11 Jan Spiritual Disciplines for Regular Guys: Study and Obedience
- If you want to be good at something, put in the work
- No shortcuts, it’s about healthy habits
- Malcolm Gladwell’s 10,000-hour principle
- Every man has natural strengths to teach & weaknesses to learn
Spiritual Disciplines Make Spirit-Filled Disciples
1 Timothy 4:7-8 (NASB) “…discipline [or teach, train, exercise, work] yourself for the purpose of 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.”
- God works for you, in you, through you
- Spiritual Disciplines – NOT legalisms for God, HS habits of God
Spiritual Disciplines
|
Pouring In |
Pouring Out |
|
Study |
Obedience |
|
Solitude |
Fellowship |
|
Silence |
Speaking |
|
Prayer |
Activism |
|
Sabbath |
Work |
|
Worship |
Evangelism |
|
Journaling |
Service |
|
Fasting |
Feasting |
=Life is not about balance, but tension:
Study (Pouring In)
Proverbs 9:9 (NIV) “Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.”
Proverbs 23:12 (NIV) Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.”
Mark 12:30 “love the Lord your God with all…your mind and with all your strength.”
John 17:17 “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”
2 Timothy 2:15 “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”
Ways to Get the Word
- Hear God’s Word
-Church, read aloud, Bible app, spouse or kids read to you
- Read God’s Word
-ESV study Bible, Bible reading plans YouVersion
- Memorize God’s Word
-Write it down, including sermon notes
- Study God’s Word
MISC.
1. The Bible studies you as you study it
2. The Bible is the only book where the Author meets with you when you read it
3. A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t. — Spurgeon
4. You need a plan that works, and you need to work your plan
Obedience (Pouring Out)
Joshua 1:8-9 (NLT) Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Luke 11:28 (NIV) [Jesus] replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”
John 13:17 (ESV) If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
1 Corinthians 8:1 “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up.
James 1:22 (NIV) Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
=Most people know what to do & aren’t doing it. There’s no shortcut or trick
The Power of 4
Those who engages with the Bible 4 or more days a week are:
- 407% more likely to memorize Scripture
- 228% more likely to share faith with others
- 59% less likely to view pornography
- 30% less likely to struggle with loneliness
- Markedly lower sexual sin, gambling, drunkenness, etc.
https://www.backtothebible.org/research.
God blesses those who live under His Word
Pastor Jimmy’s canoe analogy
Discussion and Prayer
- Introduce yourself
- What tips (if any) would you share to help guys learn the Bible?
- How can we pray for something you need to obey?
