Transforming Through Spiritual Disciplines and Grace

 

Summary

In our journey of spiritual transformation, we are called to set our hearts and minds on things above, aligning our will and intentions with the Kingdom of God. This transformation is not about trying harder but about training ourselves through spiritual disciplines. These disciplines are not burdensome tasks to earn God's favor but are practices that enable us to receive power and grace to live a life of love, joy, and peace in the Kingdom.

Paul's exhortation in Colossians 3 reminds us to put to death our earthly nature and clothe ourselves with virtues like compassion, kindness, and patience. This is not a mere call to moral behavior but an invitation to participate in the divine nature, as Peter writes, through the promises of God. The spiritual disciplines are the means by which we train ourselves to live in this new reality, much like an athlete trains to compete in a race.

The distinction between trying and training is crucial. Trying often leads to frustration and failure, while training involves arranging our lives around practices that empower us to do what we cannot do by sheer willpower. This is true not only for physical endeavors but also for our spiritual lives. Spiritual disciplines, such as solitude, study, and service, are not ends in themselves but means to cultivate a life that reflects the character of Christ.

Moreover, these disciplines are not about accumulating spiritual achievements but about growing in grace. They are conduits through which we receive the grace necessary to live out the fruit of the Spirit. In this way, spiritual disciplines are not about self-righteousness or human effort but about opening ourselves to the transformative work of God in our lives.

As we engage in these practices, we must remember that they are not a measure of our spiritual maturity. Instead, they are tools that help us become more like Christ, enabling us to do the right thing at the right time in the right spirit. Our goal is not to become disciplined for the sake of discipline but to live a life that is free and full of the Spirit's fruit.

Key Takeaways:

- Set Your Mind on the Kingdom: Transformation begins with setting our hearts and minds on things above, aligning our will with God's Kingdom. This involves a conscious decision to focus on spiritual realities rather than earthly distractions. [01:41]

- Training vs. Trying: Spiritual growth is not about trying harder but about training ourselves through spiritual disciplines. These practices empower us to live in the Kingdom by arranging our lives around activities that cultivate spiritual strength. [08:30]

- Grace-Filled Living: Spiritual disciplines are means of receiving grace, not earning God's favor. They help us grow in grace, enabling us to live out the fruit of the Spirit and experience the power of God in our daily lives. [19:44]

- Freedom Through Discipline: True spiritual disciplines lead to freedom, allowing us to live without being enslaved by our habits or desires. They free us to be fully present with God and others, cultivating a life of love and joy. [42:09]

- Community and Transformation: The church should be a community where spiritual transformation is nurtured. By sharing our spiritual journeys and supporting one another, we create an environment where the presence of God is evident and transformative. [59:43]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:23] - Introduction to Spiritual Disciplines
- [00:59] - Setting Our Minds on Things Above
- [02:24] - Putting to Death Earthly Nature
- [03:47] - Clothe Yourself with Virtues
- [04:22] - Divine Power for Life and Godliness
- [05:21] - Adding to Your Faith
- [07:01] - The Role of Spiritual Disciplines
- [08:30] - Training vs. Trying
- [11:28] - Arranging Life Around Practices
- [13:06] - Understanding Spiritual Disciplines
- [15:54] - Disciplines and Spiritual Maturity
- [19:44] - Grace and Spiritual Disciplines
- [26:19] - Joy as a Spiritual Discipline
- [38:35] - The Practice of Solitude
- [49:26] - Spiritual Formation and Transformation
- [59:43] - Community and Spiritual Growth

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Colossians 3:1-14
- 2 Peter 1:1-11
- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

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Observation Questions:

1. In Colossians 3, what specific virtues does Paul encourage believers to "clothe" themselves with, and what earthly behaviors are they instructed to put to death? [03:47]

2. According to 2 Peter 1, what has God's divine power given us, and what are we encouraged to add to our faith? [05:21]

3. How does Paul describe the process of training in 1 Corinthians 9, and what is the ultimate goal of this training? [08:30]

4. What distinction does the sermon make between trying and training, and how does this relate to spiritual disciplines? [08:30]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does setting our minds on things above, as mentioned in Colossians 3, influence our daily decisions and actions? [01:41]

2. In what ways do the virtues listed in Colossians 3:12-14 reflect the character of Christ, and how can they be seen as a participation in the divine nature? [03:47]

3. How does the concept of training in 1 Corinthians 9 relate to the idea of spiritual disciplines as a means of receiving grace rather than earning God's favor? [08:30]

4. What does it mean to "grow in grace" as mentioned in the sermon, and how can spiritual disciplines facilitate this growth? [19:44]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current spiritual practices. Are there any areas where you feel you are "trying" rather than "training"? How can you shift your approach to focus more on training? [08:30]

2. Identify one earthly behavior from Colossians 3 that you struggle with. What practical steps can you take to "put it to death" this week? [02:24]

3. Choose one virtue from Colossians 3:12-14 to focus on this week. What specific actions can you take to embody this virtue in your interactions with others? [03:47]

4. Consider the idea of setting your mind on things above. What are some earthly distractions that prevent you from doing this, and how can you minimize them? [01:41]

5. Reflect on the concept of grace-filled living. How can you open yourself more to the transformative work of God in your life through spiritual disciplines? [19:44]

6. Think about a time when you felt spiritually frustrated or stagnant. How might incorporating spiritual disciplines into your routine help you overcome these feelings? [08:30]

7. How can your small group support each other in the journey of spiritual transformation and the practice of spiritual disciplines? What role does community play in this process? [59:43]

Devotional

Day 1: Aligning Our Hearts with the Kingdom
In our spiritual journey, transformation begins with setting our hearts and minds on things above, aligning our will with God's Kingdom. This involves a conscious decision to focus on spiritual realities rather than earthly distractions. By doing so, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God, allowing His presence to shape our thoughts, actions, and desires. This alignment is not a one-time event but a continuous process of reorienting our lives towards the values and priorities of the Kingdom. As we set our minds on things above, we become more attuned to God's voice and more responsive to His leading in our daily lives. [01:41]

Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."

Reflection: What is one earthly distraction that often pulls your focus away from God? How can you intentionally redirect your attention to align with the Kingdom today?


Day 2: Embracing Spiritual Training
Spiritual growth is not about trying harder but about training ourselves through spiritual disciplines. These practices empower us to live in the Kingdom by arranging our lives around activities that cultivate spiritual strength. The distinction between trying and training is crucial; trying often leads to frustration and failure, while training involves a deliberate and structured approach to spiritual development. By engaging in disciplines such as prayer, meditation, and service, we create space for God to work in us, transforming our character and enabling us to live out the virtues of the Kingdom. [08:30]

1 Timothy 4:7-8 (ESV): "Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come."

Reflection: Identify one spiritual discipline you can incorporate into your daily routine. How can this practice help you train for godliness rather than simply trying harder?


Day 3: Living in Grace
Spiritual disciplines are means of receiving grace, not earning God's favor. They help us grow in grace, enabling us to live out the fruit of the Spirit and experience the power of God in our daily lives. These practices are not about accumulating spiritual achievements but about opening ourselves to the transformative work of God. As we engage in these disciplines, we receive the grace necessary to embody the character of Christ, living a life marked by love, joy, peace, and other fruits of the Spirit. This grace-filled living is a testament to the power of God at work within us, shaping us into His likeness. [19:44]

2 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV): "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent experience where you felt God's grace in your life. How can you cultivate a greater awareness of His grace through spiritual disciplines?


Day 4: Freedom Through Discipline
True spiritual disciplines lead to freedom, allowing us to live without being enslaved by our habits or desires. They free us to be fully present with God and others, cultivating a life of love and joy. By practicing disciplines such as solitude, study, and service, we break free from the chains of our own making, experiencing the liberty that comes from living in alignment with God's will. This freedom is not about doing whatever we please but about being released from the bondage of sin and self-centeredness, enabling us to live a life that reflects the character of Christ. [42:09]

Galatians 5:1 (ESV): "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."

Reflection: Consider a habit or desire that currently enslaves you. How can engaging in a specific spiritual discipline help you find freedom in Christ?


Day 5: Community and Transformation
The church should be a community where spiritual transformation is nurtured. By sharing our spiritual journeys and supporting one another, we create an environment where the presence of God is evident and transformative. In this community, we are encouraged to grow in our faith, holding each other accountable and spurring one another on towards love and good deeds. This shared journey of transformation is a powerful witness to the world, demonstrating the reality of God's Kingdom and the transformative power of His love. [59:43]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: How can you actively contribute to the spiritual growth of your church community? What steps can you take to foster deeper connections and mutual support within your congregation?

Quotes



Since then you have been raised with Christ set your hearts on things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God set your minds on things above not on Earthly things and I'll just reflect for a second on what Dallas said about the parts of the person yesterday that it's very interesting here Paul doesn't say set your soul on things above because the soul is not something that can be set and this a will can be set I can direct my intentions a mind can be set you know all of this all of this language means something and of course things above don't mean way out there they mean that's Kingdom set my will on the kingdom set my mind on now that's something we can do for you died have I done that and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. [00:56:19]

His divine power has given us everything we need for Life his divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own Glory and goodness through these he has given us very great and precious promises so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires for this very reason make every effort to add to your faith goodness and to goodness knowledge and to knowledge self-control and to self-control perseverance and to perseverance godliness and to Godliness brotherly kindness and to brotherly kindness love for if you possess these qualities in increasing measure they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. [04:42:56]

The single most helpful distinction that I have ever heard uh and it'll be familiar to many of you is the difference when it comes to human transformation between trying to do something versus training to do something this is 1 Corinthians 9:24 Paul says do you not know that in a race all the runners run but only one gets the prize run in such a way as to get the prize everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training they do it to get a crown that will not last but we do it we do what we go into strict training to win a crown that will last forever therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly I do not fight like a man beating the air no I beat my body and make it my slave. [08:28:00]

To train means I arrange my life around those practices that enable me to do what I cannot now do by direct effort to train means again this is all by way of Dallas and all thought out long before him to train means I arrange my life around those practices that enable me to do what I cannot now do by direct effort range my life around practices through which I get power point of training is to receive power to do what I cannot do right now by will power alone and generally even on what we might call the natural level um transformation in any significant way involves training and not just trying that's true for uh learning how to play the piano that's true for uh mastering a sport it's true for being able to speak any new language and it is no less true when it comes to the spiritual life. [11:28:00]

Spiritual disciplines are not ways that I get spiritual brownie points for God God is not sitting up in heaven with a little you know behavior modification chart giving gold stars every time I read the Bible or pray or fast or confess um spiritual disciplines are not not necessarily unpleasant we hear the word discipline we think man that just sounds bad what counts as a discipline depends on what you're training for so if you want to train to run a race what discipline will you probably have to engage in a lot you probably have to run if you're training to win a pie eating contest what discipline will you probably have to engage in pie eating and if you eat a lot of pie if every day you eat as much Pie as you possibly can a year from now you'll be able to eat much more pie than you could eat today by just direct effort okay what counts as a discipline depends on what it is that I'm training for see and if what I'm training for is a life of love and joy in the Kingdom then probably the way that I will train will not always be just awful you know terrible militaristic kind of stuff. [14:54:39]

Spiritual disciplines are a means to an end and this is where the relationship between discipline and Grace is so important Bon Hofer in uh his book the cost of discipleship has that great great little passage towards the end where he says disciple ship is simply the reception of Grace and receiving Grace is simply what discipleship consists of and as a general rule in the Evangelical Church we have been really good at teaching people that you are saved by which we normally mean your sins are forgiven so you get into heaven by Grace but we have sucked at teaching people how to live by grace and the idea of life in the kingdom is it's just one moment of Grace after another I wake up in the morning and instead of being burdened by all I have to do my life is just a gift from God and my friend Jesus will go with me and so I don't have to carry anything on my shoulder and that's a moment of Grace. [18:48:44]

The spiritual life is a domain of actual knowledge and reliable practice and it needs churches and I just want to say a personal word and then Dallas will come on up we'll do a little Q&A I remember I think this might have been the first time one of the first Times Dallas and I talked and and I asked about where are the churches and you guys mostly know about this because we all love the church there are churches that are great at music and worship there are churches that get you know real effective at evangelism or reaching folks outside of them there are churches that are just teaching factories there are churches that are great at assimilating people there are churches that are really working at doing just and compassion where are the churches that are producing abnormally loving and joyful patient courageous people in inexplicably high percentages where do you go to find those places. [50:46:72]

The main thing that uh uh should and could happen and I think is happening is that uh Disciples of Jesus would be conscious of one another um beyond the boundaries of their local organization or assembly or however they identify themselves and um I think that the when you look back at the of Jesus and the disciples in the ancient world that was the predominant fact is the disciples were aware of one another conscious of one another supporting one another and when you read the letters uh in the New Testament you just see that standing out all over um the letters of Paul for example will be to the holy ones in Ephesus just Ephesus and I think that the the main step in the move forward is that disciples become conscious of other disciples in their area of life and um as that happens then there will emerge a different quality of Fellowship in life so that the Mark of God in calling people out will be obvious and substantial in the lives of those who work at whatever businesses or including the church uh uh the presence of God uh is the is the mark of what we have traditionally come to notice as Revival the Manifest presence of God in an area which be the primary thing that we would be looking for now that's where we can do our part as spokespersons for Christ and again it doesn't really matter what our official position may be but where we are we begin to talk in terms of the body of Christ that is here and is being built by the Trinity uh and uh encourage people then to recognize hey what these people are talking about is the only way to live. [57:57:20]

The answer is we arrange our time together where we're actually sharing what is going on in our souls and we don't spend our time talking about Community Affairs or ecumenical efforts or comparisons between my church and your church and so on uh so you have to arrange the time uh where people are actually exchanging Soul work uh that is going on in them and they are sharing their experiences of the presence of Christ in his deeds and how how they're learning and probably how their family is doing and the really intimate things is where the work is done and I don't know that we can do that by ministerial associations and so on I mean I I'm a great believer in saying oh let them be what whatever they are and be a part of it and so and just don't mistake that for the real work it's just like we don't want to mistake St church services for the real life of Christ but we want the Life of Christ to be in our church services and that's a wonderful thing uh so it's a matter of watching uh really the details of our lives and learning to be open and honest and open with other people trusting uh seeking the well-being of other ministers and spokes people for Christ and other the disciples uh that's where love comes in and we want we do want to remember now the heart of this when Jesus is getting ready to leave his folks here for a further version of uh the experience of God he says to them now there's one thing that is the mark of a disciple and that's how you love one another he doesn't say how you love the world God's business is to love the world and and we probably should stay out of that um though we should care about the world uh on the other hand loving other disciples is the heart of the matter and the other disciples we need to understand are not partitioned out into denominational groups or project associations and so on they're just human beings who are following Jesus and uh we need to meet one another in that way and when we do that then all the wonderful things that we read in people like Von haer and others they simply become real and then you're on to something that will move of its own power and all you have to do is to be there. [60:41:36]

The spiritual life is a domain of actual knowledge and reliable practice and it needs churches and I just want to say a personal word and then Dallas will come on up we'll do a little Q&A I remember I think this might have been the first time one of the first Times Dallas and I talked and and I asked about where are the churches and you guys mostly know about this because we all love the church there are churches that are great at music and worship there are churches that get you know real effective at evangelism or reaching folks outside of them there are churches that are just teaching factories there are churches that are great at assimilating people there are churches that are really working at doing just and compassion where are the churches that are producing abnormally loving and joyful patient courageous people in inexplicably high percentages where do you go to find those places. [50:46:72]

The main thing that uh uh should and could happen and I think is happening is that uh Disciples of Jesus would be conscious of one another um beyond the boundaries of their local organization or assembly or however they identify themselves and um I think that the when you look back at the of Jesus and the disciples in the ancient world that was the predominant fact is the disciples were aware of one another conscious of one another supporting one another and when you read the letters uh in the New Testament you just see that standing out all over um the letters of Paul for example will be to the holy ones in Ephesus just Ephesus and I think that the the main step in the move forward is that disciples become conscious of other disciples in their area of life and um as that happens then there will emerge a different quality of Fellowship in life so that the Mark of God in calling people out will be obvious and substantial in the lives of those who work at whatever businesses or including the church uh uh the presence of God uh is the is the mark of what we have traditionally come to notice as Revival the Manifest presence of God in an area which be the primary thing that we would be looking for now that's where we can do our part as spokespersons for Christ and again it doesn't really matter what our official position may be but where we are we begin to talk in terms of the body of Christ that is here and is being built by the Trinity uh and uh encourage people then to recognize hey what these people are talking about is the only way to live. [57:57:20]

The answer is we arrange our time together where we're actually sharing what is going on in our souls and we don't spend our time talking about Community Affairs or ecumenical efforts or comparisons between my church and your church and so on uh so you have to arrange the time uh where people are actually exchanging Soul work uh that is going on in them and they are sharing their experiences of the presence of Christ in his deeds and how how they're learning and probably how their family is doing and the really intimate things is where the work is done and I don't know that we can do that by ministerial associations and so on I mean I I'm a great believer in saying oh let them be what whatever they are and be a part of it and so and just don't mistake that for the real work it's just like we don't want to mistake St church services for the real life of Christ but we want the Life of Christ to be in our church services and that's a wonderful thing uh so it's a matter of watching uh really the details of our lives and learning to be open and honest and open with other people trusting uh seeking the well-being of other ministers and spokes people for Christ and other the disciples uh that's where love comes in and we want we do want to remember now the heart of this when Jesus is getting ready to leave his folks here for a further version of uh the experience of God he says to them now there's one thing that is the mark of a disciple and that's how you love one another he doesn't say how you love the world God's business is to love the world and and we probably should stay out of that um though we should care about the world uh on the other hand loving other disciples is the heart of the matter and the other disciples we need to understand are not partitioned out into denominational groups or project associations and so on they're just human beings who are following Jesus and uh we need to meet one another in that way and when we do that then all the wonderful things that we read in people like Von haer and others they simply become real and then you're on to something that will move of its own power and all you have to do is to be there. [60:41:36]

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Transcript
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