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*The Role of Disciplines*
*Text*: I Corinthians 9:24-27
*Topic*: Spiritual Disciplines
*Big Idea*: Spiritual disciplines free us from slaver to self interest.
*Purpose*: To explain the purpose for practicing spiritual disciplines.
*Introduction*:
The goal of the Christian life
-not to be perfect
-but to become perfect
Some think that Christians must be perfect
-and are quick to point out when they are not
-ever hear stories of a Christian businessman who lied – such a shame
-ever feel guilty because of your sin – and because of sin, feel you are not really a Christian.
Sin is not necessarily evidence that we lack faith
-but it is evidence that God is still working to make us transformed.
We are in the process of being transformed
2 Corinthians 3:18 – we are being transformed in His likeness
We reflect His glory
-which means we have a long way to go.
How do we get there?
Or, How do we participate in the process
Our text tonight
-does not merely indicate that God will change us
-but that we play a role in this process of transformation
Those who run a race go into strict training – to attain a prize
If we are going to participate in God’s plan to make us perfect
-we train
-rather than merely trying
Training – exercising – can be thought of as Spiritual Disciplines
*Sermon Body*:
Two incorrect views of spiritual disciplines
1.
Only for the super spiritual
-monks, Billy Graham, seminary professors, pastors, missionaries
-but they are not for your run-of-the-mill Christians
-for regular people – go to church, pray, seems to be good
2. We must practice every possible discipline
-in a moment, I will mention a few classic disciplines
-danger – think they are all commandments
-that if you practice four disciplines
-you are better than someone who only practices two
Let’s use the comparison of athletes
-who is in better shape
Athlete who does 20 different exercises
-or athlete who only runs?
-not a good answer – both can be in good shape
Disciplines are not accomplishments
-but are tools to change the condition of our hearts
-that help us walk with God
They might be best thought of as reminders
History of reminders
-God showed Israel His presence
-in shocking ways - pillar, manna, quail, miracles
-reminded through disciplines
-fasting, sacrifices,
The training of spiritual disciplines
-is intended to make us more aware of God
-to walk with Him
-to live for Him
-to consider how His presence changes the way we live
Look up Heidelberg Catechism, Question and Answer 103 (Lord’s Day 38)
Catechism tells us that we should make every day a rest from evil
-and an opportunity to yield to God
Sabbath – in Old Testament
-carved out precious time (Saturday)
-and space (temple)
-in order to honor God
-Tremendous to take a day – for people who needed it for necessities
-we are busy today – but a lot of busyness is unnecessary
-concerts, games, entertainment, extra money, vacations
-not knocking them,
-but not the same as need to get the crops
-Space – incredible to take the resourced that were so precious
-to make an elaborate temple
-NOTE: the poorest nations make the most extravagant places of worship
-because it is important
The practice of disciplines is how we carve out time and space in our daily lives
-to bring that Sabbath commandment to fruition in our walk with God.
Spiritual Disciplines cause us to create time and or space in our lives
-to be in God’s presence
-we do not leave our relationship with him to chance
-to have when it is convenient
-we discipline, train, ourselves to regularly come to Him
Most Christians already do this, whether they call their practice disciplines or not.
Name some of the classical spiritual disciplines.
1. Meditation
Sounds intimidating – something for elite thinkers
-but if you have ever wondered what God would have you do
-you have meditated
-think about God, His Word, His will for your life
-think about His goodness, His answers to prayers
-can be done with a journal, or in the silence of a few moments
2. Prayer
Talking to God
-I believe this is the chief spiritual discipline
-you can walk with God without fasting, reading the Bible, but I have known no one who has walked with God without praying
-in a way, all of the other disciplines help us develop our prayer life
3. Fasting
Voluntarily giving up something in order to focus on God
-in OT – not just the meal, but the entire prep time for the meal (butcher, cook, etc)
4. Study
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