SS Outline 3.30.25

The Spiritual Disciplines: for the Purpose of Godliness
Text: 1 Timothy 4:7 — “Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.”

I. The Goal of the Spiritual Disciplines: Godliness

• The purpose of the spiritual disciplines is not mere activity but Christlikeness (Romans 8:29; 1 John 3:2).
• We are not passive in sanctification; God commands us to pursue holiness (Hebrews 12:14).
• The disciplines are the God-ordained means by which we grow into maturity in Christ.

II. God’s Command to Be Holy

• Holiness is not optional for the believer (1 Peter 1:15–16).
• Discipline is at the heart of true discipleship (Matthew 11:29; Luke 9:23).
• The Spirit’s work in us produces self-control (Galatians 5:22–23), showing that Spirit-filled Christians are disciplined Christians.

III. What Are the Spiritual Disciplines?

• Definition: Personal and corporate habits of devotion that promote spiritual growth.
• Examples include: Bible intake, Prayer, Worship, Evangelism,Fasting
• The purpose is singular: godliness (1 Timothy 4:7).

IV. The Disciplines as Channels of God’s Grace

• Godliness does not come by accident; it comes by placing ourselves in the paths where God’s grace flows (John 17:4; Colossians 2:20–23).
• Spiritual disciplines are where communion with God happens and transformation takes place.

V. Perseverance in Discipline

• Spiritual maturity requires sustained effort (2 Peter 1:6 — self-control leads to perseverance, which leads to godliness).
• Discipline leads to joy, not drudgery — Jesus Himself was the most disciplined and most joyful person who ever lived.

VI. Catalysts God Uses to Grow Us in Godliness

• People — Proverbs 27:17: God uses others to sharpen us.
• Circumstances — Romans 8:28: God uses trials to conform us to Christ.
• Spiritual Disciplines — The work God does inside us, changing our desires and habits through intentional pursuit of Him.

VII. The Cost and Reward of Spiritual Discipline

• Many will train their bodies and minds for temporary goals but neglect their souls (1 Timothy 4:8).
• The “gold of godliness” is not found on the surface; it must be mined by disciplined effort.
• Spiritual discipline brings true freedom — the freedom to do what God calls us to do with joy and confidence.

VIII. The Role of the Holy Spirit

• The Holy Spirit gives both desire and power for the disciplines (2 Timothy 1:7).
• He enables perseverance and convicts us when we drift.

IX. Jesus as the Perfect Model of Discipline

• Jesus fasted (Matthew 4:2), learned (Luke 2:46–47), served (John 13:2–6), and glorified the Father (John 17:4).
• He calls us to follow Him in disciplined pursuit of the Father.

X. The Call to Faithful Discipline

• Self-control and perseverance lead to spiritual maturity (2 Peter 1:3–6).
• Disciples are those who deny themselves daily and follow Christ (Luke 9:23).