Sharpen Your Skills // Discipline Takes You to the Next Level
Ephesians 5:1-2 (ESV) | Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Imitation: When we commit our lives to imitating God, He works wonders with the results!
Colossians 3:15-17 (NIV) | Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Inside-Out Faith: Make sure you put the Lord at the center of who you are so your life is lived in the overflow for God.
Spiritual Disciplines
- Works of Piety (practices to strengthen faith)
- Individual Practices – reading, meditating and studying the scriptures, prayer, fasting, regularly attending worship, healthy living.
- Communal Practices – regularly share in the sacraments, small groups for support and accountability to one another, and corporate Bible study with conversing contemplation.
- Works of Mercy (practices to show/share faith)
- Both Individual and Communal Practices – Individual and Corporate: Good Works, Service, caring for the “Least of These”
Philippians 4:9 (NIV) | Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Reflection Questions:
- What are some of the most profound and meaningful ways you can imitate the Lord?
- Reread Colossians 3:15-17. What do you notice about the internal and external cycle? How might this inspire you to live an inside-out life?
- What are the personal components of Acts of Piety? What are the communal components?
- What are Acts of Mercy? How can you practice these individually, as well as with others?
- What kind of practices do you need to employ to deepen your faith and sharpen your skills for God’s team?