Spiritual discipline for Christians means giving everything about yourself to GOD to train you on how to live a holy life and the readiness to be chastised when you disobey the rules.
It is not a news that the brevity and victory of the army in any war is directly related to the training they received on camp. And the athletes that win gold medals after a tough competition went through strict disciplines by their coaches.
Today’s message would explain the significance of spiritual discipline and the best choice for you.
Why do You Need Spiritual Discipline?
Many Christians tried to avoid the spiritual training because of the pains related to it and when they face the storm of life, it becomes a disaster to their faith.
It is good to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour but that is not all about the Christian race to heaven. You also need the spiritual training from the Holy Spirit to make you a strong energetic Christian to the end of the race.
The parable of Jesus recorded in the book of Mark chapter 4 made it clear that there is more training to do after joining the Christendom:
“…Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow… Some fell on stony ground, where it did not have much earth; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of earth…some seed fell among thorns; the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no crop…
“And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts… and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they stumble.
“Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.”
7 Major Benefits of Spiritual Discipline include:
1. Acquisition of Divine Power.
2. Your spirit being would be strong enough to wrestle and win.
3. It becomes impossible for your body to move into sin.
4. You’ll find it easier to see and hear from the LORD.
5. Devil cannot steal your joy even during the hard times.
6. You treasure in Heaven is enormous than the richest sinner on earth.
7. Steady victory over unavoidable daily temptations.
What did Bible Say about Spiritual Training?
Some bible verses about spiritual discipline which you can read and meditate upon include:
1. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:1-2)
2. “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.
And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-25)
3. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
4. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:16)
5. “Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrew 12:11)
6. “Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.” (Proverbs 12:1)
7. “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore, be zealous and repent.” (Revelation 3:19)
8. “You should know in your heart that as a man chastens his son, so the LORD your God chastens you.” (Deuteronomy 8:5)
9. “Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; Therefore, do not despise the chastening of the Almighty.” (Job 5:17)
10. “You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” (2 Timothy 2:3)
5 Major Steps to Spiritual Discipline
Christians that would make it to the end are always referred to as Soldiers of Christ.
Note: This had nothing to do with attending a school of Theology because God Himself is your trainer!
Below are some key steps to take before you can make yourself available to God for spiritual training;
1. Your status as a born-again Christian must Love GOD more than anyone on earth.
“He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.
And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:37-39)
2. Readiness to obey every command from the LORD without argument. To replace heart of flesh with heart of stone. (Ezekiel 36:26)
3. Set your mind to the reality that there are good and difficult times, joy and sorrow, sacrifices and pains on the training camp.
4. Trust no one on earth and make Jesus Christ your only Close Friend.
5. Put everything about this world behind you!
7 Spiritual Disciplines for Your Success as a Christians
1. Frequent Prayers
Daily prayers mean consistent communication to the LORD for direction and establishment of His will in your life.
2. Bible Studies
Reading and meditating the word of GOD with a humble heart to learn something new every day is essential.
3. Fasting
No room for gluttony or hunger for the worldly sweets. Regular fasting shapes your body and helps your spirit to concentrate.
4. Heartful Worship
You don’t worship God through the name of any pastor. You worship the LORD through His Name recorded in the Bible.
5. Evangelism
At least one person should hear about Jesus Christ through you every day. Make yourself available in your environment to propagate the Gospel likewise your internet availability.
6. Servanthood
Help the poor, the weak, the vulnerable, widows, orphans and the likes as directed by the LORD.
7. Check and Balance
Always do a self-examination of your actions and reactions all the time with the Word of God as your standard.
“Therefore, let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” (1Corinthians 10:12)
If all these spiritual disciplines are practiced by our Lord Jesus Christ when on earth then it is wise for you to get trained by the LORD.
