Spiritual Disciplines and Obeying God’s Command

The purpose of spiritual discipline is the development of our inner being into that which has been transformed by Christ at salvation. This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone, a new life has begun (2 Corinthians 5:17). It is a way to develop your living before God. It is Jesus in your everyday life.

Through spiritual disciplines, we are enabled to obey God’s command to “Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear” (Philippians 2:12-13 NLT).

There are a number of popular programs and books out today on spiritual disciplines, but the best method remains hearing the Word of God and breathing prayer.

Spiritual disciplines are to be developed by all, in both adults and children.

Study the Scriptures below and think about how the faith community encourages the spiritual disciplines of children:

• Proverbs 22:6 “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.”
• Ephesians 6:1-2 “Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. Honour your father and mother. This is the first commandment with a promise.”
• Ephesians 6:4 “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.”
• 1 Peter 2:2 “Like new-born babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment.”

Which Scripture spoke to you? How? 

• Write your own thoughts about which scripture speaks to you and what it means to you.
• What are spiritual disciplines and what role do these play in the development of spiritual maturity?

Formative Assessment *