Editor’s Note: This post is part of a series on the Spiritual Disciplines.] We end this series with a brief word on the philosophical underpinnings of the spiritual disciplines. There are certain basic, underlying realities that help to explain the need and usefulness of spiritual disciplines. They are as follows: It is possible to deliberately grow in godliness. … [Read more...] about Philosophy of the Disciplines
Spiritual Disciplines 101
Danger of the Disciplines
[Editor’s Note: This post is part of a series on the Spiritual Disciplines.] The Spiritual Disciplines require humility and submission to God and the power of the Holy Spirit. In the hands of the proud, they can actually bring death. If you approach them without humility and submission to God, if you approach them without the help of the Spirit… They can be … [Read more...] about Danger of the Disciplines
Spirit of the Disciplines
[Editor’s Note: This post is part of a series on the Spiritual Disciplines.] In talking about the Spirit of the Disciplines, we are talking about how we should view and approach them. So, I would like to offer a few clarifications on what they are and what they are not. They are practices, not prerequisites. Whitney notes, “It’s crucial - crucial - to … [Read more...] about Spirit of the Disciplines
Promise of the Disciplines
[Editor’s Note: This post is part of a series on the Spiritual Disciplines.] Let's talk briefly about the motivation for engaging in the Spiritual Disciplines. Why engage in these practices? What do they promise or offer? Donald Whitney (2014) begins his book with this reminder: “Discipline without direction is drudgery” (p. 1). He gives the illustration … [Read more...] about Promise of the Disciplines
Origin of the Disciplines
[Editor's Note: This post is part of a series on the Spiritual Disciplines.] In a previous post, we listed the spiritual disciplines as they have been presented by others. But where did these various practices come from? Are they just good ideas from modern pastors and authors? Or are their origins more significant than that? The short answer is that the spiritual … [Read more...] about Origin of the Disciplines