The alternative to discipline is disaster. - Vance Havner
Spiritual disciplines are those practices found in scripture that promote spiritual growth among Christians. This process of spiritual growth and development begins to take place the moment a person encounters the risen Christ and comes to Him for salvation.
The purpose of spiritual discipline is the development of our inner being, that which has been transformed by Christ at salvation (2 Corinthians 5:17). Redeemed believers have experienced the total renewal of the whole person from within, involving differences in thought, feeling and character that may be slower to be evident in our outward behavior.
This is what Paul had in mind when he spoke of taking off the "old self" and putting on the new, “which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator” (Colossians 3:9-10).The Bible describes both personal (fasting, journaling etc. ) and interpersonal (fellowship, hearing the Word of God etc.) Spiritual Disciplines.
Spiritual Disciplines are activities, not attitudes. They are practices, not fruits of the Spirit.
Spiritual disciplines should be Biblical.
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
Spiritual Disciplines are means, not ends. Purpose is godliness, goal is Christ-likeness.
It is vain to practice Spiritual Disciplines without this purpose. People, circumstances and spiritual disciplines are the three catalysts that change a person.
Colossians 1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man PERFECT in Christ Jesus. 29 Where unto I ALSO LABOUR, striving according to his workings, which worketh in me mightily.
Spiritual Disciplines:
1. Hearing God's Word
2. Reading God's Word
3. Memorizing God's Word
4. Studying God's Word
5. Meditating God's Word
6. Prayer
7. Worship
8. Evangelism
9. Serving
10. Stewardship
11. Fasting
12. Silence and Soltitude
13. Journaling
14. Learning
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