Our rallying cry for 2021: we practice the spiritual disciplines and we practice the spiritual gifts!
Here, we'll do a four part series to define and describe both. First up, Truly Spiritual Disciplines by Donald Whitney.
Training For Godliness
"Train yourself for godliness" (1 Timothy 4:7). No Christian coasts into Christlikeness. Godliness, according to this text, requires training. Some Bible translations render "train" as "exercise" (KJV) or "discipline" (NASB). Thus, the biblical and practical ways in daily life of living out this command to "train yourself for godliness" have often been termed "spiritual exercises" or "spiritual disciplines."
What was true in Paul's day is still true: it is by means of the spiritual disciplines found in Scripture that we are to pursue godliness.
The spiritual disciplines are those practices found in Scripture that promote spiritual growth among believers in the gospel of Jesus Christ. They are habits of devotion and experiential Christianity that have been practiced by the people of God since biblical times.
Three Steps For Practicing Gospel-Centered Spirituality
So how do Christians practice a gospel-centered spirituality?
First: Practice The Right Disciplines
Practice the right disciplines – those personal and interpersonal spiritual disciplines found in the Bible. A gospel-centered spirituality is a sola scriptura spirituality.
- Bible Intake: Reading, studying, memorizing, meditating on Scripture
- Prayer: Adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication
- Fasting: Abstaining from food (or other things) for spiritual purposes
- Silence and Solitude: Withdrawing from noise and people to focus on God
- Journaling: Recording insights, prayers, and reflections
- Worship: Both private and corporate expressions of praise
- Fellowship: Deep, accountable relationships with other believers
- Serving: Using your gifts to build up the body of Christ
- Evangelism: Sharing the gospel with those who don't know Christ
- Giving: Generous stewardship of your resources
Second: Practice With The Right Goal
Practice the right disciplines with the right goal. Consciously practice these disciplines with Jesus as the focus – pursuing intimacy with Christ and conformity to Christ.
The goal is not to check boxes or earn God's favor. The goal is to know Christ more deeply and become more like Him. As Paul wrote, "That I may know him and the power of his resurrection" (Philippians 3:10).
The disciplines are means, not ends. They are channels through which God's grace flows to us. They position us to receive what God freely gives.
Third: Practice The Right Way
Practice the right disciplines the right way. Emphasize the person and work of Jesus in each one. Through them learn from, gaze upon, and enjoy who Jesus is and what He has done.
When you read Scripture, look for Christ on every page. When you pray, come through the access Christ has won for you. When you fast, do so in dependence on Christ who is your true bread. When you serve, serve as one who has been served by the Servant King.
Gospel-centered disciplines keep grace central. They flow from our identity in Christ, not toward earning an identity. They are empowered by the Spirit, not by willpower. They result in worship, not self-righteousness.
Remember: The spiritual disciplines are not the Christian life itself, but the means to the Christian life. They are like a trellis that supports the vine – necessary for growth, but not the source of life. Christ is the vine. We are the branches. The disciplines help us abide in Him.
