Pursuing Spiritual Disciplines
“9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” —Colossians 1: 9-14
“Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” – John Maxwell
Establishing discipline challenges us and cultivates growth.
““23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” —1 Thessalonians 5:23
Disciplines of Abstinence
Solitude.
Silence.
Simplicity.
Fasting.
Sabbath.
Disciplines of Engagement
Study.
Prayer.
Community.
Generosity.
Hospitality.
Start where you are at, not where you want to be.
“6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rootedand built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” —Colossians 2:6-7
Commit to finish.
“8 The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.” —Ecclesiastes 7:8
“3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 1:3-6
Keep grace in mind.
“9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” —1 Corinthians 12:9
“8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.” —Ephesians 2:8-9