KNOWING GOD THROUGH PERSONAL DISCIPLINES

August 8, 2018

Train yourself to be godly . . . physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things . . . the present life and the life to come.1 Timothy 4:7-8 NIV

If you are married, you may have received pre-marital counseling. If you did take advantage of the opportunity to get sound advice on the importance of developing habits to increase your knowledge of each other and your intimacy, you learned the importance of honest, direct, and regular communication. You found out you needed to set aside times to date and enjoy each other’s company. You discovered how important it was to spend time together and prioritize the other’s needs. As you committed to each other, you began to establish habits in these areas, and your intimacy and trust grew.

Paul counseled Timothy in a similar way about his relationship with God. He said that the habits we develop to care for our bodies (exercise, proper diet, etc.) are good, but developing the habits that develop a relationship with and intimacy with God are of the highest value—they last forever.

There are numerous private disciplines: things we do on our own because we really desire to know God and grow in intimacy with Him—that make the difference in the vitality and vibrancy of our walk with God. When you begin to practice the private disciplines of Bible reading, prayer, fasting, tithing, etc., your faith will begin to grow. As you trust God and develop strong habits, your faith strengthens. You know Him, you love Him, you trust Him, you obey Him—and you are blessed.

  • What habits/disciplines have you developed that are helping you know God and trust God deeply?
  • What habit or discipline do you need to develop more deeply and faithfully?
  • Is there one or more of the disciplines that you really don’t want to investigate? Why? Does that say anything to you about your knowledge of God?
  • Pray: God, I want to know You and trust You. When I fully know You, I will trust You with everything. Help me trust You with ______________ and develop the habit of obedience.