Higher Ground

Songbook Hymn Sermons

Higher Ground

A Sermon based on the Hymn by Johnson Oatman, Jr.

Introduction:
“Higher Ground” expresses the Christian’s longing to grow, rise, and live closer to God each day. It reminds us that spiritual maturity is not passive—we press onward and upward, seeking what’s above. Rooted in Philippians 3:14 and Colossians 3:1–2, this hymn becomes a prayer for strength, hope, and victory over worldly distraction. The true disciple refuses to settle for complacency and yearns for “more”—more faith, more grace, more likeness to Christ. The journey is steep, but God’s strength lifts us to higher ground.

Stanza 1: “I’m pressing on the upward way, new heights I’m gaining every day…”
The Christian life is a constant climb. Paul said, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). We are not called to stand still, but to grow in grace (2 Peter 3:18). Each step forward is a step away from sin and closer to heaven.

Stanza 2: “My heart has no desire to stay where doubts arise and fears dismay…”
This world is filled with fear and doubt. Yet the Christian fixes their eyes on Jesus. Like Peter walking on water (Matthew 14:28–31), we falter when we focus on the storm. But when we trust the Lord, we rise. “Set your mind on things above” (Colossians 3:2), and you will move beyond the mire of doubt.

Stanza 3: “I want to live above the world, though Satan’s darts at me are hurled…”
The upward life is not free of trials—Satan attacks, temptations rage—but God provides strength. Ephesians 6:16 urges us to take up “the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” Faith lifts us above sin’s snares and keeps our eyes on eternal things.

Stanza 4: “I want to scale the utmost height and catch a gleam of glory bright…”
This stanza looks ahead to the Christian’s final goal—seeing the glory of God. We climb higher not for fame or fortune, but for the reward of heaven. As 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, we are being transformed “from glory to glory.” Our hope is not in this world, but in eternity.

Higher Ground Sermon Outline:

Stanza 1 – The Upward Path of the Christian

• Philippians 3:14 – Pressing toward the prize

• 2 Peter 3:18 – Grow in grace and knowledge

• Hebrews 12:1–2 – Run the race with endurance

Stanza 2 – Rejecting Doubt and Fear

• Colossians 3:2 – Set your mind on things above

• Matthew 14:30 – Peter sinking from fear

• Isaiah 41:10 – Fear not, I am with you

Stanza 3 – Overcoming Satan’s Attacks

• Ephesians 6:16 – Shield of faith

• James 4:7 – Resist the devil

• 1 Corinthians 10:13 – God provides a way of escape

Stanza 4 – Fixing Our Eyes on Glory

• 2 Corinthians 3:18 – Transformed from glory to glory

• 1 John 3:2 – We shall see Him as He is

• Revelation 21:7 – He who overcomes shall inherit all things

Call to Action:
Are you content with where you are spiritually—or do you long for higher ground? Christ calls us upward. Begin the climb by obeying the gospel: believe in Him (John 8:24), repent of sin (Acts 17:30), confess Christ (Romans 10:9–10), and be baptized (Acts 2:38). Then press on daily, growing in faith and climbing closer to your eternal reward.

Scripture Reference List:
Philippians 3:14 – Press toward the high calling
2 Peter 3:18 – Grow in grace
Hebrews 12:1–2 – Run with endurance
Colossians 3:2 – Set your mind on heavenly things
Matthew 14:30 – Peter’s fear and Jesus’ rescue
Isaiah 41:10 – Fear not, for I am with you
Ephesians 6:16 – Shield of faith
James 4:7 – Resist the devil
1 Corinthians 10:13 – Way of escape from temptation
2 Corinthians 3:18 – Glory to glory
1 John 3:2 – We shall see Him
Revelation 21:7 – The overcomer inherits all
John 8:24 – Believe or die in sin
Acts 17:30 – God commands repentance
Romans 10:9–10 – Confession unto salvation
Acts 2:38 – Baptism for the remission of sins

Song Author Credit:
Johnson Oatman, Jr., wrote the lyrics to “Higher Ground” in 1898. Oatman was a prolific hymn writer, contributing over 5,000 gospel songs. The tune was composed by Charles H. Gabriel, another well-known name in gospel music history.

Song History:
“Higher Ground” quickly gained popularity in revival meetings and hymnals. Its powerful message of spiritual progress and heavenly hope continues to inspire Christians to press onward with purpose. The song remains a favorite in churches of Christ and across the broader Christian community.

Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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