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What are Spiritual Disciplines?

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We must first note that we cannot find the term “spiritual disciplines” in the Bible. Most of the times we read the word “discipline” in the Bible it is in conjunction with reproof or correction. This is not the type of discipline people generally refer to with the term “spiritual disciplines.”

Biblically Defining “Spiritual Disciplines”

The closest use of the word “discipline” in the Bible to how the term “spiritual disciplines” is generally used in Christian circles can be found in 1 Timothy 4:7 where the Apostle Paul exhorted Timothy, “train yourself to be godly.” The New American Standard Bible words it, “discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.” It uses the Greek word “gymnazo” from which we get the English word “gymnastic.” Hence, this kind of discipline is more training, practicing, or exercising to become fit.

We could then say that spiritual disciplines are those practices that we impose on ourselves to make us spiritually fit or healthy. We are putting structure into our lives so as to be intentional in our quest to grow spiritually, to get to know God better through the various means described in Scripture that can lead to such growth.
Getting Spiritually Fit - Engaging in Spiritual Disciplines

The Getting Spiritually Fit Discipleship Tool further examines the idea of “spiritual disciplines” as a biblical concept and asks you to personally reflect on your willingness to do what it takes to get spiritually fit.

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9 Replies to “What are Spiritual Disciplines?”

  1. I often set my alarm for 4 a.m. to spend time with God but usually feel too tired to even sit up. What do I do?

    • Praise God that you are making this effort. It is good to spend our first waking moments with the Lord but it doesn’t sound like you are too awake then. We do have Jesus’ example of spending the night in prayer or getting up early to be alone with the Father. We do not, however, find a command in Scripture that we must consistently do the same. To be sure, though, there are times it is needed. The devotion God looks for is that we give Him our all (Matt. 22:37). If you feel like you are too tired to even sit up, you undoubtedly are not focusing on Him with your whole heart, soul, mind, and strength. Is there a better time of the day when you can consistently spend time with God in this way? If 4 a.m. is the only time you feel you can really get alone with God, is it possible to go to bed earlier so you can be more awake? Are there things you can do to wake yourself up more? If you want to give God time first in your day, could you get up a little later and spend less time with Him then when you are more awakened and more time with Him later in the day? I am asking these questions for you to think through options. What will work for you? Getting up early just does not work for everybody. The key is that you are consistently spending time with the Lord, not merely when. God knows your heart.

  2. Also, remember that you are starting a new routine (practice) that your body is not discipline to. Just like athletes, they discipline their mind to take control over their body and make it obey. So, maybe you might need to discipline your body (flesh) and have your spirit man have full control over your flesh. SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE, don,t give into the flesh, no matter what time you choose to spend quality time with God, your flesh will try to stop you. Keep going forward my brother and you will see the benefits of enduring as a strong soldier in the Lord. Be bless.

    • Yes, Javier Mercado, there are parallels to spiritual discipline and physical discipline. One of the big similarities is that they can both be difficult in the beginning as you develop the needed muscles. One of the biggest contrasts I find is that with spiritual disciplines we aren’t left to mere will power to keep going. We have God’s Spirit to motivate and empower us as we look to Him for help.

  3. I need person who helps me change from sin to spiritual discipline like jesus christ

    • Only Jesus Christ Himself can free us from the sin that binds us and bring us into a personal relationship with God. When we put our trust in Jesus to save us from our sin, His Spirit comes to live within us. As we submit to the Spirit’s control and working in our lives, He changes us from the inside out. Having someone to disciple or mentor us in our walk can be helpful to spur us on and guide us. Perhaps this article would be helpful: Looking for a Mentor? (The related posts toward the bottom of the article may be helpful as well.)

  4. I really enjoyed this write-up, because we need spiritual disciplines to live a life well pleasing to God, knowing very well that God owns us, we are not to live for ourselves but God. For us to be able to live for God we need spiritual disciplines to serve, and we can’t do it ourselves, we must pray for God’s grace, and make use of it. We shouldn’t allow His Grace to remain idle in our lives. We must discipline ourselves from worldly distraction and comfort. He says He will strengthen us in our weakness. He knows our desire, our thoughts. There’s nothing in us that is hid before Him. He our owner. Thank you Jesus.

    • How true, Comfort Paul, that we need God’s grace to live for Him, even in exercising spiritual disciplines. The Christian life truly is all about Him!