Celebrating the Spiritual Disciplines

(The following is the outline of the sermon from Sunday January 4.)

Central idea: The spiritual disciplines strengthen your relationship with God.

Scripture focus: And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 NIV

The Spiritual Disciplines that we will consider during the next several weeks are…

Meditation                  Simplicity                   Confession

Prayer                         Stewardship              Worship

Fasting                       Submission                Guidance

Study                          Service                       Celebration

 

• Followers of Jesus are encouraged to grow in their faith.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. II Peter 3:18 NIV

• Spiritual disciplines are those practices that help us stay in tune with God and God’s purposes for your life.

• Spiritual disciplines sharpen our spiritual gifts so that we can bear spiritual fruit.

Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant… There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.

I Corinthians 12:1,4-6 NIV

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23 NIV

• Each spiritual discipline complements the other disciplines.

No matter whether you are a veteran Christian or a new believer, you can grow deeper in your faith and stronger in your capacity to serve.