SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 3 SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE

MEMORY VERSE

“For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.”1 Timothy 4:8.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Acts 2:42-47

INTRODUCTION

Discipline is often misunderstood as harsh punishment or severe criticism, yet it means consistent, thoughtful training to reach a particular objective. Throughout life, discipline shapes our experiences- starting in childhood, where parents establish household guidelines Proverbs 22:6, continuing with teachers at school, and extending into society. For those who are believers, spiritual discipline refers to purposeful habits and practices that nurture a closer, more meaningful relationship with God.

OUTLINES

1. ESSENTIAL PRACTICES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH
2. SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE ESSENTIALS

1. ESSENTIAL PRACTICES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

For continued spiritual growth, all believers are encouraged to study the Bible and act on its teachings daily Psalm 119:105; Joshua 1:8. Pray regularly to connect with God Luke 18:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:17, fast to strengthen their spirit man Matthew 17:21, and make personal worship of God a daily practice John 4:24; Philippians 3:3. Fellowship and serving in your church assembly are essential Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:25, and evangelism is a command for all Christians Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 10:14-15: Mark 16:15.
2. SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE ESSENTIALS

Some of the reasons we need to be spiritually disciplined include:

1. Conformity: Christ is our Lord, and we all must be conformed to His nature and likeness Romans 12:2; Hebrews 12:1-2.
2. Intimacy: Spiritual discipline brings intimacy with God and gives strength over sin and temptations James 4:8; Jeremiah 29:13.
3. Growth: Our devotion to the things of God brings growth in knowledge and enables us to do greater works than Jesus 2 Peter 3:18; John 14:12.
4. Continuous Fellowship and Answers to Prayers: The discipline of a  continuous study of God’s word will ensure that we are in constant fellowship with Him, and we will also receive answers to prayers 2 Timothy 2:15; John 15:7, It also helps to avoid falling away John 15:6.

5. Bearing fruit: Spiritual discipline will propel us to constantly witness Jesus and preach to others in obedience to His command Matthew 28:19-20; John 15:5, 16.

   
   CONCLUSION

Every believer in Christ must be spiritually disciplined

FURTHER READING

Sun: Galatians 5:16.
Mon: Joshua 1:8. 
Tue: James 5:16. 
Wed: Philippians 2:12-13. 
Thurs: 1 Corinthians 9:25.
Fri: John 15:16 
Sat: 1 Timothy 4:7-8.