Disciplines for the Disciple: Introduction to Spiritual Discipline

Transcription

1 Disciplines for the Disciple: Introduction to Spiritual Discipline Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 4:7-9 But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. (NASU) Intro: As we begin a new year, we will be starting a new series titled Disciplines for the Disciple. My first exposure to spiritual disciplines came while I was at college. I took a class called Spiritual Transformation. There were several books that we had to read and one of them was Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster. To be honest, on the surface this didn t seem like something that I would be interested in. Years later, I had a fellow pastor challenge me with the different spiritual discipline. While I was attending Bethel Seminary, I need to take a course titled Spiritual Formation. I learned about where these disciplines came from and why they are important to our spiritual walk with God. I also read several other books that talked about spiritual disciplines. As a pastor, I want to provide tools that will help you as you grow in your relationship with God. Today, we are going to have an Introduction to Spiritual Discipline and then we will look at them most in-depth for the next several weeks. Body: The first questions that needs to be asked is What is a Spiritual Discipline? Spiritual Disciplines are not the desired end product of spiritual life but rather they are a means to an end. They are the intentional development of authentic Spiritual life and intimacy with God. Richard Foster in his book, Celebration of Discipline says,

2 God has given us the Disciplines of the spiritual life as a means of receiving His grace. The Disciplines allow us to place ourselves before God so that He can transform us. They are God s means of grace. Donald S. Whitney, associate dean of the school of theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, said in his book Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, The Spiritual Disciplines are those personal and corporate disciplines that promote spiritual growth. They are the habits of devotion and experiential Christianity that have been practiced by the people of God since biblical times. Whitney, SDCL, p. 17 So, what are some reasons I should learn and exercise Spiritual Disciplines? They are called disciplines because they are not the natural intuitive thing to do. Physical disciplines include developmental exercises within the natural order of the physical body or mental aptitudes. Spiritual disciplines are developmental exercises that open us into the spiritual realm of existence. They are disciplines because I need to make a conscious choice to engage in them they are not what I would otherwise do of my own accord. There are times I don t feel like doing what I know to be necessary for my spiritual health. Disciplines provide methodology and structure and order to carry me through the times I would otherwise ignore my spiritual health. What Spiritual Disciplines are not. Spiritual disciplines are not the same as spiritual maturity. Though they are intended to enable and foster spiritual growth, actual spiritual maturity is in the purview of the Spirit.

3 Spiritual disciplines are not a guarantee for spiritual growth; rather they open the opportunity for growth by creating space for God to allow something good to happen. So now that we have a basic understand of what Spiritual Disciplines are and what they are not, let s look at the Biblical support for spiritual disciplines. In our Scripture reading this morning, we find Paul exhorting Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. (NIV) So what does this verse mean? Let s compare this with other translations. 1 Timothy 4:7 But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; (NASU) But keep away from those godless legends, which are not worth telling. Keep yourself in training for a godly life. (TEV) What is being conveyed when it says, Train yourself to be godly? A literal translation would be to exercise oneself (strip down naked before God) unto godliness. Timothy was to devote himself to much more manly pursuits. Paul introduced an athletic image with the words train yourself. The verb here is gymnaze, from which comes the English "gymnasium." But Timothy's training was to be for godliness (cf. 1 Tim 2:2), not physical fitness. Paul often used athletic analogies to drive home the need for spiritual discipline. (Bible Knowledge Commentary) It was to be a strenuous exertion, as of one training in a gymnasium. The exercise of self-discipline was not to be simply an ascetical exercise like other religions, but with a view to godliness. Christianity is a discipline as well as a dogma.

4 What is the value of spiritual exercise or discipline? We can find the value of spiritual discipline in 1 Timothy 4:8. It says, Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. (The Message) A disciplined life is far more profitable and useful that physical fitness, because it has value in this life and for eternity. Another way of saying this would be... A disciple of Christ is to engage in various "exercises" or "disciplines" that can cultivate godliness or piety. So what is a great definition of Spiritual Discipline? A spiritual discipline is a spiritual exercise that has the sole purpose of bringing us closer to God in character and behavior and opens us up to what God is saying to us. So what are some examples of Spiritual Discipline that are found in Scripture? There are several individuals that have put together lists of Spiritual Disciplines that are found in Scripture. For our look into spiritual disciplines, I am going to use Richard Foster s list found in his book, Celebration of Discipline. Inward Disciplines Outward Disciplines Corporate Disciplines Prayer Simplicity Confession Fasting Solitude Worship Study Submission Guidance Meditation & Contemplation Service Celebration Giving Today, we are just going to a brief survey of a few spiritual disciplines and in the weeks to come we will look at them individually more in depth.

5 Prayer This is the spiritual discipline in which one spends time talking with God. There are many examples of this discipline exercised throughout the Bible. Daniel prayed to God. In Daniel 6:10 it says, Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. (NIV) Jesus also demonstrated this important spiritual exercise. Luke 5:16 says, But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. (NIV) Paul encourages the church in Colossae in Colossians 4:2 Meditation Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (NIV) Meditation and Contemplation are disciplines in which one contemplates on God's Word, or other things worthy of such attention. Psalm 1:1-2 says, Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. (NIV) Philippians 4:8 says, Fasting Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things. (NIV)

6 Fasting is usually accompanied with prayer, in which one abstains from food. Nehemiah 1:4 Acts 13:2-3 When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. (NIV) While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. (NIV) We will look at these and additional spiritual disciplines as described by Richard Foster in this sermon series. But to appreciate the importance of spiritual disciplines for those who call themselves Disciples of Christ, let's understand that this series is dedicated to discipleship... What is Discipleship? In Christian usage a disciple is a follower of Jesus Christ, an adherent to the Christian tradition. Discipleship identifies the lifestyle or process whereby individuals or groups live out their understanding of what it means to be a disciple. (Dictionary of Christianity in America) What is the goal in being a disciple of Jesus? Jesus defined a disciple in Luke 6:40 No disciple is greater than his teacher; but every disciple, when he has completed his training, will be like his teacher. (TEV) In other words, to be Christ's disciple, then, is to strive to be like Him! This coincides with God's goal in the redemption of humanity, that they be conformed to the image of His Son. Romans 8:29

7 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. (NIV) Since Jesus is the Son of God, the goal of a disciple is to be more like Him, more godly. Carry-Over: Are you a disciple of Christ...? Jesus wants us to become His disciple - Mt 28:19-20 Jesus wants us to become like Him - Lk 6:40 With the aid of spiritual disciplines, we are more likely to become what Jesus wanted... For Jesus Himself often taught His disciples to engage in such activities Through both precept and example, Jesus taught His disciples regarding such activities If you are a disciple of Jesus Christ, then I trust that this sermon series on Spiritual Disciplines will be of special to interest to you. Our theme verse for this series is 1 Timothy 4:7-9 But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. (NASU)