1. Spiritual Disciplines
Growth and Transformation is the Goal
Paul says we must not conform to this world, but “transformed by the renewing of our minds” and to be “conformed to the image of his Son.”
“The great danger is not that we will renounce our faith, but settle for a mediocre version of it.” ~John Ortberg

2. 2 Peter on Growth, Spiritual Life
2 Do you want more and more of God’s kindness and peace? Then learn to know him better and better. 3 For as you know him better, he will give you, through his great power, everything you need for living a truly good life: he even shares his own glory and his own goodness with us! 4 And by that same mighty power he has given us all the other rich and wonderful blessings he promised; for instance, the promise to save us from the lust and rottenness all around us, and to give us his own character. 5 But to obtain these gifts, you need more than faith; you must also work hard to be good, and even that is not enough. For then you must learn to know God better and discover what he wants you to do. 6 Next, learn to put aside your own desires so that you will become patient and godly, gladly letting God have his way with you. 7 This will make possible the next step, which is for you to enjoy other people and to like them, and finally you will grow to love them deeply. 8 The more you go on in this way, the more you will grow strong spiritually and become fruitful and useful to our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But anyone who fails to go after these additions to faith is blind indeed, or at least very shortsighted and has forgotten that God delivered him from the old life of sin so that now he can live a strong, good life for the Lord. ~2 Peter 1:2-9 (TLB)

3. Quick Review of our Growth Series
3 biblical tools that accelerate spiritual growth (sports analogy)
Spiritual Disciplines
(Training)
1 Cor. 9:25,
2 Tim. 3:16
Discipleship
(Coaching)
Matthew 4:18-20
Spiritual Assessment
(Testing)
2 Cor. 13:5, Lam. 3:40

4. Spiritual Disciplines
Any activity that helps me live life as Jesus taught and lived.
Biblical examples below of some disciplines and some issues they commonly address
Red indicates recent or upcoming teaching in this class
Disciplines of Restriction ( - )
Disciplines of Engagement ( + )
Solitude and Silence (Stillness & Abiding) helps with World-focus
Bible Study/ Scripture Reflection helps with Obedience, World-focus
Fasting helps with Gluttony, Self-reliance
Worship and Celebration helps with Thanklessness, Selfishness, Jealousy
Chastity helps with Lust
Servanthood helps with Greed, Pride, Selfishness
Frugality helps with Greed, Jealousy
Prayer helps with World-focus, Anger, Self-reliance
Secrecy helps with Pride
Fellowship helps with Self-reliance, Selfishness
Sacrifice helps with Greed, Pride
Confession helps with Sin, Guilt, Anger, Self-reliance
Suffering helps with Greed, Pride
Seeking the Holy Spirit helps with World-focus, Sin

5. Most Recently- Confession
Key verses
James 5:16: Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
1 John 1:9: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Reflection
What makes the discipline of confession effective?
Do you allow yourself to receive/embrace the grace that God gives, or do you hold on to the burden of your sin?
Do you have a person or people in your life to whom you confess your sins?

6. Obtaining Thankfulness

7. Verses on Thankfulness
When Thankfulness is Missing
1 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. 2 Timothy 3:1-5
21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Romans 1:21
The Good News
55 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Cor. 15:55-58

8. Things to Avoid- “Thank-limiters”
Comparison to Others (material/ physical/ spiritual)
20 Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. 21 When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” 22 Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” John 21:20-22
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess. 5:16-18
Being Too Familiar
4 The rabble (discontent) with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, “If only we had meat to eat! 5 We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. 6 But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!” Numbers 11:4-6
Failing to Remember/ Reflect on the Past (see also Busyness)
22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

9. Things to Add- “Thank-enablers”
Live in Christ Jesus (Abide in Christ- John 15)
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 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. 17 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. Colossians 3:15-17
6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6 (See also 1 John 4:4)
Trust God’s Will. Pray to get stronger, not for easier lives.
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith makes you stronger. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4
4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 (See also Romans 8:28)

10. Things to Add- “Thank-enablers”
Praise & Worship for God and His Provision
28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. Hebrews 12:28
33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom an knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! 34 “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” 35 “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” 36 For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. Romans 11:33-36 (See also Psalm 69:30)
Give & Serve Others
Write a thank you note for someone
15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. Ephesians 1:15-16
Serve someone or Give a small gift to someone for no reason
Be where you are and enjoy the Fellowship of family and friends.

11. Table Group Discussion Time!
25 Minutes
WHEN I HEAR ABOUT
GROUP DISCUSSION

12. Discussion Questions Read Luke 17:11-19
What did gratitude lead the Samaritan to do? How was he “made well” at the very end by his thankfulness?
What might we miss when we neglect to be grateful?
How can we keep from missing the chance to thank God as the other nine lepers did?
Where do you struggle to be thankful and where do you give thanks on a regular basis in your life?
As you consider God’s provision in your life, what’s one thing that you’re most thankful for?

13. Application/ Reflection
Would the people nearest to you characterize you as a complaining person or a thankful person?
When was the last time you sat down to literally count your blessings? Try it!
How often do you think, "If only I had _____" or "I wish _______ was different"?
How often do you think, "I can't believe God has given me _________"?
How can you foster a thankful heart and an appreciation for God’s work in your life today?
In your relationships, are you encouraging friends and family to find reasons to give thanks to God?

14. Sources The Spirit of the Disciplines, book by Dallas Willard
The Life You’ve Always Wanted, book by John Ortberg
Grateful for Roses and Thorns, sermon by Gregg Matte