The Necessity of Spiritual Disciplines

An undeniable truth of scripture is the necessity to discipline ourselves spiritually. Spiritual disciplines are very difficult because they are contrary to our fleshly nature. Gal 5:17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. If we never wrestle to be spiritually disciplined then we will remain ineffective servants of Christ, and unhappy Christians. While it is true that Christ has won the victory for us, and that even our sanctification is a work of the Holy Spirit, it is equally true that God holds His children responsible to discipline themselves unto holiness- Heb 12:14 “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord”.

Paul gives us to two major reasons for the need of spiritual discipline. First, it holds a promise in this present life. Anyone who has been a Christian very long knows how quick things like joy, peace, and even assurance of salvation erode, when prayer and bible study are lacking. Yet on the flip side, when we spend much time in prayer and in the scriptures, we sense God’s presence in a wonderful way- Ps 16:11 In Your presence is fullness of joy. We also are much more spiritually equipped for things like evangelism and ministry to the saints, whenever we have been living spiritually disciplined lives.

Paul’s second reason to be spiritually disciplined, is it holds out a promise for the future life. The bible very clearly teaches us that what we do on earth will eternally effect our state of being in heaven. The parable of the talents in Matt. 25, and the fact that we are to store up treasures in heaven point to this truth. Although Paul does not tell us what it is, he is clearly teaching that if we labor to benefit our spiritual lives now, we have a promise that it will profit us when we get to heaven!