In Scripture, we are told to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). Although it is easy to discuss spiritual growth as a topic of interest, it is harder to practically live out the truth of the Bible and submit to the will of the Spirit.
One of the ways to realistically invest in spiritual growth instead of remaining in the theoretical realm is to practice spiritual disciplines.
Author Ken Boa, known for his books on spiritual growth, writes in Conformed to His Image, that practicing spiritual disciplines enables us to “place our minds, temperaments, and bodies before God and seek the grace of His transformation” (Zondervan Academic).
Through the Holy Spirit, we can grow in our relationship with Christ and live in a way that reflects His love for others.
Many different disciplines exist from a variety of backgrounds and influences, but this article will include a selection of biblically-based disciplines that help believers develop godly practices and habits as they allow the Holy Spirit to transform them.
1. Bible Study
Reading and studying God’s Word is the most important practice in a Christian’s life. As the living Word of God, Scripture has the power to transform us and help us grow (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12). Furthermore, the Bible is the way God communicates to us today.
God no longer speaks through prophets or other sources since He has completely revealed Himself through His Son and His Word. Therefore, listening to the Lord through His Word is vital for believers.
Although people in a fast-paced culture might think they have no time to spare, Christians need to set aside time in their day to listen to God through Scripture. In practice, Bible study requires time and focus.
Starting with five or 10 minutes at first to read a chapter or two is a wonderful way to integrate Bible study into the day. If we are giving the Lord our complete attention, any amount of time reading Scripture is valuable.
One way to establish a habit of studying the Bible is to find a reading plan. There are many different ones available for free on the internet. Many people enjoy reading plans that allow them to read the Bible in a year.
However, do not overlook other reading plans that differ from this popular model. I am currently working on a three-year plan that focuses on reading the Bible for understanding. Following a gentler and slower pace, this type of plan allows believers to reflect deeply on God’s Word.
Another aspect of studying the Bible is memorization. Filling up our minds and hearts with Scripture can serve as a toolbox or reserve of verses for the Holy Spirit to use and bring to mind when we need a reminder of His Word.
David says something similar in Psalm 119:11: “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” In times of temptation or trouble, the Holy Spirit can help us remember a verse we have memorized to guide us and protect us from sin.
Related Resource: Check out our FREE Bible Study podcast, How to Study the Bible! Available at LifeAudio.com. Listen to an episode here by clicking the play button below:
2. Biblical Meditation and Prayer
In addition to Bible study, meditation and prayer are other biblical disciplines that help us stay grounded and focused on Christ. I placed meditation with prayer because meditating on God’s Word naturally leads to us talking to Him.
Any relationship requires that we listen to the other person and talk to them, which is true for our relationship with God. As we listen and think about what He is telling us in the Bible, we can respond by praying.
For instance, we might read 1 Samuel 2 and focus on Hannah’s prayer of praise to God. She exalts the Lord and praises Him for giving her a child. Even though she was barren and despised by her rival, the other wife of her husband, God lifted her up and heard her prayer (1 Samuel 1:7, 10-11; 2:4-5).
Hannah declared God’s holiness by saying, “There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God” (1 Samuel 2:2).
If we were meditating on this verse, we would think deeply about God’s holiness and how He was gracious toward Hannah. Our meditation would lead us to offer our own prayer of praise to God, acknowledging that there is no one like Him. He alone is our Savior and Lord.
By meditating and praying about 1 Samuel 2 or other passages in Scripture, we are engaging in a conversation with the Lord.
3. Journaling
Although journaling is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, it is supported by the Psalms. David, Asaph, Moses, and others who wrote the Psalms recorded their thoughts and prayers (Psalm 42; 55; 73; 90).
Many Christians in history, like John Wesley and Jim Elliot, kept a journal or spiritual diary where they recorded insights, prayers, and thoughts about God’s will.
This spiritual discipline relates to the other disciplines since “journaling enhances personal reflection, encourages us to record perspectives we have received from Scripture, and serves as another form of prayer” (Ken Boa, Conformed to His Image, Zondervan Academic).
Recording insights from the Bible can help us as we engage in the study of God's Word, keeping dates of answers to prayer can encourage us, and noting how God is working in a situation can increase our faith.
Regardless of what we call our journals or what they look like, we can use this spiritual discipline to remind ourselves of the truth of Scripture and God’s faithfulness.
4. Simple Living
Another spiritual discipline that can help believers grow in Christ is the practice of simple living. Having what we need without clinging to extra items, money, or superfluous activities can free us to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to Him. Like Martha, we can become too busy, forgetting the most important thing in life (Luke 10:39-40).
By practicing simple living, we can better prioritize our relationship with Jesus in our lives (Matthew 6:33; Luke 10:41). While it is not wrong to have extra money or items, we need to guard against the worldly philosophy of materialism.
In Paul’s letter to Timothy, he says, “If we have food and clothing, we will be content with that” (1 Timothy 6:8).
Although we might think that simple living only applies to our possessions or stewardship of money, simple living also applies to our commitments in life, including church and ministry.
People who work in ministry, such as missionaries, pastors, and children and youth workers, easily become burned out. They need regular rest to recharge themselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Hence, simple living is an important practice to ensure that spiritual growth can occur without hindrance. Peter Scazzero, a pastor in New York City, recognized this and notes that he and his wife are “no longer involved in fifteen projects at the same time in our service for Christ. We do less, but do it better than before” (Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, Zondervan).
As we live more simply, we will find we have more to give others. Free from our attachments to worldly items, money, or extra commitments, we will focus on our love for Christ and others. Instead of living tight-fisted, we will open our hands and hearts to others in need.
As Jesus said, “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be” (Matthew 6:21, NLT).
5. Worship
A final spiritual discipline included in this article is worship. Although we might relegate worship to singing in church, worship should focus on God and come from our hearts. True worshipers of God worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24).
No matter where we are or what we are doing, we can worship the Lord by focusing on His goodness, love, holiness, and sacrifice. He is the one we exalt, not the experience or our appearance of worship.
For example, we could meet with other believers and study a passage of Scripture that reminds us of God’s glory and holiness. Some great passages to study include Job 38-40, Ezekiel 1, and Revelation 4.
Together, the group of believers could reflect on God’s awesome glory and spend time praising Him together and individually in their hearts.
Why Does This Matter?
All believers should strive to grow spiritually through the power of the Holy Spirit. Although we can easily discuss spiritual growth, it is hard to practically live out if we do not have direction or guidance.
Spiritual disciplines based on Scripture can help us as we seek to grow to become more like Christ. Through the spiritual disciplines of Bible study, meditation, prayer, journaling, simple living, worship, and others, we can develop habits and practices that enable us to focus on Christ and yield to His transforming power in us.
For further reading:
Why Is Spiritual Discipline Important?
What Does the Bible Say about Growing Good Seeds?
What Is the Value of Group Bible Study?
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