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Discipline of Giving
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Introduction – Prayer – Meditation – Fasting – Singing – Fellowship – Giving
Introduction
1. Summarizing what we have covered so far, “Disciplines For The Disciple” include:
a. Prayer – especially the value of secret, simple, and steadfast prayer
b. Meditation – contemplating God, His works, His words, and things worthy
c. Fasting – a means of humbling one’s self before God when joined with prayer
d. Singing – which edifies the singer as well as praises God
e. Fellowship – communing with other Christians as we engage in spiritual activities
2. I also think of giving as a spiritual discipline
a. Not just in the sense of giving money to someone in need
b. But in giving of one’s time, energy, or abilities, especially where it involves sacrifice
3. Such giving is certainly demonstrated in the New Testament
a. By the example of the churches of <a target=”_blank” href=”http://www.biblemap.org/#Macedonia”>Macedonia</a> – 2 Corinthians 8:1-5
b. By the example of Christ Himself – 2 Corinthians 8:9
4. To become more like Christ, which is the goal of spiritual discipline, we must exercise giving.
Body
I. GIVING PAR EXCELLENCE
A. THEY GAVE SACRIFICIALLY
1. The Macedonians were in the midst of great affliction – 2 Corinthians 8:2
2. They were experiencing poverty themselves – 2 Corinthians 8:2
3. Yet they gave ‘beyond their ability’ – 2 Corinthians 8:3a
4. This they were not expected to do – cf. 2 Corinthians 8:12-13
5. The best giving comes from those who cannot afford it (cf. Luke 21:1-4)
B. THEY GAVE JOYFULLY
1. Somehow they had discovered the joy of giving – 2 Corinthians 8:2
2. Perhaps they took to heart the teaching of:
a. The Lord relating to the blessedness of giving – Acts 20:35
b. James to the value of persecution – James 1:2-4
3. In any case, this is the kind of giving that God loves – 2 Corinthians 9:7
4. The best giving comes from those who give cheerfully
C. THEY GAVE VOLUNTARILY
1. They were ‘freely willing’ – 2 Corinthians 8:3
2. This is the kind of giving God requires today
a. We can not command people to give against their will – 2 Corinthians 8:8
3. Giving must come from ‘a willing mind’ – 2 Corinthians 8:12
4. Giving must never be done ‘begrudgingly’ or because you ‘have to’ – 2 Corinthians 9:7
5. Otherwise, you might as well not give at all
6. The best giving comes from those who give freely
D. THEY GAVE PERSISTENTLY
1. As Paul says, ‘imploring us with much urgency’ – 2 Corinthians 8:4
2. They wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer (or for an easy way out!)
3. With the Philippians, their giving to Paul persisted throughout his life – Philippians 4:10-18
4. The best giving comes from those who persist
E. THEY GAVE THEMSELVES
1. Perhaps this explains how they were able to give as they did!
2. They gave themselves ‘first to the Lord’ – 2 Corinthians 8:5
a. When a person does this, they do not worry about ‘the cost of giving’
b. For they have the promise of Jesus in Matthew 6:25-34
3. Giving themselves first to the Lord, it is natural they would give ‘then to us (others)’
a. For such is a mark of true discipleship – cf. John 13:34-35
b. And it is a mark of true love for God – cf. 1 John 4:20-21
4. The best giving comes from those who give themselves to God
II. REASONS FOR GIVING
A. GOD BLESSES THE GIVER
1. It is more blessed to give than to receive – Acts 20:35
2. The Lord blesses those who give – Psalm 41:1-3; Proverbs 19:17
3. The grace of God is at work in those who give – 2 Corinthians 8:1-2,6-7; 9:8,14
4. Giving blesses the giver more than the recipient!
B. GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER
1. As Paul reminded the Corinthians – 2 Corinthians 9:7
2. A cheerful giver therefore need not worry – Matthew 6:30-33
3. For God watches over those whom He loves – cf. Luke 12:6-7
4. Giving cheerfully makes one a recipient of God’s care and love!
C. GOD PROVIDES SEED FOR THE SOWER
1. Those who sow bountifully will reap bountifully – 2 Corinthians 9:6
2. Not for personal consumption – 2 Corinthians 9:8-9
a. But to have ‘all sufficiency in all things’
b. But to have ‘an abundance for every good work’
c. As confirmed by a quote from Psalms – cf. Psalm 112:5-9
3. To multiply the seed for even more good – 2 Corinthians 9:10-11a
a. To ‘increase the fruits of your righteousness’
b. To be ‘enriched for all liberality’
4. Giving liberally will be blessed to give even more liberally!
D. GOD IS PRAISED BY GIVING
1. Thanksgiving is offered by those whose needs are supplied – 2 Corinthians 9:11b-12
2. Glory is given to God for His grace in the lives of the givers – 2 Corinthians 9:13-15
3. Giving liberally will lead to God being praised liberally!
E. BROTHERLY LOVE IS INCREASED BY GIVING
1. By brethren who witness God’s grace in the givers – 2 Corinthians 9:14
2. Causing them to love and long for their brethren – e.g., Philippians 1:3-8
3. Giving liberally will strengthen the bonds of brotherly love!
III. THE EXERCISE OF GIVING
A. THERE ARE DIFFERENT WAYS TO GIVE
1. Giving is not limited to money
2. God may empower us to give in other ways – 1 Peter 4:10-11
a. Our talents to teach or serve
b. Our time can be a great gift
3. Whatever our abilities and opportunities…
a. We are stewards of the manifold grace of God
b. We should minister our gifts to one another
c. We should do so with the ability God supplies
4. However you give, let it truly reflect God’s grace in you!
B. PLANNED GIVING LEADS TO CHEERFUL GIVING
1. Purposeful giving is the key to giving cheerfully – cf. 2 Corinthians 9:7
2. One is less likely to give ‘grudgingly or of necessity’
a. Because they have already set aside what they want to give
b They are not caught off guard when someone asks them to give
3. This is how Paul instructed the Corinthians in their giving
a. To lay by in store on the first day of the week – cf. 1 Corinthians 16:1-4
b. To prepare their gift beforehand, so the resources were ready – 2 Corinthians 9:5
4. An early Christian apologist, Aristides, wrote of how even slaves were able to give cheerfully through purposeful planning: “And if there is any that is a slave or a poor man, they fast two or three days and what they were going to set before themselves they send to them (Christians in prison), considering themselves to give good cheer even as they were called to give good cheer.” – Apology 15
5. So plan your giving if you wish to give cheerfully!
Conclusion
1. Remember that the purpose of any spiritual discipline is to:
a. Help us grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ
b. Become more like Christ as we grow in godliness
2. The discipline of giving certainly helps to fulfill such a goal:
a. For God gave His only begotten Son – John 3:16
b. And Jesus gave Himself – Matthew 20:28
3. Likewise the Macedonians gave themselves to the Lord first, and then to others
4. As we exercise ourselves to godliness through prayer, meditation, fasting, singing, and fellowship, may we also be sure to add the grace of giving – 2 Corinthians 8:5
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Discipline of Fellowship
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Introduction – Prayer – Meditation – Fasting – Singing – Fellowship – Giving
Introduction
1. Thus far in our series of study of spiritual disciplines we have looked at
a. Prayer – especially the value of secret, simple, and steadfast prayer
b. Meditation – contemplating God, His works, His words, and things worthy of virtue
c. Fasting – a means of humbling one’s self before God when joined with sincere prayer
d. Singing – which edifies the singer as well as praises God
2. Let’s now take a look at the spiritual discipline of fellowship
a. The Greek is koinonia and means “to share in, fellowship with, participation”
b. The early church continued “steadfastly in…fellowship” – Acts 2:42
3. The idea is that Christians did things together
a. They assembled together for worship
b. They spent time together in such activities as prayer, singing, etc.
c. They valued the time together as something beneficial
4. To grow spiritually, we need to exercise ourselves unto godliness (1 Timothy 4:7), and fellowship with other Christians is an important spiritual exercise.
Body
I. THE NEED FOR FELLOWSHIP
A. THE PROBLEM OF SELF-CENTEREDNESS
1. Many Christians do not value their time with other Christians
2. As evidenced by their:
a. Sporadic attendance of regular worship opportunities
b. Failure to visit and support gospel meetings elsewhere
c. Lack of interest in home Bible studies
d. Unwillingness to extend or accept offers of hospitality
3. The main reason is the problem of self-centeredness
a. Interested only in things pertaining to themselves
b. With little concern for the needs of others
B. THE REASON FOR SELF-CENTEREDNESS
1. Many of us lived through the “Me Decade”
a. The 1970’s, distinguished by self-centered attitudes and self-indulgent behavior
b. A time in which there was
1) A rapid rise of crime against others – rape, theft, assault, murder
2) An increased use of drugs and alcohol as a way of escape
3) A turn to philosophies and religions which involve preoccupation with self:
a) “Looking Out For #1”
b) Transcendental Meditation (TM) and Yoga
4) An emphasis on consumerism and materialistic gain
c. A decade followed by the “Greed Decade” (the 1980’s)
2. Cultural trends today have produced many self-centered people
a. We live in a highly mobile society
1) New families move in, and others move away
2) Many live great distances from the place of worship and from each other
b. Technology designed to bring us closer together, can easily move us apart
1) Phones, email, etc., greatly increase our ability to communicate
2) But we can become stretched out so thin through such technology that we do not develop meaningful relationships
3. The problems of self-centeredness and isolation can be greatly reduced through the spiritual discipline of fellowship.
II. THE PRACTICE OF FELLOWSHIP
A. THROUGH ASSEMBLIES OF THE CHURCH
1. We assemble regularly to exhort one another – Hebrews 10:24-25
2. This we do through worship services and Bible classes
3. Each time we assemble, we have fellowship with one another
4. A main goal in such assemblies is mutual edification – 1 Corinthians 14:26
B. THROUGH VISITING OTHER BRETHREN
1. Area churches often have special events like gospel meetings
2. This provides the opportunity for fellowship with brethren in other places – Philippians 1:5
III. THE BENEFIT OF FELLOWSHIP
A. TO FULFILL OUR DUTIES TO ONE ANOTHER
1. To have a care for one another – 1 Corinthians 12:26
2. To teach and admonish one another – Colossians 3:16
3. To serve one another in love – Galatians 5:13
4. To pray for one another – James 5:16
5. To restore one another – James 5:19-20
6. To be hospitable to one another – 1 Peter 4:9
B. TO RECEIVE HELP FROM ONE ANOTHER
1. We need encouragement to remain faithful – Hebrews 3:12-14
2. We need comfort in times of tribulation – 2 Corinthians 1:3-5; 1 Thessalonians 5:11
a. Note that comfort comes from two sources: from God and each another
b. Thus God comforts both directly and indirectly
Conclusion
1. As we think of the various “Disciplines For The Disciple”
a. Let us not limit such spiritual exercises that can be done alone
b. Let us also value spiritual exercises that we can do together
2. In our desire to exercise ourselves unto godliness
a. Beware of the danger of self-centeredness and isolation
b. Be aware of the value of assembling together in our churches and in our homes
3. Through such fellowship with other Christians, along with private prayer, meditation, fasting, and singing, we will grow in grace and godliness as disciples of Christ.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Discipline of Singing
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Introduction – Prayer – Meditation – Fasting – Singing – Fellowship – Giving
Introduction
1. Our study of spiritual disciplines have so far examined such spiritual exercises as
a. Prayer – especially the value of secret, simple, and steadfast prayer
b. Meditation – contemplating God, His works, His words, and things worthy of virtue
c. Fasting – as a means of humbling one’s self before God, especially when joined with prayer
2. Another discipline in which we engage regularly is singing
a. We spend nearly a third of our assemblies engaged in this activity
b. Rightly so, for it has the potential of reaping great spiritual benefits
3. But I wonder if some do not appreciate the value of singing
a. Many Christians sing with virtually no emotion, some do not sing at all!
b. I have known Christians, who
1) Complained because time available for classes was taken up by singing a few hymns
2) Will not attend a worship service if they know it will be devoted to singing
4. Singing as a spiritual discipline is of great value, and should be a habit engaged by those who desire to grow in godliness.
Body
I. THE PURPOSE OF SINGING
A. TO PRAISE THE LORD (UPWARD)
1. This is the most common concept of the purpose of singing
a. Indeed, this is certainly the idea inherent in the word ‘hymn’
b. Which comes from the Greek word humnos, “a song in praise of”
2. The Psalms call upon us to praise God in song
a. “Sing praise to the LORD, you saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.” – Psalm 30:4
b. “Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King of all the earth; Sing praises with understanding.” – Psalm 47:6-7
c. “Oh come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.” – Psalm 95:1
d. “Oh, sing to the LORD a new song! Sing to the LORD, all the earth.” – Psalm 96:1
e. “Sing to the LORD, bless His name; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day.” – Psalm 96:2
3. Praising God in song should be a natural for Christians!
a. David reacted this way to the blessings of God – Psalm 28:6-7; 59:16-17
b. Christians are taught to sing praises when joyful – James 5:13
c. Paul and Silas even reacted to persecution by singing praises – Acts 16:25
B. TO TEACH AND ADMONISH ONE ANOTHER (OUTWARD)
1. Singing is not always directed toward God
a. Certainly, many songs are
b. But songs are often directed to each other – cf. Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19
2. That’s because many songs are designed to teach one another
a. Teaching and admonishing us to live properly, to enjoy the blessings of the Christian life
b. It might even be said that ‘congregational singing’ is actually ‘congregational teaching’!
C. TO BE FILLED AND ENRICHED (INWARD)
1. David wrote of the personal benefit of singing praises
a. It made his lips and soul to greatly rejoice – Psalm 71:23
b. He found it to be pleasant and beautiful – Psalm 147:1
2. Singing can be a means to being filled with the Spirit
a. Paul charged the Ephesians to be filled with the Spirit – Ephesians 5:18
b. He explained how: by singing and making melody in one’s heart to the Lord – Ephesians 5:19
3. Singing can be a means to being enriched by the Word of Christ
a. Paul charged the Colossians to let the Word of Christ dwell in them richly – Colossians 3:16a
b. Again he explains: by singing with grace in one’s heart to the Lord – Co 3:16b
D. Singing is a wonderful spiritual discipline that blesses God, those who hear us and even us as we sing. How can we get more out this spiritual discipline?
II. THE PRACTICE OF SINGING
A. ENGAGE THE MIND AS YOU SING
1. Remember, singing is teaching and admonishing one another
2. This assumes that we understand what we sing – cf. 1 Corinthians 14:15
3. We must be careful that our enjoyment of singing is not like how many people enjoy their popular music (i.e., liking the music without necessarily understanding the words)
B. ENGAGE THE HEART AS YOU SING
1. When we sing, we must do so
a. “with grace in your hearts” – Colossians 3:16
b. “making melody in your heart” – Ephesians 5:19
2. This assumes that we involve our ‘heart strings’ (emotions) as we sing!
3. To sing without emotion (without grace in our hearts)
a. Is hypocritical, and condemned by Jesus! – Matthew 15:7-8
b. Will be evident in our countenances! – cf. Proverbs 15:13
C. EXPAND THE SPHERE OF YOUR SINGING
1. Is your singing limited just to the public assemblies, on the first day of the week?
2. Singing, like prayer, ought to be spontaneous, arising whenever the circumstances call for it – cf. Acts 16:25; Psalm 34:1-3
3. Take advantage of special opportunities to sing, such as monthly and annual singings
4. As a spiritual exercise, it should be done in private devotions as well as in public worship
a. Sing while you work, travel, or alone in your private meditations
b. Make use of hymns on tapes or CDs when traveling or meditating
Conclusion
1. David exemplifies the attitude of one who exercises himself through the discipline of singing
a. “I will sing to the LORD, Because He has dealt bountifully with me.” – Psalm 13:6
b. “I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing to You among the nations.” – Psalm 57:9
c. “I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.” – Psalm 104:33
2. He likewise calls upon us to sing praises both in public and in private
a. “Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, And His praise in the assembly of saints.” – Psalm 149:1
b. “Let the saints be joyful in glory; Let them sing aloud on their beds.” – Psalm 149:5
3. As we seek to exercise ourselves unto godliness (2 Timothy 4:7), consider the discipline of singing as an appropriate complement to other spiritual activities such as prayer, meditation, and fasting
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Discipline of Fasting
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Introduction – Prayer – Meditation – Fasting – Singing – Fellowship – Giving
Introduction
1. For this series we have defined spiritual disciplines as:
a. Spiritual exercises that bring one closer to God, to become more godly in character and behavior
b. Spiritual activities such as prayer, meditation, fasting, singing, giving, etc.
2. Previous studies examined the disciplines of
a. Prayer – especially the value of secret, simple, and steadfast prayer
b. Meditation – contemplating on God, His works, His words, and things worthy of virtue
3. A discipline closely tied to prayer in the Scriptures is that of fasting
a. Practiced by men of God – Ezra 8:21; Nehemiah 1:4; Daniel 9:3; Matthew 4:2
b. Observed by the early church – Acts 13:1-3; 14:23; 2 Corinthians 6:5; 11:27
4. But some questions may come to mind
a. What exactly is fasting?
b. Why would Christians fast?
c. When would Christians fast?
d. How should Christians fast?
Body
I. FASTING IN THE BIBLE
A. IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
1. Only one fast was commanded in the Law of Moses – Leviticus 16:29
a. The phrase “afflict your soul” refers to fasting – cf. Psalm 69:10
b. Note also Acts 27:9 (where the Fast refers to the Day of Atonement)
2. But the Israelites (and others) fasted on many other occasions
a. In war, or at the threat of it – Judges 20:26; 1 Samuel 7:6
b. When loved ones were sick – 2 Samuel 12:16-23; Psalm 35:11-13
c. When loved ones died – 1 Samuel 31:13; 1 Chronicles 10:12; 2 Samuel 1:12
d. When they sought God’s forgiveness – Jon 3:4-10; Daniel 9:3-5;
e. When faced with impending danger – Ezra 8:21; Nehemiah 1:4; Esther 4:3,16
f. To commemorate certain calamities – cf. Zecariah 7:3; 8:19
3. The purpose of fasting
a. Some fasting was a natural reaction to grief over the loss of a loved one
b. More often, fasting was done purposely to afflict the soul – Leviticus 23:27-29
c. The purpose was to “humble” or “chasten” the soul – Psalm 35:13; 69:10
d. By humbling themselves, they hoped to incur God’s favor – Ezra 8:21-23
e. Because they sought God’s favor, fasting usually was accompanied with prayer
4. The nature of fasting
a. Fasting generally involved abstaining from food but not water
b. Sometimes the fast was partial – a restriction of diet, not total abstention – Daniel 10:2-3
c. On rare occasions there was the absolute fast – Esther 4:16; Acts 9:9
d. The absolute fasts of Moses and Elijah must have been miraculous – Deuteronomy 9:9; 1 Kings 19:8
5. The length of fasting
a. A fast was often for one day, from sunrise to sunset, and after sundown food would be taken – Judges 20:26; 2 Samuel 1:12; 3:35
b. A fast might be for one night (hence the term, “breakfast”) – Daniel 6:18
c. The fast of Esther continued for three days, day and night, which seems to have been a special case – Esther 4:16
d. At Saul’s burial, the fast by Jabesh-Gilead was seven days – 1 Samuel 31:13e. David fasted seven days when his child was ill – 2 Samuel 12:16-18
f. The longest fasts were the forty day fasts by Moses, Elijah, and Jesus – Exodus 34:28; Deuteronomy 9:9; 1 Kin 19:8; Matthew 4:2; Luke 4:2
6. Warnings regarding fasting
a. Fasting can easily turn into an external show and ceremonial ritualism
b. When it did, God and His prophets spoke out against it – Isaiah 58:1-9
— Though subject to abuse, fasting played an important role in the life of Israel
B. FASTING IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
1. In the life of Jesus
a. He fasted forty days in the wilderness – Matthew 4:1-2; Luke 4:1-2
b. He taught concerning fasting in His sermon on the mount – Matthew 6:16-18
c. He implied His disciples would fast after His death – Mark 2:18-20; Luke 5:33
d. He spoke of the combined power of fasting and prayer – Matthew 17:14-21
2. In the life of the early church
a. Members of the church at Antioch served the Lord with fasting-Ac 13:1-2
b. Elders were appointed in the churches of Galatia with fasting-Acts 14:21f
3. In the life of Paul
a. He fasted prior to his baptism – Acts 9:9
b. He fasted as part of his ministry – 2 Corinthians 6:4-10; 11:23-28
c. He described how fasting might be appropriate for others – 1 Corinthians 7:5
4. In the lives of others
a. Anna – Luke 2:36-37
b. Cornelius – Acts 10:30-31
— Through both precept and example, the New Testament has much to say about fasting. Both Jews and Gentiles, Christians and non-Christians, practiced the spiritual discipline of fasting in Bible times. Should Christians fast today? I believe there is a place for fasting today
II. WHY WOULD CHRISTIANS FAST?
A. PEOPLE FAST TODAY FOR VARIOUS REASONS
1. Some purposefully, for health reasons
2. Some without thinking, in times of grief and sorrow
3. Others, in an effort to gain some kind of self-control
— But these are not reasons Christian should fast in their service to God – Colossians 2:20-23
B. CHRISTIANS SHOULD FAST TO SEEK GOD’S HELP
1. This is consistent with the majority of fasting in the OT
a. In times of war or at the threat of it (Israel)
b. When loved ones were sick (David)
c. When seeking God’s forgiveness (Ahab, Daniel)
d. When seeking God’s protection (Ezra)
2. This is consistent with the examples of fasting in the NT
a. When dealing with temptations (Jesus)
b. When serving the Lord (Antioch)
c. When beginning a work for the Lord (Antioch)
d. When selecting and appointing elders (Galatia)
— There is certainly apostolic example for Christians to fast today
III. WHEN WOULD CHRISTIANS FAST?
A. WHENEVER CIRCUMSTANCES REQUIRE GOD’S HELP
1. These may be occasions on an individual level
a. When faced with difficult temptations
b. When faced with the serious illness of a loved one
2. These occasions might be on a congregational level
a. As when appointing elders
b. As when sending out missionaries
— Not as some ceremonious ritual, but when appropriate for the occasion
B. WHENEVER CIRCUMSTANCES CALL FOR MUCH PRAYER
1. Is not God more likely to answer our prayers if we are persistent? – Luke 18:1-8
2. Is not God more likely to respond if we fast in the proper manner? – Matthew 6:17-18
— This may be why fasting is frequently joined with prayer in the Scriptures. Whenever there are matters requiring much prayer, fasting along with prayer is appropriate.
IV. HOW SHOULD CHRISTIANS FAST?
A. SOME BIBLICAL WARNINGS
1. Not to be seen of men – Matthew 6:16-18
2. Not as some regular ritual – cf. Matthew 9:14-17
3. Not without true repentance – cf. Isaiah 58:3-9
— To be effective, fasting must take such warnings seriously
B. SOME PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS
1. Don’t fast just because it sounds like a neat thing to do
a. Take the subject seriously
b. Fast only when the occasion is a serious one
c. One in which you deeply desire God’s help
2. If you have never fasted before
a. Start slow, fasting only for brief periods of time
b. End slow, gradually breaking your fast with fresh fruits and vegetables in small amounts
3. Fast when you have time to spend in prayerful meditation
a. Remember the purpose for fasting
1) To humble oneself in God’s sight
2) To seek favorable answer for some important plea
b. Thus fast when you have time
1) To pray
2) To meditate
c. Remember fasting can be:
1) Partial abstention from food, not necessarily complete
2) Just for one day or night, not necessarily for days and nights
— Fasting is not an end, but a means to an end; a way to humble oneself before God
Conclusion
1. Views about fasting have often been extreme
a. “Some have exalted religious fasting beyond all Scripture and reason, and others have utterly disregarded it.” – John Wesley
b. Some consider fasting unnecessary, therefore to be ignored; others think fasting is to be bound as a matter of faith (like baptism)
c. For the Christian, fasting is left primarily to individual discretion
2. When properly understood, fasting can be a valuable spiritual discipline
a. A way to humble oneself before God
b. When joined with prayer, a way to solicit God’s help
c. As we seek to exercise ourselves unto godliness (2 Timothy 4:7), consider the practice of fasting as an appropriate complement to prayer and meditation
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Discipline of Meditation – Philippians 04:08
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Introduction – Prayer – Meditation – Fasting – Singing – Fellowship – Giving
Text: Philippians 4:8
Introduction
1. In this series we have defined spiritual disciplines as
a. Spiritual exercises that bring one closer to God, to become more godly in character and behavior
b. Spiritual activities such as prayer, meditation, singing, giving, etc.
2. Our previous study examined the discipline of prayer
a. Noting especially the value of secret, simple, and steadfast prayer
b. In which we praise God, make supplication for our needs, and intercede for others
3. Closely tied to prayer is the disciple of meditation
a. A spiritual exercise practiced by men of God – Genesis 24:63; Psalm 1:1-2
b. A spiritual duty given to those who are Christians – Philippians 4:8; 1 Timothy 4:15
4. But some questions may come to mind
a. What exactly is meditation?
b. Why should we take time to meditate?
c. How should we meditate?
Body
I. MEDITATION IN THE BIBLE
A. WHAT IS NOT MEDITATION IN THE BIBLE
1. That practiced by many Eastern religions
a. Like Hinduism, Buddhism, or Transcendental Meditation
b. Where the object is to experience truth, peace, or being, usually inexpressible
2. That practiced by Christian mystics
a. Such as Quakers, and others often found among Catholics and Protestants
b. Who meditate to experience God, or to receive some revelation from God
3. Both Eastern and Christian mystical meditation usually seek to empty the mind so as to find or receive truth within (i.e., a subjective form of meditation)
B. WHAT IS MEDITATION IN THE BIBLE
1. To contemplate on truth or reality already revealed (i.e., an objective form of meditation)
2. For example, the man “after God’s own heart” is one who meditates on:
a. The Lord Himself – Psalm 63:6
b. His wonderful Works – Psalm 77:12
c. His revealed Word – Psalm 119:15,23,48,97-99,148
3. In the words of Paul, we are to meditate on “things” – Philippians 4:8
a. Things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report
b. Things that are of any virtue, and are praiseworthy
[There is a very real difference between Biblical meditation and that commonly practiced by many religions: Christian meditation dwells on that already revealed in creation or inspired revelation, whereas other forms of meditation seek some new truth or experience to be revealed. Understanding the difference, why is Biblical meditation important…?]
II. WHY CHRISTIANS SHOULD MEDITATE
A. A SOURCE OF JOY AND STRENGTH
1. As seen from such passages like Psalm 1:1-3; Isaiah 40:28-31
2. This alone should motivate us to meditate more often
B. AN IMPORTANT PART OF OUR TRANSFORMATION
1. The goal of the Christian is to become more like Christ – cf. Romans 8:29
2. This requires a “transformation” – Romans 12:1-2
3. But notice that this is possible only by “renewing the mind” – Romans 12:2
4. This “renewing” is possible only when we “set our minds” on proper things
a. On things above
b. Not on things on the earth – Colossians 3:1-2
5. Only then, when our minds are “set on things above”, will we be successful in completing the “transformation” which includes “putting off the old man” and “putting on the new man” – cf. Colossians 3:1-2 with Colossians 3:5-14
C. MANY FALL BECAUSE THEY MEDITATE ON THE WRONG THINGS
1. They “mind the things of the flesh”, which leads to “death” and “enmity with God” – cf. Romans 8:5-8
2. You cannot be a spiritual person if you “dwell” on carnal things
a. “Recent studies conducted by a Stanford University research team have revealed that ‘what we watch’ does have an effect on our imaginations, our learning patterns, and our behaviors.” – Denis Waitley, Seeds Of Greatness, p. 47-48
b. ” First we are exposed to new behaviors and characters. Next, we learn ` or acquire these new behaviors. The last and most crucial step is that we adopt these behaviors as our own.” – ibid.
c. “One of the most critical aspects of human development that we need to understand is the influence of ‘repeated viewing’ and ‘repeated verbalizing’ in shaping our future.” – ibid.
d. The information goes in, ‘harmlessly, almost unnoticed,’ on a daily basis, but we don’t react to it until later, when we aren’t able to realize the basis for our reactions.” – ibid.
e. “In other words, our value system is being formed without any conscious awareness on our part of what is happening!” – ibid.
f. “You are what you watch and think.” – ibid., p. 45
g. “If a sixty second commercial, by repeated viewing, can sell us a product, then isn’t it possible for a sixty minute soap opera or ‘smut- com’, by repeated viewing, to sell us a lifestyle?” – ibid., p. 47
3. Fill your mind with positive and spiritual thoughts if you really want to:
a. “renew the mind”
b. “be transformed”
[If Christians are to succeed, they must set their minds (meditate) on the things of the Spirit, on things above, where Christ is! Only then will they with God’s help put off the old man and put on the new man. Finally, a few thoughts on…]
III. HOW TO MEDITATE
A. FIND A QUIET TIME AND PLACE
1. For Isaac, it was in the field at evening – Genesis 24:63
2. For David, it was in bed during the night watches – Psalm 4:4; 63:6; 119:148
3. A time and place free from distraction
B. CONTEMPLATE SOMETHING OF VALUE
1. David focused his meditation on three things:
a. The Lord Himself – Psalm 63:6
b. His wonderful Works – Psalm 77:12
c. His revealed Word – Psalm 119:15, 23, 48, 97-99, 148
2. Paul mentioned things that possess virtue and are praiseworthy – Philippians 4:8
a. Whatever is noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report
b. Which could include devotional writings by uninspired authors
c. A subject or object worthy of mindful contemplation
C. LET THE BIBLE BE YOUR PRIMARY FOCUS
1. Read it contemplatively every day – Psalm 1:2; 119:15
2. Read it with a prayer in your heart – cf. Psalm 119:18
3. As you read, occasionally read it aloud to yourself
a. The Hebrew word in Psalm 1:2 for meditate means “to mutter”
b. Reading slowly and audibly helps to focus one’s mind on the words
4. As you read, you might ask yourself the following questions:
a. Is there some truth I should know from this verse?
b. How does this passage affect a previously held conviction?
c. Is there something I should stop doing in light of this verse?
d. Is there a practice I should change?
e. Is there a habit I ought to begin?
5. You might end with a prayer such as David’s – cf. Psalm 119:10
— “Hold the Word of God in your heart until it has affected every phase of your life…this is meditation.”
Conclusion
1. We find David praying in Psalm 19:14
“Let the words of mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, “O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.”
2. By heeding Paul’s command (“meditate on these things” – Ph 4:8), we can ensure that our meditations will be acceptable in the sight of our Lord!
3. Together with frequent prayer, the practice of meditation will go a long way toward exercising one’s self unto godliness…!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Discipline of Prayer
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Introduction – Prayer – Meditation – Fasting – Singing – Fellowship – Giving
Introduction
1. In our previous study we defined the spiritual disciplines as
a. Spiritual exercises that one engages in habitually which bring one closer to God and thus become more godly in character and behavior
b. Spiritual activities such as prayer, meditation, fasting, singing, giving, etc.
2. Now we shall consider such disciplines more carefully, beginning with prayer
a. An activity in which Jesus Himself frequently practiced – Luke 5:16
b. A spiritual exercise enjoined upon Christians – Colossians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Body
I. THE PURPOSE OF PRAYER
A. AS TAUGHT BY JESUS
1. To praise God, expressing adoration
a. As indicated by the phrase “Hallowed be Your name…” – Matthew 6:9
b. As exemplified in one of David’s prayer – 1 Chronicles 29:10-13
2. To pray that God’s will to be done
a. As indicated by the phrase “Your kingdom come…” – Matthew 6:10
b. As exemplified in the Lord’s own prayer – Matthew 26:39,42
3. To make requests for our daily needs
a. Such as our daily food – Matthew 6:11
b. Such as our bodily health – 3 John 2
4. To confess our sins, seeking mercy
a. Asking forgiveness, as we forgive others – Matthew 6:12
b. Assured that God will justly and faithfully cleanse through Jesus’ blood – 1 John 1:9
5. To ask for God’s providential care
a. Keeping us away from evil – Matthew 6:13
b. Directing our path if it be His will – Romans 1:9-10
6. From “The Lord’s Prayer”, we can learn much about the purpose of prayer
B. AS TAUGHT BY HIS APOSTLES
1. To express thanksgiving – 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
2. To find peace in the midst of anxiety – Ph 4:6-7
3. To receive strength and boldness from God – Ephesians 3:14-16,20; 6:18-20
4. To find opportunity for service to God – Colossians 4:3
5. To receive wisdom from God – James 1:5-8
6. To intercede on behalf of others – James 5:14-16; 1 Timothy 2:1-2
7. From the apostles’ writings, we learn much about the purpose of prayer
There is much good that can come from prayer, both for ourselves and those for whom we pray. It is an activity in which Jesus and His apostles engaged in frequently, so now let’s consider more closely
II. THE PRACTICE OF PRAYER
A. AS TAUGHT BY JESUS
1. Jesus taught the value of secret prayer
a. By precept, in His sermon on the mount – Matthew 6:5-6
b. By example, in finding solitary places to pray – Mark 1:35
2. Jesus taught the value of simple prayer
a. Many words are not necessary – Matthew 6:7
b. Our Father already knows our needs – Matthew 6:8; cf. Romans 8:26-27
3. Jesus taught the value of steadfast prayer
a. In response to His disciples’ request to teach them to pray- Luke 11:1,5-10
b. In telling them the parable of the persistent widow – Luke 18:1-8
4. Thus the discipline of prayer should include the elements of secrecy, simplicity, and steadfastness
B. AS PRACTICED BY GODLY MEN AND WOMEN
1. David, a man after God’s own heart, prayed morning, noon, and evening – Psalm 55:17
2. Daniel, a man greatly beloved by God, prayed thrice daily for many years – Daniel 6:10
3. Anna, a prophetess, served God in prayers night and day – Luke 2:36-37
4. Real widows continue in prayers night and day – 1 Timothy 5:5
5. Epaphras labored fervently in prayers for those in his church- Colossians 4:12
6. Paul prayed frequently for his brethren in other churches – Romans 1:9; Philippians 1:3-4; Ephesians 1:15-16; 1 Thessalonians 1:2
7. Clearly the discipline of prayer involves a habitual, daily practice of prayer
Conclusion
1. The discipline of prayer, done habitually, is truly a spiritual exercise
a. “Prayer is the spiritual gymnasium in which we exercise and practice godliness.”
b. “…Prayer is educative. The man who prays grows; and the muscles of the soul swell from this whipcord to iron bands.”
c. The opposite is also true: “Seven days without prayer makes one weak.”
2. The discipline of prayer is truly an exercise that leads to godliness
a. For Jesus, at the right hand of God, makes intercession for us – Romans 8:34
b. Indeed, Jesus always lives to make intercession – Hebrews 7:25
3. If we desire to be true disciples of Christ, if we want to become more like Him, then “The Discipline Of Prayer” is a spiritual exercise that we must engage in frequently.
And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. – Matthew 14:23
Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. – Mark 1:35
So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed. – Luke 5:16
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Disciplines for the Disciple – 1 Timothy 04:01-10
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Introduction – Prayer – Meditation – Fasting – Singing – Fellowship – Giving
Text: 1 Timothy 4:1-10
Introduction
1. We find Paul exhorting Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:7
a. “exercise yourself toward godliness”
b. What does this mean?
2. Compare other translations
a. “train yourself for godliness” (1 Timothy 4:7 ESV, 1 Timothy 4:7 NET)
b. “train yourself to be godly” (1 Timothy 4:7 NIV, 1 Timothy 4:7 NLT)
c. “discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness” (NASB)
3. Consider what some commentators have written
a. “cultivate piety, and seek to become more holy” – Barnes
b. “Timothy is told that as an athlete trains his body, so the
Christian must train his soul.” – Barclay
4. The value of such spiritual exercise is seen in 1 Timothy 4:8
a. “godliness is profitable for all things”
b. “having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come”
5. The disciple, therefore, is to engage in various “exercises” or “disciplines” that cultivate godliness or piety. In this series, we shall take a look at such disciplines for the disciple. But in this lesson, some introductory thoughts regarding
Body
I. THE CONCEPT OF SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE
A. DEFINITION OF SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE
1. In general terms, discipline means:
a. “any training intended to develop moral character, or produce a pattern of behavior.”
b. “training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character – Merriam-Webster
2. Regarding spiritual disciplines in particular:
a. “A spiritual discipline is, when practiced faithfully and regularly, a habit or regular pattern in your life that repeatedly brings you back to God and opens you up to what God is saying to you.”
b. “Spiritual disciplines can be described as behaviors that facilitate spiritual growth.”
3. Spiritual disciplines, then, are spiritual exercises that one engages in habitually which bring one closer to God and thus become more godly in character and behavior
B. EXAMPLES OF SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES
1. Prayer – in which one spends time talking to God – e.g., Daniel 6:10; Colossians 4:2
2. Meditation – in which one contemplates on God’s Word, or other things worthy of such attention – cf. Psalm 1:1-2; Philippians 4:8
3. Singing – through which one can praise God and be edified – Psalm 71:23; Acts 16:25
4. Giving – by which we can please God and be blessed – cf. Hebrews 13:16; Acts 20:35
5. Assembling – where we can exhort one another – cf. Psalm 122:1; Hebrews 10:24-25
6. Hospitality – showing kindness to strangers, which often results in a blessing – Hebrews 13:2
7. Teaching – which usually benefits the teacher more than the student – Hebrews 5:12-14
8. Such spiritual activities help to discipline or train one to be more godly
We shall examine these more carefully in future lessons. But to appreciate the importance of spiritual disciplines for those who call themselves disciples of Christ, let’s review
II. THE CONCEPT OF DISCIPLESHIP
A. THE WORD “DISCIPLE”
1. Literally means a learner
2. It denotes “one who follows another’s teaching” – Vine
3. A disciple was not only a learner, he was also an adherent
4. For such reasons, disciples were spoken of as imitators of their teachers
B. THE GOAL IN BEING A DISCIPLE
1. Stated by Jesus himself: to be like the teacher – Luke 6:40
2. To be Christ’s disciple, then, is to strive to be like Him!
3. This coincides with God’s goal in the redemption of mankind, that they be conformed to the image of His Son – Romans 8:29
4. Since Jesus is the Son of God, the goal of a disciple is to be more godly
Conclusion
1. Are you a disciple of Christ…?
a. Jesus wants you to become His disciple – Matthew 28:19-20
b. Jesus wants you to become like Him – Luke 6:40
2. With the aid of spiritual disciplines, we are more likely to become what Jesus wanted…
a. For Jesus Himself often taught His disciples to engage in such activities
b. Through both precept and example, Jesus taught His disciples regarding such activities
3. If you are a disciple of Jesus Christ, then I trust that this series,”Disciplines For The Disciple” will be of special to interest to you. Remember what Paul wrote to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:7-9
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Church Discipline – Part 1 – 1 Corinthians 10:1-12
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Part 1 – Part 2 – Part 3 – Part 4 – Part 5
Text: 1 Corinthians 10:1-12
Introduction
1. God declared the city of Jericho was to be devoted to him – Joshua 6:17-19
2. Tell the story of Achan’s sin
1) Sin was not known to leaders but innocent men died – Joshua 7:1-9
2) Quite praying and began disciplining – Joshua 7:10-12
3) Proof of guilt was established before all before discipline began – Joshua 7:13-23
4) After discipline, God was with them Joshua 7:24-8:1
3. It is true that sinners will always be in the church, but God says that we should be able discern them – 2 Thessalonians 3:6
Body
I. What is church discipline?
A. Define terms
1. Church: The body of called out believers over whom Christ is the head and that accept the Bible as His Word.
2. Discipline:
(a) training which molds, corrects, strengthens;
(b) Punishment, chastisement;
(c) to train in self control
B. There are two kinds of discipline
1. Preventive discipline
1) Ephesians 6:4
2) Romans 13:1-2
3) Galatians 5:19-21
4) 1 Timothy 4:1-6
2. Corrective discipline
1) Children
2) Government
3) Hebrews 12:9-11
4) 2 Thessalonians 3:6
II. The need for corrective discipline
A. The home
1) Proverbs 13:24
2) Proverbs 19:18
3) Proverbs 23:13-14
4) Hebrews 12:7
B. The government
1) Romans 13:1-4
C. The church
1) 2 Thessalonians 3:6
III. God’s rule in the past
A. Patriarchal Age
1. Adam and Eve
1) instructed – Genesis 2:15-17
2) punished – Genesis 3:23-24
1) instructed – Genesis 19:17
2) punished – Genesis 19:26
B. Mosaic Age
1. Achan
1) instructed – Joshua 7:17-18
2) punished – Joshua 7:20ff
2.Moses
1) instructed – Numbers 20:8
2) punished – Numbers 20:9-12
3. Young Prophet
1) instructed – I Kings 13:7-10
2) punished – I Kings 13:21-24
IV. Does God require corrective discipline today?
A. All sufficiency of the Word of God
1. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
2. 2 Peter 1:3-4
B. Is discipline a command?
1. 1 Corinthians 5:12 – Romans 16:17-18
2. John 12:48 – Titus 3:10-11
3. Matthew 18:15-17 – 2 Thessalonians 3:6
Conclusion
1. Positive – H B R C B live an obedient life
2. Corrective – 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9
`
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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