Spiritual Disciplines for Disciples Jimmie Handley and Doris Batey January 24, 2015

Define Spiritual Define Discipline

“ Spiritual Disciplines are exercises that one engages in habitually, or which brings one closer to God and thus become more godly in character and behavior.”

“The Spiritual Disciplines are those personal and corporate disciplines that promote spiritual growth.” D.S. Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, 1991 NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO

We must “discipline₁; exercise₂; train₃; {cultivate piety—seek to become more holy₄;}” ourselves, for the purpose of godliness.

As disciples, we must engage in “spiritual exercises or disciplines” to develop godliness.

“The Spirituals Disciplines are the God-given means we are to use in the Spirit-filled pursuit of Godliness.” D. S. Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, 1991 NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO.

“Godly people are disciplined people.”

Think of Spiritual Disciplines as spiritual exercises—physical disciplines promote strength; Spiritual Disciplines promote Godliness. D. S. Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life

“God uses three primary catalysts for changing and conforming us to Christlikeness—

PEOPLE CIRCUMSTANCES and SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES” D. S. Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life

Prayer Daniel 6:10; Colossians 4:2 Meditation Psalm 1:1-2; Philippians 4:8 Fasting Nehemiah 1:4; Acts 13:2-3; 14:23 Singing Psalm 71:23;Acts 16:25

Giving Hebrews 13:16; Acts 20:35 Assembling Psalm 122:1; Hebrews 10:24-25 Hospitality Hebrews 13:2 Teaching Hebrews 5:12-14

Purpose: To praise God—to express adoration Matt 6:9 To pray that God’s will be done Matt 6:10; 26:39, 42 To make requests for daily needs Matt 6:11 To confess our sins, seeking mercy Matt 6:12; 1 John 1:9; To ask for God’s providential care Matt 6:13; Rom 1:9-10 To express thanksgiving 1 Thess 5:17-18

To find peace in the midst of anxiety Phil 4:6-7 To receive strength and boldness from God Eph 3:14-16, 20 To find opportunity for service to God Col 4:3 To receive wisdom from God James 1:5-8 To intercede on behalf of others James 5:14-16; 1 Tim 2:1-2

A spiritual exercise practiced by men and women of God Gen 24:24:63; Ps 1:1-2 A spiritual duty given to those who are Christians Phil 4:8; 1 Tim 4:15

Find a quiet time and place Contemplate something of value Let the Bible be your primary focus

People fast today for various reasons: For health reasons; In times of grief and sorrow; To gain some kind of self-control.

Christians should fast especially whenever circumstances require God’s help and whenever circumstances call for much prayer. Luke 18:1-8; Matt 6:17-18

The Benefits of Fellowship: To fulfill the our duties to one another: Care for one another 1 Cor 12:16 Teach and admonish one another Col 3:16 Serve one another in love Gal 5:13 Pray for one another James 5:16 Restore one another James 5:19-20 Be hospitable to one another 1 Peter 4:9

and To receive help from one another: We need encouragement to remain faithful Heb 3:12-14 We need comfort in tribulation 2 Cor 1:3-5; 1 Thess 5:11

Reasons for Giving: God blesses the giver Acts 20:35; Ps 41:1-3; Prov 19:17; God loves a cheerful giver 2 Cor 9:7; Matt6:30-33; Luke 12:6-7 God provides seed for the sower 2 Cor 9:6, 8, 9-11a God is praised by giving 2 Cor 9:14; Phil 1:3-9

1.Read and meditate on the Word of God Daily 1 Peter 2:2; Psalm 1:1-6; 19: Spend time in Prayer Hebrew 4:14-16; Philippians 4:6-7; Colossians 4:2 3.Sing Praises to God Hebrews 13:15; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16 4.Fellowship with Your Brothers and Sisters Hebrews 3:12-14; 10:24-25; Acts 20:7 5.Do Good Works Ephesians 2:19; Titus 2:11-14; Galatians 6:9-10