To see how ten planned practices help us spiritually.
Introduction
► How does an athlete show what his priorities are? What about a musician? A student?
For all of these, the answers are similar. Because they are serious about their priorities, they discipline themselves to develop and succeed.
► What about spiritual priorities? Does our relationship with God require any purposeful discipline?
Spiritual disciplines are voluntary practices that are scheduled and maintained for the purpose of keeping spiritual priorities and developing our relationship with God. Examples are regular prayer, Bible reading, and church attendance. We must plan them, commit to them, and schedule them, rather than assume they will occur spontaneously. Any worthwhile goal requires discipline.
These practices may be called “means of grace” in the sense that God has designed these as channels through which he gives grace in response to our faith. They do not gain grace in a mechanical sense—as though twenty minutes of prayer would either manufacture twenty pounds of grace. Instead, they are effective only as the believer’s faith is expressed through them. Therefore, if a person does them as mere formalities, he will not gain much from them.
Spiritual disciplines do not serve the purpose of making us acceptable to God. We are accepted because of grace. If a person is not sure of God’s forgiveness, he cannot get forgiveness by means of spiritual disciplines.
Some Considerations about Spiritual Disciplines
They are means to a goal, not goals in themselves.
They are not precise measurements of spiritual status.
They do not substitute for obeying God.
They must be voluntary for the best results.
► Why must spiritual disciplines be voluntary for the best results?
Some reasons that they should be voluntary:
Because true personal priorities are voluntarily set. If someone forces you to do it, it is his priority instead of yours.
Because a relationship based on love develops only voluntarily.
Because grace is given only if the disciplines express personal faith.
To promote spiritual disciplines, a leader must describe their benefits rather than trying to force people to practice them.
A List of Spiritual Disciplines
It is not necessary to look up all the references in this section. The study assignment will ask the student to look them up later. You could select some to look at during the lesson as time allows.
1. Prayer. Every Christian should have a set daily time for prayer.
2. Bible study. Psalm 119 shows the work of God’s Word in a worshipper’s life.
3. Fasting. Great Christian examples throughout history set an example of scheduled fasting. The Bible contains many examples of God’s response to fasting. Jesus expected that his disciples would fast after his earthly ministry was over (Matthew 9:15, Matthew 6:16-18).
4. Church attendance. Believers should gather for worship, prayer, edification, and scripture study (Hebrews 10:25).
5. The Lord’s Supper/Communion. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 describes Christ’s institution of this custom and shows that the church practiced it literally.
6. Spiritual accountability. We need to be under spiritual guidance from a mentor (Hebrews 13:17). We are to pray together about personal spiritual needs (James 5:16). We need to know the needs of our closest Christian friends so that we can share their burdens (Galatians 6:2).
7. Giving. Hebrews 13:16 tells us to remember to do good and to give. 1 Corinthians 16:2 describes the church giving weekly offerings for a particular need. The principle of tithing is the means God has designed for the support those in full-time ministry.
8. Ministry. God has given spiritual gifts for Christians to use to benefit one another (1 Corinthians 12). Every person has a role of ministry. He should find his calling and set specific plans for fulfilling it.
9. A spiritual diary. This discipline is not specified in scripture, but it is important to remember the work of God (Psalm 78:11). A spiritual diary can be a record of struggles, victories, answers to prayer, ministry events, and spiritual lessons. It can also be a means of maintaining a list of prayer concerns in order to pray with purpose.
10. Devotional study. A believer should read books on prayer, doctrine, and spiritual growth.
It is not good for a person to become proud of his discipline. However, a person should not reject spiritual disciplines in order to avoid pride, just as a musician should not stop practicing.
For Group Sharing
Now, use the form provided at the end of this lesson to make specific commitments to these spiritual disciplines.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Help me to maintain my focus on spiritual priorities by making a place for these spiritual disciplines in my life. I want to give you the time that you deserve.
Help me to be faithful in my commitment. Guard me from pride in my spiritual progress.
Help me to remember that my spiritual disciplines are to express my love for you and my faith in you.
Thank you for your grace that works in me beyond all that I can do.
Amen
Study Assignment
Look up the references that were given in the list of spiritual disciplines. Observe how these disciplines are spoken of as vital to the Christian life. (Psalm 119 was studied previously, so it is not necessary to review that whole chapter again this week.)
1. Prayer. I will pray daily at _________ for ___________ minutes.
2. Bible study. I will study the Bible daily at _________. I will measure my study by _________________________________________ (time or other means).
3. Fasting. I will fast each week on ___________ for _________ (length of time).
4. Church attendance. I will attend the following church services and Bible studies regularly:
Day ___________ Time ___________
Day ___________ Time ___________
Day ___________ Time ___________
5. The Lord’s Supper/Communion. I will participate in the communion offered at my church, which is offered every ____________ (estimate frequency).
6. Spiritual accountability. I will report my spiritual condition and receive spiritual direction from _____________ (specific spiritual mentor) every ____________ (time).
7. Giving. I will pay tithe at ____________________________ (specify church).
8. Ministry. I will regularly minister in the following way:
9. A spiritual diary. I will maintain a journal which I will update _____ times per week.
10. Devotional study. I will do the following devotional reading:
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