Spiritual Discipline

Biblical Reference

Purpose

Key Practices

Prayer

Matthew 6:5-15

Communication with God; seeking guidance

Individual and communal prayer, intercession

Fasting

Matthew 6:16-18

Humbling oneself before God; seeking spiritual clarity

Abstaining from food or certain activities

Meditation

Psalm 1:2; Joshua 1:8

Reflecting on God’s word; deepening understanding

Contemplation of scripture, silent reflection

Worship

John 4:24

Honoring and praising God

Singing, singing psalms, participating in rituals

Study of Scripture

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Understanding God's will and teachings

Reading, memorizing, and discussing scripture

Fellowship

Hebrews 10:24-25

Encouraging and supporting one another

Gathering for worship, sharing meals, small groups

Service

Mark 10:45; Galatians 5:13

Living out faith through actions

Volunteering, helping others, acts of kindness

Giving

2 Corinthians 9:6-7

Generosity and reliance on God’s provision

Tithing, almsgiving, sacrificial giving

Sabbath Rest

Exodus 20:8-11

Rest and restoration; acknowledging God’s creation

Setting aside a day for rest and worship

Confession

James 5:16

Seeking accountability and forgiveness

Admitting sins to God and community

Time for a Check Up #7 “How are you exercising your faith?”

Series in a Sentence: A biblical examination of your spiritual health

Spiritual disciplines= God ordained means by which you bring yourself before God, experience Him, and care changed into Christlikeness

___________________Excuses

Read 1 Timothy 4:6-10; How would you summarize Paul’s command in this passage? Are you giving God excuses or are you exercising your faith? How are you benefiting from using the spiritual disciplines?

“Faith is not lazy – it does not incline the soul to sleep but to work.” William Gurnall

No_______________ No gain

Read Matthew 14:22-33; How does Peter exercise his faith? What was the result of Peter taking a step of faith to obey Jesus?

“What good is our multitasking, the accomplishment of more and more, and the acquisition of wealth, if we are not by the means God has given us becoming more like Jesus, the One we live for and the One who will evaluate our lives?” Whitney

Whole _____________________ Workout

Read 2 Timothy 2; What is the emphasis of this chapter? How is the Christian supposed to live? What illustration does Paul use? Using this as the benchmark, how are you exercising your faith?

“What God gives you through one discipline He does not duplicate in another. You cannot receive through a prayer meeting the identical blessings through fasting, and vice versa. All the Christian spiritual disciplines are important and singularly beneficial. A discipline neglected is a blessing unclaimed. “Whitney