to shape lives in a certain way. He emphasizes that everyone is the sum total of their exposures and that original thoughts do not exist.
The World as a Mold: Unseen Pressure and Templates
The world acts as a mold, exerting pressure to conform individuals to predetermined shapes and forms. Without sufficient internal force, individuals are doomed to remain on the floor, analogous to gravity's pull. The speaker asserts that everyone is being shaped and squeezed without their conscious knowledge, with templates existing for different outcomes. He stresses that understanding these four words from Romans 12:2 can liberate individuals from feeling stuck.
The Act of Assuming an Outward Expression: Programming to Fail
The speaker defines conforming as assuming an outward expression that does not come from within, nor is it representative of one's inner heart or God's picture of them. He suggests that some people are programmed to fail or have marriages that won't work, not due to external forces but due to internal programs. He illustrates this with the example of giving an expensive shirt to a bus conductor, who will likely reduce it to match his internal program.
The Inner Man: Reflection of the State Inside
The speaker emphasizes that true change must come from within, not from external circumstances. He quotes Jesus, stating that a man is defiled by what comes from inside, implying that he is also blessed by what comes from inside. One of the biggest lies Satan tells is that your story is unique. He uses Joyce Meyer as an example of someone who overcame a difficult upbringing, contrasting her with others who blame their past. He cautions against therapy that doesn't encourage taking responsibility for one's life.
The Importance of Personal Responsibility: Christianity is DIY
Christianity is "Do It Yourself" (DIY). He references the story of Jesus and the man at the pool of Bethesda, noting that Jesus didn't acknowledge the man's complaints about not being helped. He asserts that no one will grow beyond what their mind permits and uses the example of Nebuchadnezzar choosing those of royal blood for his palace, as they possess the inherent capacity of heart.
Conformed: An Outward Expression Patterned After the World
The speaker reiterates that true change starts from within, urging listeners to stop assuming an outward expression patterned after the world. He then asks how the world presses on individuals, leading into a discussion of the Greek words for "world": cosmos and aons. Cosmos refers to the organized universe, while aons refers to the spirit of the age, primarily thoughts, ideologies, and philosophies that govern an age or dispensation.
Aons: Thoughts, Ideologies, and Philosophies
The speaker explains that aons, or the spirit of the age, consists of thoughts, ideologies, and philosophies that govern a particular era. He emphasizes that demons primarily exert influence through thoughts and that a demon is only as powerful as the thought it sponsors. Casting out a demon is insufficient if the space is left empty of knowledge and right information, as the legitimacy of every devil is a thought.
The Legitimacy of Every Devil is a Thought
The speaker challenges the notion of demonic altars and generational curses, stating that these concepts are largely derived from traditional African religion and cannot be substantiated in the New Testament. He asserts that no believer in the New Testament is said to have a problem with a devil, emphasizing that Satan fears light and that darkness cannot comprehend it. He urges listeners to understand that no demon can stop them without prayer, just knowing.
The Power of Resistance: The Treasure on the Inside
Using a physical demonstration, the speaker illustrates that the power of the enemy is not the determining factor, but rather the resistance within the individual. He emphasizes that the treasure inside, the light of God, is the force against everything pressing in. Without this understanding, prayers and deliverance sessions will only provide temporary relief, as the enemy will return with greater force.
Renewing of the Mind: Not a One-Time Victory
The speaker stresses that renewing the mind is not a one-time victory but an ongoing process, as what is coming is often seven times stronger. He cautions against complacency after initial victories, as spiritual warfare requires sustained effort. The difference lies not in the power of external forces but in the individual's internal state. He urges listeners to take responsibility for their lives and not be conformed to the world's floating thoughts and philosophies.
Where the Mind Goes, the Man Goes: Limitations in the Mind
The speaker asserts that every ceiling and limitation in one's life originates in the mind. Even if God miraculously breaks through those boundaries, they will be rebuilt if the mind remains unchanged. He uses the example of the Israelites, whom God delivered from Egypt by power but could not bring into the Promised Land due to their mindset. He shares that God changes hearts quickly but takes a lifetime to change minds.
Transformed by the Renewing of Your Mind: A Continuous Process
The speaker reiterates the importance of being transformed by the renewing of the mind, emphasizing that it is a continuous process. He defines "transformed" as changing one's outward expression to reflect their inner being. He shares a personal story of recurring nightmares about failing exams, which he later realized were rooted in words spoken and fears experienced during his medical school years.
The Power of Words and Belief in Oneself
The speaker recounts how God revealed that the words spoken during his medical training had killed something within him, leading to hesitation and a lack of belief in himself. He emphasizes that one cannot have such an inner man and fulfill God's calling. He contrasts miracles with entering Canaan, suggesting that some are more comfortable with miracles than facing challenges.
The Wilderness Was Never God's Plan: The Importance of the Inner Man
The speaker asserts that the wilderness was never God's plan, but rather a consequence of the Israelites' mindset. He emphasizes that it is the man inside that wins, not the external actions. He defines "renewing" as renovation, urging listeners to remove the cobwebs and repair the broken walls in their minds. He shares that no devil can stand the power of a renewed mind and that darkness retreats to the extent that light penetrates.
The Dominion of Light Over Darkness: Helplessness Against Life
The speaker quotes Bishop David Oyedepo, stating that the dominion of light over darkness is instant and unquestionable. He emphasizes that anytime one feels helpless against life and unable to determine outcomes, it indicates a need for renewing the mind. He urges listeners not to be proud but to seek God's guidance in identifying where renewal is needed.
Why Do People Suffer Long?: The Importance of Self-Perception
The speaker shares a revelation about why people suffer for extended periods, using the examples of the woman bent over and the man at the pool of Bethesda. He emphasizes that Jesus often addresses people's self-perception before their physical condition, as their beliefs about themselves influence their healing and progress. He uses the story of the Israelite spies who saw themselves as grasshoppers in their own eyes, projecting that image onto the giants in the land.
We Were Like Grasshoppers: Projecting Self-Perception
The speaker highlights that the spies' perception of themselves as grasshoppers influenced how they viewed the giants and the land. He emphasizes that the situation is not as powerful as one's perception of it and that the only reason a mountain seems big is because one feels small. He urges listeners to take responsibility for their victories and failures, as they are determined by their internal state.
Praying in the Spirit: Shifting on the Inside
The speaker encourages listeners to pray in the Holy Ghost, stating that things will be shifting on the inside as they pray. He reiterates that no demon has legitimacy without sponsoring a thought and that deliverance, as commonly practiced, is often like weeding without removing the roots. He emphasizes that it takes God a second to change the heart but a lifetime to change the mind.
Belief Systems Crippling Efforts: God is Not Wicked
The speaker asserts that when consistent effort does not produce expected results, there is often a belief system crippling those efforts. He emphasizes that God is not wicked or partial but that there are principles that must be followed. He states that while renewing the mind may not bring overnight change, it will lead to movement and evidence of progress.
The Angel of the Lord: Aligning with a Certain Kind of Man
The speaker recounts the story of Joshua and the angel of the Lord, emphasizing that the angel's response ("Neither") meant that victory depended on Joshua's internal state, not on divine intervention alone. He asserts that angels align with a certain kind of man and that one can be unemployed externally but gainfully employed internally.
Elevating Productivity: Shifting in the Mind
The speaker emphasizes that every time one wants to elevate productivity, effectiveness, or increase something in their life, something must shift in their mind. He cautions against the temptation to simply do more, asserting that we are where we are because that's what our minds have permitted. He provides two pointers for identifying limits in the mind: check your absolute statements and recognize the triggers for toxic emotions.
Check Your Absolute Statements: The Limits of Your Life
The speaker advises listeners to examine their absolute statements, whether uttered or thought, as they reveal the limits of their lives. He notes that while many believers avoid saying negative things, they often express limiting beliefs through phrases like "let's be real." He illustrates this with the example of a minister planning a program, where the absolute in their thought might limit their choice of venue.
It is Easier to Fight Satan: The Real Work is to Renew Your Mind
The speaker asserts that fighting Satan is easier than renewing the mind, as demons flee at the name of Jesus. He recounts the story of Jesus casting out a demon that the disciples could not, attributing their failure to unbelief. He emphasizes that the proof of casting out a demon is not physical manifestation but the king's word. He reiterates that no demon can fight a renewed mind and that the real work is to generate enough light and energy to overcome limiting forces.
Hitting a Wall Consistently: The Importance of the Mind
The speaker advises that when consistently hitting a wall, one should not simply try harder but rather examine their mind. He references Hebrews 11:29, noting that the Egyptians drowned in the same Red Sea that the Israelites crossed on dry land because their minds were not renewed. The difference is not the action, but the mind.
Recognize the Triggers for Toxic Emotions: Don't Legitimize It
The speaker urges listeners to recognize the triggers for toxic emotions like fear and envy and to avoid legitimizing them. He notes that people often excuse their toxic emotions, giving them intellectual justifications. He encourages self-reflection, asking why one is afraid or doubtful, rather than providing reasons why something won't work.
The Story of David and Goliath: What Are You Losing to Your Fear?
The speaker contrasts the Israelites' fear of Goliath with David's courage, highlighting that the Israelites would retreat after watchman prayer, only to be challenged again by Goliath. He emphasizes that David asked what would be given to the man who defeated Goliath, checking if it was worth his time. He cautions against wearing Saul's armor, which represents the ineffective advice and limitations imposed by others.
Who Is This Uncircumcised Philistine?: I Am the Circumcised
The speaker emphasizes that David did not even recognize that Goliath was a giant. He highlights that when David asked, "Who is this uncircumcised Philistine?" he was affirming his own identity as the circumcised. He reiterates that there are no limits, only those permitted by the mind. He urges listeners to acknowledge their fears and doubts, as awareness is the beginning of renewal.
Thought Patterns Consistent with Limitation: Liberating Belief Systems
The speaker shares thought patterns consistent with limitation, offering liberating belief systems to counter them. He presents four key liberating beliefs:
- You don't need money; you need virtue (power and knowledge).
- Success is less about what you do and more about who you become.
- Nobody owes you anything; all you need is within.
- Real growth and change happen in the inbetweens.
You Don't Need Money: The Mind as a Gate
The speaker emphasizes that you don't need money to achieve your goals, as virtue (power and knowledge) is more crucial. He uses the example of Jesus feeding the multitude without money. He explains that the mind is a gate: saying "cannot" locks it, while believing in possibilities unlocks it.
Success is Less About What You Do: It Is Becoming
The speaker asserts that success is less about what you do and more about who you become. He illustrates this by stating that it's not about getting a billion-dollar business, but about becoming the kind of person who can run a billion-dollar business. He emphasizes that it is "be" before "do."
Nobody Owes You Anything: All You Need Is Within
The speaker emphasizes that nobody owes you anything and that all you need is within. He urges listeners to meditate on these liberating thoughts until they take hold of their spirit and heart.
Real Growth and Change Happens in the Inbetweens: Embrace the Journey
The speaker explains that real growth and change happen in the "inbetweens," the lonely seasons of life when you've left where you were but haven't yet reached where you're going. He emphasizes that those you left behind may not understand your drive, and those you're going towards may not accept you yet. He urges listeners to embrace these inbetweens, as many visions and destinies die there due to a lack of acceptance and understanding.
Embrace the Inbetweens: It's Okay to Be Alone
The speaker encourages listeners to embrace the inbetweens, stating that it's okay to be alone and not have company. He assures them that those on the other side will eventually extend their hands when they see the legitimacy of their work. However, he cautions against building one's identity on those associations, as God may eventually call them to leave.
Praying in the Holy Ghost: Breaking Down the Walls
The speaker leads a prayer, urging listeners to pray in the Holy Ghost and ask for light to shine on their hearts, breaking down any limiting walls. He emphasizes that lives change from the inside out and that no devil is powerful enough to fight a renewed mind.
Prophetic Utterances: Challenging Your Limits
The speaker explains that one of the ways God changes lives is through prophetic utterances that challenge limits. He encourages listeners to meditate on these utterances and pray in the spirit over them. He uses the example of the statement "you don't need money," urging listeners to go back into the secret place and pray over the scriptures and references given.
Shattering Limitations: The Shout in Your Spirit
The speaker emphasizes that many believers miss it by not giving enough attention and time to break down limitations. He explains that Jericho's walls only came down because the Israelites went around them repeatedly until a shout came in their spirit. He urges listeners to stay on the word until they see it in scriptures and a shout comes up in their spirit, shattering the limitations and moving them to the next level.
