Wholeheartedly Devoted to God (2)

Title: Foundation of Spiritual Discipline: Moving from Discipline to Delight

Text: Deuteronomy 6:4-5

4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.

Introduction

Today’s topic is Foundation of Spiritual Discipline. The title of our message today may sound like a subject in Bible School. But not necessarily. As we go along you will understand why… First of all, let us define what spiritual discipline is. A spiritual discipline is a practice or habit that helps believers grow in their faith, deepen their relationship with God, and become more like Christ.

Generally, spiritual discipline is divided into main categories:

1. Inward (Personal) Disciplines:

These focus on an individual’s personal relationship with God, such as, prayer, Bible study, meditation of Gods’ Word, fasting, personal devotion.

2. Outward (Community) Disciplines:

These includes, worship, fellowship, evangelism, discipleship, ministry work, service. These are practiced within the body of Christ - the Church.

There are three reasons why spiritual discipline is very important.

Spiritual discipline…

1) It deepens our relationship with God – Regular spiritual practices foster intimacy with God, enabling believers to hear His voice, understand His Word, and experience His presence more fully.

2) It helps us grow in Christlike character – Spiritual discipline helps shape a believer’s character, refining attitudes, thoughts, and behaviors to reflect Christ. It nurtures humility, patience, and love.

3) It strengthens faith and endurance – Just as physical discipline strengthens the body, spiritual discipline strengthens faith, helping believers stand firm in trials, resist temptation, and persevere in their walk with God.

1 Timothy 4:7-8 says, “7Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

Here Apostle Paul contrasts physical training with spiritual training for godliness:

Differences Between Physical Training and Spiritual Training for Godliness:

Aspect

Physical Training

Spiritual Training for Godliness

Purpose

Strengthens the body for health, fitness, or competition.

Strengthens the soul to grow in faith and Christlikeness.

Value

Temporary – benefits only this earthly life.

Eternal – impacts both this life and the life to come.

Focus

Improves endurance, strength, and discipline of the body.

Transforms character, faith, and relationship with God.

Methods

Exercise, diet, discipline, and consistency.

Prayer, Bible study, fasting, worship, fellowship, service and obedience.

Goal

Physical well-being, fitness, or achievement.

Godliness – living a life that honors and reflects Christ.

Physical training has some value, but spiritual training is far more beneficial, Paul says, because it prepares believers not just for this life, but for eternity. While bodily fitness fades over time, godliness has lasting rewards. Do you agree that spiritual discipline is more beneficial than physical training?

But the next question is why is it that spiritual discipline is often neglected despite being far more beneficial than physical training?

1. Lack of Immediate Results

Physical training often produces visible, quick results (weight loss, muscle growth, improved endurance), while spiritual growth is more gradual and internal. People tend to prioritize what they can see and measure. Human beings are naturally result-oriented, meaning we tend to focus on visible, immediate, and tangible outcomes rather than the process itself. In our work, relationships, education, and even spirituality we expect quick results.

Seeking results is not inherently wrong, but an overemphasis on quick or measurable success can lead to impatience, discouragement, and neglect of the deeper work God is doing in our lives.

We find examples in the Bible like Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 16:1-4) – Instead of waiting for God's promise of a son, Sarah gave Hagar to Abraham to produce an heir quickly, leading to conflict. Saul’s Impatience (1 Samuel 13:8-14) – King Saul offered a sacrifice instead of waiting for Samuel, seeking immediate results but ultimately losing God’s favor.

Unlike humans, God values the process of growth, refinement, and obedience over immediate outcomes. Isaiah 55:8-9 – “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Spiritual growth and godly character take time, and God often works in ways that are not immediately visible.

God’s work in people is often slow and transformative rather than instant. Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Transformation takes time.) 2 Peter 3:8-9 – “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” (God’s timeline is different from ours.) Being result-oriented is natural, but God calls believers to trust the process, focus on faithfulness, and rely on His timing rather than chasing quick, worldly success. The challenge is to align our expectations with God’s ways and learn to walk in patience, perseverance, and obedience.

2. Worldly Distractions

The busyness of life—work, school, entertainment, and social obligations—often takes precedence over spiritual disciplines. Many people struggle to set aside time for prayer, Bible study, and worship. Worldly Distractions Cause Neglect in Our Spiritual Discipline

Spiritual discipline requires intentional effort, but many believers struggle to maintain it due to worldly distractions. These distractions come in various forms—busyness, materialism, entertainment, worries, and even good things that take priority over God. When we allow these distractions to consume our time and attention, our spiritual growth suffers.

Jesus warns us in the Parable of the Sower Matthew 13:22, “The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.” Worries of Life – People get so consumed by careers, finances, and daily responsibilities that they neglect spiritual matters. Deceitfulness of Wealth – The pursuit of money and material possessions often replaces devotion to God. Love for the World Pulls Us Away from God. Many neglect prayer, Bible reading, and worship because they prioritize entertainment, social media, or personal ambitions.

Busyness can also be a spiritual danger (Luke 10:38-42). When Jesus visited Mary and Martha: “Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made… ‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’” Martha was busy serving, but Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet. Sometimes, even ministry and good works can become distractions if they replace time with God.

3. Spiritual Laziness or Lack of Discipline

Just as physical training requires effort, consistency, and sacrifice, spiritual growth also demands discipline. Many believers struggle with self-discipline when it comes to regular spiritual practices.

Spiritual growth requires intentional effort (ILL: Going against the current of the river), but laziness and lack of discipline can hinder believers from developing a strong relationship with God. Just as physical training demands consistency, spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible reading, fasting, and worship require diligence. However, many Christians struggle with complacency and neglect their spiritual walk due to a lack of self-discipline.

1. Laziness Leads to Spiritual Poverty (Proverbs 24:30-34)

“I went past the field of a sluggard, past the vineyard of someone who has no sense; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.”

This passage illustrates that neglect leads to decay—both physically and spiritually.

When believers fail to nurture their spiritual life, their faith weakens, making them vulnerable to sin and spiritual stagnation.

2. A Lack of Discipline Prevents Growth (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

“Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore, I do not run like someone running aimlessly… No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”

Paul compares the Christian life to an athlete’s discipline, emphasizing self-control and perseverance.

Just as an athlete trains daily, believers must train themselves in godliness (1 Timothy 4:7-8).

Without discipline, believers fail to grow in faith and remain spiritually weak.

3. Laziness Causes Sluggishness in Faith (Hebrews 6:11-12)

“We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.”

Spiritual laziness prevents believers from experiencing the fullness of God’s promises.

Instead of actively pursuing God, lazy Christians become passive, missing out on spiritual breakthroughs.

4. The Danger of Neglecting Spiritual Alertness (Matthew 26:40-41)

“Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. ‘Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?’ he asked Peter. ‘Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.’”

Jesus rebuked His disciples for failing to stay spiritually alert.

Many believers desire to grow spiritually but lack the discipline to remain watchful and engaged in prayer and devotion.

5. Diligence is Required for Spiritual Maturity (2 Peter 1:5-8)

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness… For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Spiritual discipline requires effort and persistence.

Without self-control and perseverance, believers remain ineffective and unproductive in their faith.

How to Overcome Laziness and Lack of Discipline?

Make a Commitment to Spiritual Growth – Set a daily time for Bible reading and prayer.

Develop Self-Control – Train yourself to prioritize God over distractions (Titus 2:11-12).

Stay Accountable – Join a discipleship group or prayer partner to encourage consistency.

Fix Your Eyes on Eternal Rewards – Remember that discipline in godliness has eternal value (1 Timothy 4:8).

Conclusion

Laziness and lack of discipline lead to spiritual decline, preventing believers from experiencing the fullness of their faith. The Bible warns against spiritual complacency and encourages believers to actively pursue godliness through discipline, self-control, and perseverance.

4. Misplaced Priorities

Society emphasizes physical health, career success, and personal achievements more than spiritual maturity. Many Christians fall into the trap of prioritizing temporary pursuits over eternal growth.

5. Lack of Understanding or Motivation

Some believers do not fully grasp the importance of spiritual training. They may not see how it directly impacts their daily lives or future, leading them to neglect it.

6. Spiritual Warfare

The enemy works to keep believers distracted, discouraged, or complacent, making it harder for them to focus on their spiritual growth (Ephesians 6:12).

Like physical training

Examples of Spiritual Disciplines:

Prayer – Communicating with God through praise, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication.

Bible Reading & Meditation – Studying and reflecting on God’s Word to understand His will.

Worship – Expressing love and reverence for God through music, praise, and adoration.

Fasting – Abstaining from food or distractions to focus on spiritual growth and dependence on God.

Fellowship – Engaging with other believers for encouragement, accountability, and discipleship.

Service – Using one’s gifts and time to serve others as an act of love and obedience to God.

Stewardship – Managing time, money, and talents in a way that honors God.

Silence & Solitude – Withdrawing from noise and busyness to listen to God and reflect.

There is one word that we can use to summarize these 2 verses. What's the word in either English or in Khmer? Any answer? You hear this word being spoken when you refer to the time you spend with God especially in the morning. Any guess? The word is DEVOTION. Did you have your devotion or devotional time this morning?

In a Christian context, devotion refers to a believer's deep love, commitment, and dedication to God. This devotion can take several forms like:

1. Personal Devotions – Time spent in prayer, Bible reading, worship, and reflection on God’s word.

2. Group Devotion – Worship and spiritual practices done in a community, such as church services or group prayer.

3. Lifestyle of Devotion – Living in obedience to God, serving others, and aligning one’s life with biblical principles.

On a personal level a devotion is not just outward religious practices, but it is a commitment to God and an inward condition of love, trust, and faithfulness to God. This kind of devotion is precisely what Deuteronomy 6:4-5 calls us to pursue: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” This command, known as the Shema to the Jewish people, was recited daily as a reminder of their allegiance to God. But it’s more than an ancient ritual; it’s an invitation to make God the very center of our lives today.

As we explore this passage, let’s ask ourselves: Do we love God with all our heart, soul, and strength? This verse is not just a command to follow; it’s a call that we all need to experience a richer, more fulfilling life. Today, we are living in a world saturated with distractions, where we’re encouraged to divide our time, energy, and loyalty among countless pursuits, the idea of wholehearted devotion might seem radical—even impractical.

Yet, Jesus affirmed this commandment as the “first and greatest” (Matthew 22:37-38), showing us that our relationship with God must be our top priority. As we look closer at these verses, we’ll see that true devotion to God has three essential elements.

First, it begins with KNOWING God. Knowing about what? We will look at it very soon. Second, it’s about LOVING Him, a love that springs from the heart. Third, it’s about GIVING to God our soul and strength, that is, every part of our life So, devotion is knowing God, loving Him and giving ourselves wholeheartedly to to the one Who created. Are you devoted to God? Then these 3 elements must be present in our love relationship with God.

This afternoon let us revisit the first and the greatest commandment of Jesus, and learn not only what it means to be devoted to God but also how this devotion can transform your day-to-day life.

It’s my prayer that, by the end of this message, we will each have a clearer understanding of what it means to be fully devoted to God.

Let us begin with the first element of devotion. It's knowing Who God is.

I. KNOWING WHO GOD IS (Deuteronomy 6:4)

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one!”

This powerful proclamation, “Hear, O Israel,” isn’t just about listening; it’s about embracing and living out this truth in everyday life. In Hebrew, the word for “hear” implies more than auditory reception—it means to comprehend and a response what has been heard.  The verse says “The Lord our God, the Lord is one”. In a polytheistic world, it is easy to be swayed to worship other gods. It affirms that God alone is worthy of our loyalty and reverence, standing as a timeless truth that separates Him from all other deities and idols.

A. It's a call to prioritize God

In ancient times, idolatry was a daily part of life. People worshipped a multitude of gods to cover every facet of their needs—gods of weather, fertility, harvest, and war. But Moses makes a bold claim: “The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” Moses wanted the people to see that God is not like these other so-called “gods.” Our God is unique, unbounded, and supreme. He isn’t divided into categories or limited by scope; He is all-encompassing, the Creator and sustainer of all things. As Isaiah 45:5 says, “I am the Lord, and there is no other; there is no God besides Me.”

In today’s world, though we might not bow before statues, we still face “gods” in the form of possessions, status, and personal achievements.

When we prioritize our jobs over time with God, justifying it by believing we were providing for our families. But eventually, we realized that nothing could satisfy us like God Himself. By acknowledging His unique place in our lives, we found peace and purpose beyond our careers. This oneness of God reminds us that nothing else—no achievement or possession—can take His place.

B. It's a call to loyalty

By understanding that “the Lord is one” also demands that we be loyal to Him alone. Since God is unlike any other, He is worthy of an undivided heart. In Mark 12:29, Jesus Himself reiterated this truth: “The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” He went on to say that we should love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Jesus was calling us to loyalty, emphasizing that if God truly holds the throne of our hearts, we will not give space to any rival gods or distractions.

In practical terms, loyalty to God means making choices that align with His will, even when it’s difficult.

Today, eventhough we might not worship carved images, there are still modern idols that compete for our devotion. Whether it’s a career, social media presence, financial goals, or personal ambitions, anything that comes between us and God can become an idol. Deuteronomy 6:4 reminds us to keep our focus on the one true God, not allowing anything else to capture our loyalty.

Now, let us go to the second element of devotion, loving God.

II. LOVING THE LORD (Deuteronomy 6:5a)

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart”

The command to “love the Lord your God” is a profound invitation into a relationship unlike any other. Unlike earthly rulers who may demand mere compliance or duty, God calls us to a love that is complete, sincere, and passionate.

This love isn’t superficial or conditional—it’s a love that flows from the depths of our being. This is the level of commitment and warmth God desires from us. In a world that encourages us to divide our attention, this command challenges us to center our hearts fully on Him.

A. We obey because we love God.

Moses’ words here show a transition in Israel’s understanding of devotion. In Deuteronomy 6:2, he emphasized “fearing” God, which captures a reverent respect and awe for His power and holiness. But now, he commands the people to “love” God, indicating that love is the root of true obedience.

Fear may guide our initial steps, but love sustains our walk with Him. Through love, we’re not just fulfilling duties but embracing a relationship. God’s desire is not for mere robotic obedience but for a heartfelt response to His kindness, mercy, and faithfulness.

Today, robots take the place of human being in service sector of society. They can substitute human beings in service but can't replace the love and warmth of a person towards the customers.

When we love someone, we naturally seek to please them, not out of obligation but out of a sincere desire to bring them joy. God wants that same kind of willing devotion from us, where our love for Him fuels our actions.

B. We love God with sincerity and wholeness

The phrase “with all your heart” speaks to an undivided and sincere devotion. Moses wasn’t calling Israel to a love of convenience or half-hearted affection. Loving God with all our heart means that our deepest affections, our most cherished desires, and our most passionate longings are directed toward Him. It means setting our whole heart on God, allowing no other allegiance to compete. We sometimes found ourselves more passionate about hobbies, entertainment, or career goals than about God. This realization was humbling and prompted us to re-evaluate our priorities. By intentionally dedicating more time to prayer, worship, and studying His Word, we discovered a deeper joy and satisfaction in God that these other pursuits couldn’t provide. Loving God with sincerity means regularly checking our hearts, identifying any rival affections, and asking God to be our deepest joy and passion.

To love God with all our heart is to give Him our first and greatest affection. Take a moment to ask yourself, “What truly captures my heart?” If anything besides God holds that place, it’s an opportunity to re-center our devotion. Just as a compass always points north, our hearts should continually point toward God. When we place Him at the center of our affections, we find the peace and fulfillment we long for.

In this love relationship, we discover that every sacrifice, every act of obedience, is worth it because it draws us closer to the One who first loved us.

The second element of devotion is loving the Lord. Finally,

III. GIVING OUR ALL TO GOD (Deuteronomy 6:5b)

“…with all your soul, and with all your strength”

Now this goes beyond a call to love God only with our heart—it reaches into the very essence of our being and how we live out that love. By commanding us to love God with all our soul and strength, God is inviting us to a complete, all-encompassing devotion. He doesn’t want just an emotional attachment or a private spirituality; He wants our entire lives to reflect His love. Think of the way an athlete gives their whole being—heart, soul, mind, and body—toward their sport, striving for excellence. That dedication, applied to our love for God, captures the essence of this command.

A. Giving/loving all your soul.

The word “soul” here refers to our life and existence—it’s the core of who we are, encompassing our mind, will, and emotions. Loving God with all our soul means letting every part of our inner self align with His purposes.

When we love God with our soul, it’s not just a Sunday affair or something that shows up in prayer. It’s in every part of our lives—our work, relationships, and even our private thoughts. This soul-level love is transformative because it makes God the center, shaping our identity and values.

Psalm 103:1 says, “Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name.” Here, David calls his soul to honor God, showing that true devotion springs from deep within us. This is the kind of soul devotion God is calling us to—one where every thought, decision, and action is in alignment with His will.

B. Giving/loving with all your strength

Loving God with all our strength means bringing our physical resources, time, abilities, and efforts into our devotion. This command emphasizes that love is not just about words or feelings but is seen in actions and sacrifices. It’s about actively serving and investing in ways that honor God. When we love God with our strength, we give Him our best—our energy, talents, and even our physical resources.

What does Romans 12:1 encourage us, “Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” Loving God with our strength turns our devotion into action, calling us to use our hands and feet to serve Him.

In practical terms, consider how you spend your time and energy as part of your worship. Just like you give time to loved ones, your devotion to God calls you to prioritize Him in your daily life. Whether through volunteering, helping someone in need, or simply giving your best in your work and family, you show your love for God through how you use your strength. You may find this devotion especially rewarding in serving at church, where even the smallest act of service can become a powerful expression of love when done with the right heart.

To love God with all our soul and strength means integrating Him into every area of our lives. Our careers, relationships, finances, and time all become opportunities to express this deep love. This call challenges us to ask, “Where am I investing my time and resources?” If we find ourselves expending more energy on temporary pursuits than on God, it’s a chance to realign our priorities. By loving God with all that we are, we find a deeper fulfillment, knowing that every part of our lives is being used for His glory.

Conclusion

As we come to the end of our message on devotion, let’s remember that true devotion to God requires more than a religious practice; it requires our whole being—our mind, our heart, and our strength. Deuteronomy 6:4-5 calls us to a radical love for God: “The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.”

In this call, we find three crucial elements of devotion: 1. Knowing God as our one and only Lord, loving Him deeply from the heart, and committing ourselves to serve Him with all we have.

We place Him above every other priority, ambition, or attachment in our lives. Just as Jesus reminded us in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters,” so we cannot divide our allegiance. Recognizing God’s lordship frees us from the idols of this world and opens our hearts to a genuine, undivided devotion.

2. Loving God with all our heart and soul calls us to an affection that’s not superficial or ritualistic but personal and passionate. God desires more than outward compliance—He wants our hearts. Just as in any relationship, love for God must be real and sincere. It means seeking Him in prayer, desiring His presence, and finding joy in His Word. Imagine the closeness of a friendship where you share everything without reservation. This is the relationship God invites us into, a relationship where love for Him drives our every decision and direction.

Have we allowed other things more than our love for God—ambitions, relationships, comforts—to take first place?

Finally, loving God with all our strength means that our devotion takes form in action. It’s not enough to say we love God if we’re not willing to live it out. True devotion shows in how we treat others, how we spend our time, and how we use our talents and resources for His glory. When we put God’s commands into action, we become His hands and feet in the world, reflecting His love and transforming our surroundings.

As we consider these truths, let’s ask ourselves: What might our lives look like if we were fully devoted to God? Are there parts of our lives we’ve kept from Him, or distractions that pull our attention away from His presence? Today, God calls each of us to renew our devotion—to recognize Him as our Lord, to love Him with all our heart, and to serve Him wholeheartedly.

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