Spiritual Disciplines 201: The Pursuit of Spiritual Growth
To empty our lives of hurry-sickness is a vital first step in establishing life habits that aid our spiritual growth. The second step involves building the habits themselves. James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, once wrote “You do not rise to the level of your goals; you fall to the level of your systems.” In Spiritual Disciplines 201, we are going to begin a survey of the spiritual disciplines in order that we might elevate our systems in a way that reflects a life bought by the blood of Christ. By observing the spiritual disciplines, our hope is to reinnervate our process of spiritual growth, engaging in the practices we see in the Word of God.
All of the lessons and the corresponding notes can be found below.
Spiritual Disciplines 201, Part 1 - Fasting and Meditation
We begin our journey through the spiritual disciplines with fasting and meditation. Here in part 1, we will explore how these practices help us create intentional space for God that our souls might be nourished. Fasting, more than simply going without food, is a way to shift our focus from physical needs to spiritual hunger, drawing us closer to God’s presence. Meditation invites us to fill our minds with Scripture, reflecting deeply on God’s truth and character, strengthening our faith from the inside out. These disciplines aren’t about performance—they’re about transformation and drawing nearer to Jesus. Dive into this teaching and learn how to cultivate spiritual strength through consistent, meaningful practice.
Spiritual Disciplines 201, Part 2 - Study and Prayer
If we were honest, we – much like the crew of Apollo 13 – are in dire need of the kind of communication that will transform our vessel. Our hearts and minds are insufficient for the task of getting us home safely. What we need is transformation – the kind that can only come from our mission control. This transformation will only result from constant communication with God, receiving from his word and communing with him in prayer. This leads us to our main point for today: The centerpiece of Spiritual transformation is ongoing spiritual communication. With this main point in mind, we will observe the disciplines of study and prayer, as we understand them to be both forms of communication that work not apart from one another, but in tandem.
Spiritual Disciplines 201, Part 3 - Silence and Solitude
In lesson 3 of our series on Spiritual Disciplines, we will learn that the disciplines of silence and solitude are essential for deepening one's relationship with God by removing distractions and intentionally creating space to hear from Him. These practices foster inner transformation, contentment, and clarity, helping believers align their lives with God's will and character. By regularly engaging in silence and solitude, individuals experience spiritual renewal, freedom from worldly pressures, and a closer walk with God.
Spiritual Disciplines 201, Part 4 - Submission and Service
In part 4 of our series on spiritual disciplines, we’re going to explore the disciplines of Submission and Service. As we do, what we’ll find is that stewardship is central to these disciplines. If we refuse to engage in these two disciplines, it will be a mismanagement of resources that God has entrusted to our care. What we’ll see tonight is that Submission is the Stewardship of Trust, & Service is the Stewardship of Talent. And if we’re faithful with what we have, however little we may believe it to be, God will entrust us with more.
Spiritual Disciplines 201, Part 5 - Worship and Confession
Worship is the practice of the light of life, and confession is the product, for it is only beneath the light of life that we see our desperate need for saving grace. In part 5 of our series on Spiritual disciplines, we will learn that Worship is the transformative revelation that kindles our repentance and awakens our response. We will observe this principle from a Scriptural perspective as we root ourselves in the glimpse of heavenly realities observable in Isaiah 6:1-8
Spiritual Disciplines 201, Part 6 - Celebration
In this final lesson of the Disciplines 201 series, we explore Celebration as a vital yet often overlooked spiritual discipline. Far from being just emotional hype or cultural festivity, true celebration is a theologically grounded response to the joy of the gospel and the goodness of God. This session unpacks how intentional rhythms of joy, gratitude, and praise can sustain our spiritual lives, transform our gatherings, and shape homes marked by freedom and faith.