Daily Devotion - Psalm 119 - What are Spiritual Disciplines?

“Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart. They do nothing wrong; they walk in his ways. You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!” Psalm 119:1-5, NIV

What is Spiritual Discipline

Discipline is defined as training expected to produce a particular pattern of behavior. Discipline is not part of the sin nature, but it is a natural element of the Christian life. Without discipline, nothing significant in our lives is ever accomplished.

Now, spiritual disciplines can be described as those behaviors that improve our spiritual growth and allow us to grow to spiritual maturity. The purpose of spiritual discipline is the development of that part of us which is transformed by Christ at salvation. (See 2 Corinthians 5:17)

Types of Spiritual Disciplines

There are two types of spiritual disciplines: those that are personal and those that are corporate. The personal disciplines are those that each individual should develop for him or herself, while the corporate disciplines are those that the entire church body can do together.

Personal Disciplines

Prayer
Fasting
Bible Study
Evangelism
Service
Stewardship

Corporate Disciplines

Celebration
Confession
Seeking Guidance
Worship

The Rewards of Spiritual Discipline

We are not granted favor with God or any measure of spiritual success through the practice of spiritual disciplines.

Through these disciplines, we are enabled to obey God’s command “…to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:12-13)