Spiritual Discipline

Adults class

Memory verse

For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. – (KJV)

Bible passage

(KJV) 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Tap underlined scripture to read the verses here.

Introduction

INTRODUCTION: When we hear the word discipline, we often relate it to cruel punishment or harsh words, but discipline is far from that. Discipline is strict training carried out judiciously over time to achieve a specific goal. At every stage in our lives, we see that discipline comes into play; from childhood experiences, when our parents set certain standards in the home (), to teachers in the classroom and society at large. Now, for believers, spiritual discipline is an intentional practice and habitual exercise that helps deepen our relationship and intimacy with God.

Lesson outlines

1.KEY SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE
2.THE NEED FOR SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE
1.KEY SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE
As believers, we should always study our Bible and be doers of God’s word because it is the blueprint for our lives (Psalm 119:105; Joshua 1:8). Prayer is a means of communicating with the Father and knowing His mind (Luke 18:1; Thessalonians 5:17). Fasting subdues the flesh, edifies our spirit and also releases supernatural power to us (Matthew 17:21). Worship should be a lifestyle for believers. We should constantly live a life of worship and praise (John 4:24; Philippians 3:3).
As believers, we should devote ourselves to fellowship with one another and Christian service in our local assembly (Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:25). Evangelism is about sharing the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ and it is a commandment for all believers (Matthew 28:19-20). We must devotedly witness for Christ (Romans 10:14-15; Mark 16:15).
2.THE NEED FOR SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINETry Meditation
Some of the reasons we need to be spiritually disciplined include:
1.Conformity: Christ is our Lord, and we all must be conformed to His nature and likeness (Romans 12:2; Hebrews 12:1-2).
2.Intimacy: Spiritual discipline brings intimacy with God and gives strength over sin and temptations (James 4:8; Jeremiah 29:13).
3.Growth: Our devotion to the things of God brings growth in knowledge and enables us to do greater works than Jesus (2 Peter 3:18; John 14:12).
4.Continuous fellowship and answers to prayers: The discipline of a continuous study of God’s word will ensure that we are in constant fellowship with Him, and we will also receive answers to prayers (2 Timothy 2:15; John 15:7). It also helps to avoid falling away (John 15:6).
5.Bearing fruit: Spiritual discipline will propel us to constantly witness Jesus and preach to others in obedience to His command (Matthew 28:19-20; John 15:5, 16).

Conclusion

CONCLUSION: Every believer in Christ must be spiritually disciplined.

Questions

1. What are the key spiritual disciplines for believers? 2. Why do believers need to be disciplined?