Week 3 The Benefits of Spiritual Disciplines

1 Timothy 4:1–10 NKJV

1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, 3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; 5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. 6 If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. 7 But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. 8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. 9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance. 10 For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.

Did it come from the Word of God?

Where did you find it in the Book?

Show me that in the Book!

Acts 17:10–12 NKJV

10 Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. 12 Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men.

Are you receiving the Word of God with readiness or eagerness?

Joy of the Holy Spirit

1 Thessalonians 1:6 NKJV

6 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,

The Word of God

1 Thessalonians 2:13 NKJV

13 For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.

With Meekness

James 1:21 NKJV

21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

Are you Searching the Scriptures Daily?

Matthew 22:29 NKJV

29 Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God.

Don’t make it up! Looked it up!

John 20:9 NKJV

9 For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead.

Romans 15:4 NKJV

4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.

Haven’t you heard that you can speak things into existence?

Don’t make it up! Look it up!

Romans 4:13–18 NKJV

13 For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect, 15 because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law there is no transgression. 16 Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all 17 (as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; 18 who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.”

Have you heard that it is just common sense?

Common refers to sinners and saints. You are saying that sinners know how to respond biblically just like Christians. Right?

Proverbs 14:12 NKJV

12 There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.

Have you heard that Hallelujah is the highest praise?

Psalm 150:1 NKJV

1 Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty firmament!

This Hebrew sentence has been transliterated into our English language. The translation is “Praise you Yahweh (the LORD in our English Bibles) or You Praise Yahweh.” The sentence is in the imperative meaning it is a command, but not just any command. The psalmist is commanding his listeners to intentionally AND/OR with intensity praise the LORD based on the attributes and actions of Him. I’m not sure when it was first said or who said it, but someone understood that humanity’s praise of other people, places, things, or an idea cannot compare to praising the Creator of all things. Therefore, he or she concluded that to praise the LORD is the highest praise. It is like the difference between peewee football and the NFL or a recreation league to the NBA. These sports are the highest level of play for anyone who plays that sport. To a greater degree, praising the LORD, the Master of the universe, the Author and Finisher of our faith, is the highest level of praise that exist.

Not understanding the meaning of the things we hear in church can move us to use words in ways that contradicts its meaning.

For instance songs have been sung that imply that to say the word hallelujah is the highest praise or we say hallelujah as if we are talking to God. The sentence is not a command to our Lord. Saying hallelujah is a command which calls OTHERS to give honor, praise, and glory to God. So, my brothers and sisters the next time you are in corporate worship remember the Hebrew sentence is calling for others to glorify Him for His beauty, goodness (His patience, mercy, grace, and love), and greatness (His power) that you have experienced in your life.