T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that God's ultimate purpose is to have a people in absolute ascendency, which is a central theme throughout Scripture. He illustrates this through the history of Israel, showing how their failures serve as warnings for the church today, as they lost their intended spiritual dominion due to clinging to the letter of the law rather than embracing the spirit of divine life. The sermon highlights that ascendency is achieved through discipline and challenging experiences, urging believers to view their trials as opportunities for spiritual growth rather than personal grievances. Sparks concludes by affirming that true ascendency is not merely a future promise but a present reality for those who rise above their circumstances through faith in Christ. The ultimate question remains, 'Who shall ascend?' and the answer lies in a disciplined and united people of God.

Art Katz emphasizes the importance of believers actively engaging in the process of composing papers and articles that reflect their understanding of God. He encourages a creative and diligent approach to gathering and synthesizing information, akin to an artist working on multiple canvases. Katz highlights the necessity of wrestling with biblical texts directly, rather than relying on commentaries too soon, to deepen one's understanding and credibility in faith. He warns against laziness and urges believers to be accountable for how they spend their time, advocating for a disciplined pursuit of knowledge and personal expression of faith.