Holy Habits: Training Over Trying

Scripture References: Proverbs 16:32; Ephesians 4:11-16; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 3:13-15; Philippians 3:4-14

Intro: This sermon introduces a new series on Spiritual Disciplines. It begins with a personal reflection: the common focus on doing things often overshadows the crucial question of who we are becoming. While we desire change and transformation into Christlikeness (Eph 4, 2 Cor 3:18), we often feel stuck. This series explores how genuine change happens through intentional practices modeled by Jesus.

Key Points:

1. The Goal: Becoming Like Christ (Discipleship): Jesus called us to be "disciples"—disciplined apprentices. The goal isn't just conversion ("Christian") but transformation. Discipleship involves: Being with Jesus -> Becoming like Jesus -> Doing what Jesus did.
2. The Problem: Why We Feel Stuck: We often expect to act like Jesus in difficult moments (e.g., turn the other cheek, not worry) without having adopted the lifestyle and practices (disciplines like prayer, solitude, fasting) that empowered Jesus Himself.
3. Trying vs. Training: Simply trying harder in the moment through willpower usually fails. Real change requires training—engaging in specific activities by direct effort over time to build the capacity to do what we currently cannot (e.g., training for a marathon vs. trying to run one cold). Spiritual disciplines are how we train for righteousness.
4. What are Spiritual Disciplines?: Practices based on Jesus' lifestyle that create intentional time and space for us to access the Holy Spirit's power, enabling transformation from the inside out.
5. Clarifying Misconceptions:
   • Not Earning Salvation: Disciplines are effort, not earning. Grace isn't opposed to effort, only to the attitude of earning God's favor.
   • Not Manipulating God: The goal isn't to get things from God, but to be with God and become like Him.
6. Principles for Smart Training:
   • Balance: Utilize disciplines involving both Abstinence (fasting, silence, solitude, secrecy) and Engagement (worship, prayer, service, fellowship), practiced both Alone and in Community.
   • Season: Adapt practices to your current life stage (student, parent, empty nester).
   • Personality: Lean into disciplines that align with how God wired you (e.g., Naturalist, Contemplative, Activist - Sacred Pathways), while also stretching yourself.
   • Prescription: Use Abstinence disciplines for sins of commission (doing wrong); use Engagement disciplines for sins of omission (neglecting good). Examples: Fasting to combat lust; service/community to combat pride.
   • Embrace Difficulty: Growth often occurs when disciplines feel challenging ("Follow the pain").
   • Repetition: Consistency builds habits that replace reliance on willpower ("Wax on, wax off").

Conclusion: Transformation into the likeness of Christ is God's desire and promise for us, but it requires more than passive wishing or willpower-driven trying. By intentionally engaging in spiritual disciplines—training like Jesus trained—we partner with the Holy Spirit, cultivating the inner character needed to live as His disciples.

Call to Action: Embrace your identity as a disciple called to transformation. Move from merely trying to intentionally training. Assess areas where you feel stuck. Prayerfully select a balanced set of spiritual disciplines suited to your season and p

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