Guiding Scripture: Hebrews 12:11 ‘No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. ‘
Spiritual Training
written by: Torrie Slaughter
The verb trained in this verse refers to athletic training, which produces pain and exhaustion necessary to build endurance. For believers, spiritual training is a similar process building spiritual stamina that produces righteousness and peace. But let’s back up a bit. We need the discipline to train. All the willpower and great attitude won’t get us far if we are unwilling to obey the process and seek the Holy Spirit for strength.
We have a choice as to what we will do to receive what we need. Our flesh seeks immediate gratification, but our spirit is much stronger. We can say no to disobedience by remembering God’s truth. Satan knows God’s Word and will twist it to trick you into sin. Did you know that disobedience can show up as procrastination?! What happens when we put off the urgency of a deadline or fail to set systems in place to accomplish a goal? UGH! We kill, steal, or destroy a future benefit.
It is essential to understand that discipline in this text refers to fatherly guidance.
Discipline is the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience.
Remember, God does not find ways to punish us to teach a lesson.
The author of the Hebrews letter wants us to have hope while being disciplined disciples. We can joyfully follow Christ’s command to love Him with all our heart, mind, and soul and our neighbors as ourselves when we control our behavior. Let us uphold God’s presence working within us as His daughters and sons. By doing that, we confirm that our training will yield the peaceful fruit of righteousness.
Prayer: Lord, please help us have a reverential fear of you and delight in your commands. Train our hearts to be holy and righteous. Amen
The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan
Monday, November 14, 2022
Ezekiel 29:1-30:26, Hebrews 11:32-12:13, Psalm 112:1-10, Proverbs 27:17
Download or Print the One Year Bible Reading Plan
Torrie is a media ministry consultant who works with churches and faith driven organizations to build their ministry team. She is the Blueprint Specialist uncovering root problems to construct solutions. Want to hear more? Tune in and listen to A Daily Purpose Bible Study & Devotional a podcast by Our Given Purpose and on Fridays to Talking on Purpose with Torrie the Podcast. Torrie also hosts a YouTube channel of the same name.
