Embracing Spiritual Disciplines for Deeper Connection with God
Summary
### Summary
Today, we embark on a new sermon series focused on the spiritual disciplines that guide us in following Christ. The early Christians were known as "followers of the way," and this series aims to help us understand and practice the spiritual disciplines that lead us into the presence of God. These disciplines, such as prayer, Bible study, service, and worship, are not just activities but doorways into a deeper relationship with God. They will disrupt our normal routines and challenge our priorities, but they are essential for spiritual growth.
Paul's letter to the Philippians emphasizes the importance of unity and working out our salvation with fear and trembling. This involves effort and intentionality, not to earn salvation but to live more fully in the kingdom of God. The spiritual disciplines are the means by which we can develop the same mindset as Christ and enact it in our lives. They are deliberate actions that help us move from mere knowledge to transformative action.
The analogy of hiking and totems was used to illustrate the importance of markers and guides in our spiritual journey. Just as totems guide hikers on the right path, spiritual disciplines guide us into the presence of God. They are inconvenient and will get in the way of our usual routines, but that is precisely their purpose. They help us prioritize our spiritual growth over our comfort and convenience.
As we go through this series, you are invited to practice these disciplines deliberately and intentionally. They will require effort and may disrupt your life, but they will also lead you into a deeper, more transformative relationship with God. The goal is to live more fully in the kingdom of God and to be spiritually formed through these practices.
### Key Takeaways
1. Spiritual Disciplines as Doorways: Spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible study, service, and worship are not just activities but doorways into the presence of God. They disrupt our normal routines and challenge our priorities, but they are essential for spiritual growth. These practices are the means by which we enter into the divine presence and live more fully in the kingdom of God. [36:16]
2. Effort in Spiritual Growth: Paul emphasizes the importance of working out our salvation with fear and trembling. This involves effort and intentionality, not to earn salvation but to live more fully in the kingdom of God. Spiritual growth requires deliberate actions that move us from mere knowledge to transformative action. [40:28]
3. Markers in Our Spiritual Journey: Just as totems guide hikers on the right path, spiritual disciplines guide us into the presence of God. They serve as markers that help us navigate our spiritual journey, ensuring we stay on the right path and do not get lost. These markers are essential for a satisfying and fulfilling spiritual life. [34:09]
4. Inconvenience as a Sign of Growth: Spiritual disciplines will get in the way of our usual routines and comfort zones. This inconvenience is not a hindrance but a sign of growth. It challenges us to prioritize our spiritual development over our comfort and convenience, leading to a deeper relationship with God. [49:08]
5. Action Over Knowledge: The purpose of knowledge is action, not just accumulation of information. In the Western world, we are good at gaining information but often lack in taking action. Spiritual disciplines require us to move from knowing to doing, from motion to deliberate action, to truly live into the kingdom of God. [53:06]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[11:06] - Announcements
[13:51] - Offering and Prayer
[28:47] - Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:12-13
[29:47] - Lawsuit Dismissal Announcement
[30:45] - Hiking Analogy and Totems
[35:10] - Introduction to Spiritual Disciplines
[36:16] - Spiritual Disciplines as Doorways
[40:28] - Effort in Spiritual Growth
[41:33] - Kingdom of Heaven vs. Present Evil Age
[45:13] - Practical Examples of Spiritual Disciplines
[49:08] - Inconvenience as a Sign of Growth
[53:06] - Action Over Knowledge
[55:21] - Invitation to Practice Spiritual Disciplines
[56:54] - Closing Prayer and Holy Communion
[01:04:29] - Communion Instructions and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Philippians 2:12-13 (NIV): "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling"? ([28:47])
2. How does Paul describe God's role in our spiritual growth in Philippians 2:13? ([28:47])
3. What analogy did the pastor use to explain the importance of spiritual disciplines in our lives? ([34:09])
4. According to the sermon, what are some examples of spiritual disciplines mentioned? ([47:39])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the need for effort and intentionality in our spiritual growth? How does this align with the concept of not earning salvation but living fully in the kingdom of God? ([40:28])
2. How do spiritual disciplines act as "doorways" into the presence of God, according to the sermon? ([36:16])
3. The pastor mentioned that spiritual disciplines will disrupt our normal routines. Why is this disruption considered a sign of growth? ([49:08])
4. How does the analogy of hiking and totems help us understand the role of spiritual disciplines in our spiritual journey? ([34:09])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current spiritual practices. Are there any spiritual disciplines you feel called to incorporate more intentionally into your life? What steps can you take to start this week? ([55:21])
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of moving from knowledge to action. Identify one area in your spiritual life where you have knowledge but have not yet taken action. What specific action can you take this week to bridge that gap? ([53:06])
3. Spiritual disciplines are meant to disrupt our routines and challenge our priorities. What is one routine or priority in your life that might need to be adjusted to make room for spiritual growth? ([49:08])
4. The pastor mentioned that spiritual disciplines will often feel inconvenient. How can you prepare yourself mentally and spiritually to embrace these inconveniences as opportunities for growth? ([36:16])
5. Think about a time when you felt spiritually stagnant. How might incorporating regular spiritual disciplines have helped you during that period? What can you learn from that experience to apply now? ([45:13])
6. The sermon highlighted the importance of community in our spiritual journey. How can you involve others in your practice of spiritual disciplines to encourage mutual growth and accountability? ([56:54])
7. Identify one specific spiritual discipline (prayer, Bible study, service, worship) that you want to focus on this month. What is a practical plan you can create to ensure you practice it consistently? ([47:39])
Devotional
Day 1: Spiritual Disciplines as Doorways
Spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible study, service, and worship are not just activities but doorways into the presence of God. These practices disrupt our normal routines and challenge our priorities, but they are essential for spiritual growth. By engaging in these disciplines, we open ourselves to a deeper relationship with God and live more fully in His kingdom. They are the means by which we enter into the divine presence and experience transformation.
These disciplines are not meant to be mere checkboxes on a spiritual to-do list. Instead, they are intentional practices that draw us closer to God. When we commit to these disciplines, we allow God to work in our lives in profound ways. They help us to focus on what truly matters and to prioritize our spiritual growth over our comfort and convenience. As we practice these disciplines, we will find ourselves more attuned to God's presence and more aligned with His will for our lives.
John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Reflection: What spiritual discipline can you commit to this week to draw closer to God? How can you make space in your daily routine for this practice? [36:16]
Day 2: Effort in Spiritual Growth
Paul emphasizes the importance of working out our salvation with fear and trembling. This involves effort and intentionality, not to earn salvation but to live more fully in the kingdom of God. Spiritual growth requires deliberate actions that move us from mere knowledge to transformative action. It is not enough to simply know about God; we must actively seek to live out our faith in tangible ways.
This effort is not about striving in our own strength but about partnering with God in our spiritual journey. It requires us to be intentional about our spiritual practices and to prioritize our relationship with God. As we put in the effort to grow spiritually, we will find ourselves becoming more like Christ and more fully living in the kingdom of God. This process of growth is ongoing and requires our continual commitment and dedication.
Philippians 2:12-13 (ESV): "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure."
Reflection: What specific actions can you take this week to work out your salvation with fear and trembling? How can you be more intentional about your spiritual growth? [40:28]
Day 3: Markers in Our Spiritual Journey
Just as totems guide hikers on the right path, spiritual disciplines guide us into the presence of God. They serve as markers that help us navigate our spiritual journey, ensuring we stay on the right path and do not get lost. These markers are essential for a satisfying and fulfilling spiritual life. They provide direction and help us to stay focused on our spiritual goals.
Spiritual disciplines act as guideposts that keep us aligned with God's will. They help us to recognize when we are straying from the path and to make course corrections as needed. By regularly engaging in these practices, we can ensure that we are moving in the right direction and growing in our relationship with God. These markers are not always easy to follow, but they are crucial for our spiritual well-being.
Psalm 119:105 (ESV): "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Reflection: What spiritual disciplines serve as markers in your spiritual journey? How can you use these disciplines to stay on the right path and grow closer to God? [34:09]
Day 4: Inconvenience as a Sign of Growth
Spiritual disciplines will get in the way of our usual routines and comfort zones. This inconvenience is not a hindrance but a sign of growth. It challenges us to prioritize our spiritual development over our comfort and convenience, leading to a deeper relationship with God. When we embrace the inconvenience, we open ourselves to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.
Growth often requires us to step out of our comfort zones and to embrace new challenges. Spiritual disciplines are designed to disrupt our normal routines and to help us focus on what truly matters. By embracing the inconvenience, we allow God to work in our lives in powerful ways. This process may be uncomfortable, but it is essential for our spiritual growth and development.
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: How can you embrace the inconvenience of spiritual disciplines this week? What steps can you take to prioritize your spiritual growth over your comfort? [49:08]
Day 5: Action Over Knowledge
The purpose of knowledge is action, not just the accumulation of information. In the Western world, we are good at gaining information but often lack in taking action. Spiritual disciplines require us to move from knowing to doing, from motion to deliberate action, to truly live into the kingdom of God. It is not enough to simply know about God; we must actively seek to live out our faith in tangible ways.
This shift from knowledge to action is essential for our spiritual growth. It requires us to put our faith into practice and to live out the teachings of Christ in our daily lives. By engaging in spiritual disciplines, we move beyond mere intellectual understanding and into a deeper, more transformative relationship with God. This process of moving from knowledge to action is ongoing and requires our continual commitment and dedication.
James 1:22 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."
Reflection: What steps can you take this week to move from knowledge to action in your spiritual life? How can you put your faith into practice in tangible ways? [53:06]
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The gospel of Jesus Christ puts out this invitation to leave the old life behind and to take up a new life. It is not talking about when we die and go to heaven and go where God is. It's not talking about that. It's talking very specifically about the life we live now. And there are two different rhythms or kingdoms that are at work. There is the kingdom of this world, what Paul says to the Galatians in Galatians 1-4, this present evil age. And then there is the kingdom of heaven." [41:33]
2. "Whenever you see the finger of God heal someone, the kingdom of heaven has come on the earth in that moment, in that situation, in that circumstance. Whenever someone bends their knee and surrenders their life to Christ, whenever they accept the invitation of the gospel, the kingdom of heaven has come near in that moment." [42:22]
3. "The early followers in the church were not called Christians until a little bit later. At first, they were called followers of the way. Because Jesus had taught in John's Gospel that he was the way. And so they were known as followers of the way. And he was the way to the Father. His teaching, his doctrine, his instruction was what led them to the Father." [35:10]
4. "The purpose of knowledge is action, not knowledge. If we're honest, the western world is really, really good about gaining information. We live in what some are calling the technology age or the information age. We can know anything about a subject. By going online, now we have artificial intelligence that will tell us stuff if we just ask it questions." [51:54]
5. "The disciplines that we're going to talk about are those acts of the door. They are the doorways into the space of God. They are the practices that are antithetical to the practices of this world. And they are the things that lead us into the presence of God. That the church has been practicing for over 2,000 years." [44:27]
### Quotes for Members
1. "The ways in which we're going to talk about that we are able to move into the presence of God is through what's known as the spiritual disciplines. The spiritual disciplines. And what you will find is as you begin to practice these, they will get in the way. They will get in the way of your normal rhythm. They will be inconvenient. They will affect different things in your life. They will push other things out. They will be inconvenient and maybe a little frustrating." [36:16]
2. "What Paul is writing about, concerning what all the writers in the New Testament are talking about, is that the gospel of Jesus Christ puts out this invitation to leave the old life behind and to take up a new life. It is not talking about when we die and go to heaven and go where God is. It's not talking about that. It's talking very specifically about the life we live now. And there are two different rhythms or kingdoms that are at work." [41:33]
3. "The spiritual disciplines do is they help you to do what Paul tells the Philippians in chapter 2, verse 5, to have the same mindset of Christ by giving you actions to undertake that will bring that about in your life. If knowledge alone were sufficient, then the entire United States would probably be disciples. But knowledge alone is insufficient. That's what Paul is saying. Work out your salvation. There's an aspect that we play a part in and that we work. We deliberately practice these things in order to be more in the kingdom of God and have access to the divine presence." [46:51]
4. "The goal is this in this series, we're going to introduce different spiritual disciplines. They are the means by which we enter in to the divine presence. And as we go through this, I'm going to invite you to to actually practice them. I had somebody after the first service tell me, Hey, buddy, go easy on the fasting one. OK, I get it. I don't even call it fasting. I call it slowing because when you're fasting, everything slows down. It seems like time stops. It's inconvenient." [54:10]
5. "If you want to grow in your faith, if you want to be spiritually formed, if you want to enter into the presence of God, then these are the ways that you do that. And they're deliberate. We all know that simply wishing for a thing to kind of happen won't make it happen. If you have a yard that is out of control, simply wishing or hoping that it somehow might come under control and be properly cared for is not enough. Even knowing how to properly bring it under control and manicure it and maintain it, is not enough. In the end, you have to act, right?" [45:13]
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