1. We are to train ourselves for godliness. (I Timothy 4:7) “Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness”
A. Growing in the Christian life is something that is both passive and active. It is dependent on what we do and what God does in us. Its a divine synergy as revealed in Philippians 2:12 and I Corinthians 15:10
2. What are spiritual disciplines? (I Corinthians 9:27) “But I discipline my body and keep it under control…”
A. Jesus’ life modeled these disciplines. Spiritual disciplines are biblical practices that help us become closer to God and conformed to Christ.
B. Spiritual disciplines are something you do, not something you are.
C. Some spiritual disciplines are practiced alone; some are practiced with others. For example, the Bible instructs us to pray in private, but it also teaches us to pray with the church.
3. What spiritual disciplines are in place to improve my relationship with God? (Matt. 22:37) “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”
A. What do I want my relationship with God be like? What can I do to improve my relationship and what am I doing that hinders? What do you expect as a result?
B. Here are some disciplines that will improve your relationship with God:
Solitude - “At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place.” Luke 4:42
Bible study - “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.” Psalm 19:7
Meditation - “I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.” Psalm 119:15
Prayer - “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2
Worship - “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” John 4:24
4. What spiritual disciplines are in place to improve my relationship with other believers. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35
A. Here are some things that will improve your relationship to other believers. Much of the list above, pray, study worship. “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42
Fellowship - “All the believers were together and had everything in common.” Acts 2:44
Service - “...serve one another humbly in love.” Galatians 5:13
5. What spiritual disciplines do I have for my relationship with non-believers. I Peter 2:12 “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”
A. Here are some things that will improve your relationship to non-believers. Remember the example Jesus gives in the parable of the good Samaritan.
Caring - “so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. I Thess. 2:8
Sharing - “so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.” I Thess. 2:8 Godly example - “You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed.” II Thess. 2:10