Disciplines for the Disciple

Introduction to Series

Grab your bible and turn to

1 Timothy 4:7 “7 But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness;”

What does it mean to discipline, or to exercise yourself for the purpose of godliness?

Some versions say “train yourself for godliness, or to be godly.

Commentator Barnes: “Cultivate piety, and seek to become more holy.”

Barclay: “Timothy is told that as an athlete trains his body, so the Christian must train his soul.”

BBC (Blackwell Bible Commentary): “Such exercise involves reading and studying the Bible, prayer, meditation. . .”

If you read on in the passage you can see the value of such a spiritual exercise

1 Timothy 4:8 “8 for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”

So, in this series we will see that this disciple is to engage in various exercises that cultivate godliness or piety. This particular lesson will give us some introductory thoughts regarding disciplines for disciples.

The Concept

Definition of Spiritual Discipline

Spiritual disciplines are intentional practices and habits through which believers place themselves before God in order to grow in Christlikeness, deepen their relationship with God, and live in obedience to the Holy Spirit.

In simpler terms:

Spiritual disciplines are practices that help train our hearts, minds, and lives to follow Christ more faithfully.

They are not a way to earn salvation, but a means of grace—ways God uses to shape and mature His people (cf. 1 Tim 4:7–8).

Key Biblical Foundations

1. Training for Godliness - as noted in 1Tim4:7-8 previously

This passage shows that spiritual discipline involves training, not perfection.

2. Practices of Jesus

Jesus Himself modeled spiritual disciplines:

Prayer (Mark 1:35)

Fasting (Matthew 4:1–2)

Scripture (Luke 4:4)

Solitude (Luke 5:16)

Trusted Scholarly Sources

1. Donald S. Whitney

Whitney emphasizes that disciplines are God-ordained means for growth, not ends in themselves.

2. Richard Foster

“The spiritual disciplines are God’s means of grace by which the inner spirit is liberated from the bondage of sin and brought into joyful obedience.” — Richard J. Foster, Celebration of Discipline

Foster highlights transformation of the inner life.

3. Dallas Willard

This definition is especially helpful for teaching that disciplines train us, rather than replace God’s work.

A Short, Class-Friendly Summary Definition

You could present it this way:

Spiritual disciplines are intentional practices—such as prayer, Scripture reading, fasting, and service—through which believers train themselves for godliness and grow in Christlikeness by God’s grace.

Some other examples of Spiritual Disciplines

Below is on two slides

Prayers: (talking to God) Dan6:10; Col4:2

Meditation (Contemplating on God’s word) Neh1:4; Act13:2-3, 14:23)

Singing (Praising God through song) (Ps71:23; Act16:25)

Giving (pleasing God and being blessed by God (Heb13:16; Act20:35)

Assembling (coming to exhort one another) Ps122:1; Heb10:24-25)

Hospitality (showing kindness to strangers) Heb13:2

Teaching (benefits the teacher and student) Heb5:12-14)

Such spiritual activities help to discipline or train one to be more Godly.

The Concept

Can you remember a simple definition?

Here is a clear, biblical definition that works well for teaching and preaching:

Definition of a Disciple

A disciple is a learner and follower who is committed to Jesus—learning from Him, living like Him, and obeying His teachings.

Biblical Background

Greek word: mathētēs (μαθητής)Meaning: learner, pupil, apprentice

A disciple in the biblical sense is more than a student who gains information. A disciple attaches himself to a teacher, adopts that teacher’s way of life, and seeks to become like the teacher.

Key Scriptural Support (NASB95)

Matthew 4:19“Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”→ Disciples follow and are transformed.

Luke 6:40“A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher.”→ The goal is becoming like Jesus.

John 8:31“If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine.”→ Disciples remain in Jesus’ teaching.

Matthew 28:19–20“Go therefore and make disciples…”→ Disciples are both made and makers of disciples.

Simple Teaching Summary

A disciple is someone who follows Jesus, learns from Jesus, lives like Jesus, and helps others follow Jesus.

A disciple is a committed follower of Jesus who is being transformed by His teaching and actively lives it out

The Goal

To be like the teacher

Luke 6:40 “40 “A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher.”

To be Christ’s disciple, then, is to strive to be like Him!

What does strive mean? Does it take effort, does it take discipline?

This coincides with God’s goal in the redemption of mankind, that they be conformed to the image of His Son.

Romans 8:29 “29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;”

Since Jesus is the Son of God, the goal of a disciple is to be more Godly!

Conclusion

Are you a “true” disciple of Jesus Christ?

What would you define as a true disciple?

Does Jesus want true disciples according to Matthew 28:19–20 “19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.””

Jesus wants us to be like Him Luke 6:40 “40 “A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher.”

With the aid of spiritual disciplines, we are more likely to become what Jesus wanted.

Jesus taught His disciples to engage in such activities

Through both precept and example, Jesus taught His disciples regarding such activities.

If you truly are, or want to be a true disciple of Jesus, this series “Disciplines for the Disciple” will be for you and for me, a great reminder or kick start for remember what Paul wrote to Timothy

1 Timothy 4:7–9 NASB95

7 But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; 8 for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance.