Sermon Notes

What are Spiritual Disciplines

Spiritual disciplines are practices modeled by Jesus that create space for us to encounter God.

“The practices are disciplines based on the lifestyle of Jesus that create time and space for us to access the presence and power of the Spirit and, in doing so, be transformed from the inside out.”—John Mark Comer

Key Thought: “It’s not about acting like Jesus; it’s about being transformed by Him.”

These practices require intentionality and training—not just trying harder.

Practice #1: Sabbath – The Gift of Rest

Exodus 20:8-11 & Deuteronomy 5:12-15 – The Sabbath commandment is rooted in both creation and freedom from slavery.

Two truths about Sabbath:
1. It is not just a break from work—it’s an invitation into God’s rhythm of rest.
2. It is an act of trust—declaring that we are not in control, God is.

Jesus & Sabbath:

He taught in synagogues on the Sabbath (Mark 1:21).

He healed and served others on the Sabbath (Matthew 12:9-13).

Mark 2:27-28: “The Sabbath was made for humankind, not humankind for the Sabbath.”

Key Thought: “Sabbath is not about legalism; it’s about freedom. It’s a gift, not a burden.”

Practice #2: Solitude – The Power of Quiet

Jesus frequently withdrew to be alone with the Father (Mark 6:31-32).

“Solitude is a place where we unplug from noise and distractions to be alone with God.”Ruth Haley Barton

Why is solitude hard?

We live in constant noise—not just sounds, but busyness and distractions.

We resist stillness because it forces us to confront what’s in our hearts.

Solitude is not loneliness—it’s intentional time with God to:

1. Be refreshed.
2. Hear God’s voice.
3. Break free from the constant need for approval and productivity.

Practice #3: Prayer – More Than Just Words

Jesus’ life was defined by prayer—from His baptism to the cross.

John Mark Comer’s Four Types of Prayer:
1. Talking to God – Pre-written prayers, Psalms, worship songs.
2. Talking with God – Conversational prayer: gratitude, lament, requests.
3. Listening to God – Silence, meditation on Scripture.
4. Being with God – Simply resting in His presence.

Challenge: What steps can you take this week to spend intentional time with God in prayer?

Practical Steps for Spiritual Growth

Start where you are, not where you “should” be.
Comparison is the enemy of progress. Take one small step at a time.

Think of subtraction, not just addition.
Sometimes, growth isn’t about doing more—it’s about removing distractions.

Reframe disciplines as a joy, not an obligation.
“We don’t have to spend time with God; we get to spend time with Him.”

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Questions and challenges:

Q: The sermon talked about how our world is constantly busy and noisy. What’s your go-to way to unwind after a long, hectic day?

Q: Mark 2:27-28 says, “The Sabbath was made for humankind, not humankind for the Sabbath.” Have you ever thought of rest as a gift from God rather than something you have to earn?

Q: Jesus often withdrew to be alone and pray (Mark 6:31-32). Why do you think solitude was such a priority for Him? What might we be missing when we don’t take time to be alone with God?

Q: Pastor Derek said, “Sometimes growth isn’t about doing more—it’s about removing distractions.” What are some distractions in your life that might be keeping you from experiencing true rest, solitude, or deeper prayer?

Q: The sermon challenged us to reframe spiritual disciplines as a joy rather than an obligation. Have you ever struggled with seeing things like prayer or Sabbath as just another “to-do”? How can we shift our mindset?

Q: This week, how can you take one small step toward Sabbath, solitude, or a deeper prayer life? How can we, as a group, encourage each other in this?