Spiritual Disciplines

1 Timothy 4:7-8 Exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.

Spiritual Disciplines are those exercises found in Scripture that help disciples to grow in Christlikeness. The following are some of the key “personal” and “interpersonal” disciplines that we need to be focusing on in our Discipleship Group.

Bible Engagement

This is the most important of Spiritual Disciplines. Research shows that Biblically engaged people will serve more, share the gospel more, give more, and live missionally more. In other words, those who practice this discipline are more likely to practice other Spiritual Disciplines as well.

Personal: Bible Reading, Bible Meditation & Memorization and Bible Study

1) The first practice we want to establish in the life of a disciple is the habit of reading God’s Word daily. “Getting people into God’s Word until the Word gets into them”, will pave the way for long-term spiritual growth that manifests in a life lived fully for Christ. This is why our Discipleship Groups are using a DLife Journal Bible Reading Plan.

2) Biblical meditation is thinking deeply about what God says to us in His Word. (5 Steps) Biblical memorization is hiding God’s Word in our heart. (How To) These exercises will strengthen your understanding of God’s Word and help you in hearing what God is saying to you through His Word.

3) Bible study, as opposed to reading, concentrates on a single topic, Bible character, or specific passage of the Bible for closer study. This practice takes a longer block of uninterrupted time. One main difference between reading and studying is writing down what you learn. This isn't just so you'll remember it later. The very act of writing requires you to formulate your thoughts clearly. (3 Things)

Interpersonal: Bible Discussions and Focused Application

1) The impact of Scripture on our lives is deeply enhanced as we engage with Scripture with others. When a person learns something new in the Scriptures, these discoveries can be addressed in a small group setting where they can be (1) checked against the ideas and discoveries of other believers and (2) nudged by the group toward application. Where a group member may struggle to connect the Bible to his or her life, other group members can work together to provide guidance. (This is why Discipleship Groups gather weekly…to practice these interpersonal aspects of Bible Engagement.)

Prayer

It is one thing to read Scripture, because we get the instant benefit of knowledge and insight, but prayer is one of those things which require faith. We are praying to someone we cannot see and expecting an answer we cannot control. And like every other thing which requires faith, prayer runs contrary to the natural man and to the world in which we live and thus is not only often neglected but is difficult to do.

Here are some reasons we don’t pray. 1) Our view of God is too small. 2) We don’t feel near to the Lord 3) We don’t believe prayer really works 4) We are walking in pride and self-sufficiency…and are not aware of our need 5) We don’t discipline ourselves to pray.

Of the reasons above, which one do you struggle with the most? Here are some practical steps to help you begin this discipline.

Personal: Settle on a Plan, Grab and Pen and Pad, Give Thanks, Pray the Bible,

1) Sometimes it’s not so much that we don’t want to pray; it is that we don’t have a plan to pray. Set aside a small amount of time each day to pray. Start off with 5 minutes. Be sure to pick a spot that is free of distractions. In Matthew 6, Jesus tells us to find a “secret” place…that’s nice a quiet. If phones, TV’s and computers…or people prove to be distraction, then you need to find another time and/or place:)

2) Write down the things you are talking to God about. On a piece of paper draw a line down the middle. On the left side list your prayers or the people you are praying for. When God answers a prayer, find the request and write the answer on the right side. Maybe each day of the week you can focus on a different group of people (Monday…close family; Tuesday… close friends; Wednesday…coworkers, etc)

3) Give Thanks. This is a great way to begin praying. Think of Psalm 100:4: Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!" In fact 1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us that giving thanks “in all circumstances” is “the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

4) To pray the Bible, simply go through the passage line by line, talking to God about whatever comes to mind as you read the text.