Podcast Summary: Growing Up Spiritually, Part Four | Nancy Dufresne | Jesus the Healer Broadcast

Dufresne Ministries Podcast | January 23, 2021

Episode Overview

In this intimate episode, Pastor Nancy Dufresne continues her multi-part teaching series on "Growing Up Spiritually," recorded in her Colorado ranch’s serene setting. Focusing on the themes of renewing the mind, submitting the body, and advancing toward spiritual maturity, she draws from Scripture, personal anecdotes, and the wisdom of seasoned ministers to offer practical guidance for living as mature heirs in Christ.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Our Tripartite Make-up: Spirit, Soul, and Body

• Scripture Reference: Romans 12:1–2
• We are spirit beings who possess a soul (mind, will, emotions) and live in a body.
• Upon salvation, God gives us a completely new spirit, filled with God's life and nature.

“When you got born again, God did not heal your spirit. He gave you a brand new Spirit.” (03:47)

• God communicates with us through our spirits, not our minds, emotions, or circumstances.

2. Presenting Our Bodies as Worship

• True worship encompasses more than singing or lifting hands—it's about how we handle our bodies and what we let ourselves participate in.
• Presenting our body to God means not yielding to sin, but using our bodies in a way that glorifies Him.

“The way you handle your body is a form of worship.” (07:20)

• We are responsible custodians of our bodies; God won’t control them for us.

3. Mind Renewal: The Gateway to Transformation

• Romans 12:2: We must not conform to the world, but be transformed by renewing our minds.
• Mind renewal involves bringing our thoughts in line with God’s Word, accepting God’s definitions over our old patterns.

“The mind doesn’t stay renewed any more than the hair stays combed.” — Kenneth Hagin (14:52)

• This is a lifelong occupation—daily feeding our minds on the Word.

4. Living as Heirs: Maturity Unlocks Inheritance

• Galatians 3:29; 4:1–3: Although we are heirs through Christ, remaining spiritual children keeps us from accessing the fullness of our inheritance.
• Spiritual immaturity keeps believers in bondage to things like fear, doubt, sickness, and lack.

5. Spiritual Capacity: Growth Expands Reception

• 1 Corinthians 2:14 (AMP): The spiritually immature cannot receive the deeper things of God.
• Pastor Nancy uses an analogy of her grandchildren’s small hands taking only a little candy compared to an adult’s larger handful, illustrating that spiritual maturity increases our capacity to receive from God (19:25–20:54).

6. The Danger of Stagnation: No Neutral Ground

• Galatians 4:9: If we stop developing spiritually, we move backward (“backsliding”), not just remain static.

“To have less of God today than I did yesterday is to backslide.” — Smith Wigglesworth, quoted by Nancy (22:25)

• Without continual growth, old bondages can reclaim us.

7. Keeping the Flesh and Mind Under Control

• Like an unrestrained horse, the unchecked flesh will “run off” and potentially ruin one’s life.
• Paul himself, though spiritually mature, said, “I keep my flesh under.” (24:32)
• The greatest defense against the devil is a submitted body and a renewed mind.

“A submitted body and a renewed mind is the greatest defense you have against the devil.” (25:32)

8. Personal Anecdotes & The Joy of Discipline

• Nancy recalls childhood horse-riding adventures to illustrate the dangers of unrestrained flesh (28:45).
• She reframes self-discipline as a joy and privilege, not a hardship, and highlights the value of knowing what to do with one’s body and mind from God’s Word.

“It's a complete joy to do it. It’s a complete privilege to do it.” (31:30)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On becoming a new creature:

  “When you got born again, God did not heal your spirit. He gave you a brand new Spirit.” (03:47)

• Worship beyond the sanctuary:

  “The way you handle your body is a form of worship.” (07:20)

• On daily mind renewal:

  “The mind doesn’t stay renewed any more than the hair stays combed.” — Kenneth Hagin, quoted by Nancy (14:52)

• Spiritual capacity illustration:

  “If you remain unspiritual, you'll remain so small… you won't be able to receive much revelation…” (19:49)

• On spiritual regression:

  “To have less of God today than I did yesterday is to backslide.” — Smith Wigglesworth, quoted by Nancy (22:25)

• On self-discipline as defense:

  “A submitted body and a renewed mind is the greatest defense you have against the devil.” (25:32)

• On the privilege of spiritual growth:

  “It's a complete joy to do it. It’s a complete privilege to do it.” (31:30)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:08: Introduction and setting at the Colorado ranch
• 03:47: Explaining our spiritual makeup
• 07:20: Handling the body as worship
• 12:45: Role of mind renewal and transformation
• 14:52: Daily mind renewal (“hair combed” analogy)
• 16:35: Living as heirs; inheritance and maturity
• 19:49: Spiritual capacity—children vs. grown-ups
• 22:25: Stagnation and spiritual backsliding (quote by Wigglesworth)
• 24:32: Paul’s example of keeping the flesh under
• 25:32: The greatest defense against the devil
• 28:45: Childhood story about the Shetland pony (illustration of the unrestrained body)
• 31:30: The joy and privilege of presenting our bodies and renewing our minds

Final Thoughts

Pastor Nancy closes by encouraging listeners to consider the discipline of presenting our bodies and renewing our minds not as a burden, but as the foundational privilege that “parents” every other blessing God provides. Ongoing spiritual growth is essential, joyful, and secures freedom, abundant life, and victory.