Spiritual Disciplines Devotion to God’s Word Session One

Disciplined Spirituality Q: Why emphasize this approach to spiritual growth rather than other approaches (such as, exchanged life, identity in Christ, or holistic)? A: Because of the way humans are made: “Are you still asleep? Could you not watch with me one hour? The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Mark 14:37-38).

Richard Foster’s List of Disciplines Inward Prayer, Fasting, Study Outward Simplicity, Solitude, Submission, Service Corporate Confession, Worship, Guidance, Celebration

Dallas Willard’s List of Disciplines Disciplines of Abstinence Solitude, Silence, Fasting, Frugality, Chastity, Secrecy, Sacrifice Disciplines of Engagement Study, Worship, Celebration, Service, Prayer, Fellowship, Confession, Submission

What shall we focus on these four Wednesday night sessions? In response to the outpouring of God’s Spirit, the first Christians devoted themselves to four things: The apostle’s teaching The fellowship The breaking of the bread The prayers As a result, the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42&47)

The Outline for These Sessions We will plan to focus on the following four spiritual disciplines: Devotion to God’s Word Devotion to Christ’s Body Devotion to Worship Devotion to the Mission

Preliminary Questions What is the Bible and how are we to read it? A library of books written by about 40 authors writing from different cultures over about 1500 years, consisting of ancient history, law, poetry, wisdom, prophecy, gospel, letters, apocalyptic writing What is the difference between Bible teaching versus Apostolic teaching? Apostolic teaching sees the life and teaching of Jesus, his death and victory, as the interpretive key for understanding and applying all of the Scripture, old and new testament alike

Preliminary Questions What is the difference between apostolic reading and 21 st century reading: God’s Word was far more often heard than read, because people did not own Bibles. Therefore, Bible memory was far more crucial, because that’s the only way ancient people could carry God’s Word with them. But that was an advantage, in that they did far more meditation on the Word than academic study of it.

Preliminary Questions What did such meditation look like? Four levels of meaning: Literal: A big fish swallowed Jonah Tropological: Don’t run away from God’s call Allegorical: Jonah in the fish depicts Jesus in the grave Anagogical: As Jonah gave himself to the sea to save those on the ship, so Jesus gave himself up to save us.

If I would devote myself to God’s Word, how should I start? Lectio Divina (“sacred reading”) Lectio (read) Meditatio (reflect) Oratio (respond) Contemplatio (rest)

An Illustration of Lectio 1 Samuel 15: Samuel, Saul, Agag Read: Saul spared Agag, but Samuel slaughtered him. Saul was rejected. Reflect: This is a horrible picture of violence and vengeance, but Jesus has called us to love our enemies and forgive them. Respond: Help, Lord. I need the mind of Christ to understand and apply this. Further reflection: Our warfare is not of flesh and blood but of the spirit. I am to wage that war ruthlessly and violently. Respond: Thank you, Lord, for providing the weapons for spiritual warfare. Rest: My soul waits in silence – in the Lord is my rest and salvation