Bible Study & Spiritual Disciplines: the WHY behind the WHAT

Whit's End: Real People, Hard Questions

As we close out Season 3 of Whit's End, we look toward the disciplines we want to put into practice this fall. At Woven, we are big on Bible study and think it's important to always know the WHY behind our WHAT. So today we take a closer look at some scriptures that give meaning to what we practice. What are spiritual disciplines? Why does Bible study matter? What is our responsibility in being transformed?

Verses:

Hebrews 12:11 - “For the moment, all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
Romans 12:1-2 - “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Quotes:

"Spiritual disciplines are an opportunity to partner with God for change, to consistently make room for the Holy Spirit to transform us from the inside out."

"If we only live a surface type of faith where God’s Word figuratively hangs on our walls or sits on pillows in our home but isn’t integrated into the deepest parts of ourselves then we cheat ourselves out of some of the richest blessings God has in store for us. Consistently partnering with the Holy Spirit for change is hard work and also deeply fulfilling work."
The phrase 'be transformed by the renewal of your minds' tells us it is both something that happens to us and something that we are actively engaged in."

Closing Prayer:

God I want to respond to you in worship by making my whole self available to you, and I’m trusting that as I engage with spiritual disciplines of Bible study, of prayer, of time alone with you, of slowing down my pace, you will produce fruit in my life. You will change me in the way I can’t change myself. You will grow me in the ways I’m powerless to create or bring about.