Spiritual Exercises
Spiritual exercises are necessary for spiritual growth; when we come to Christ and
are born again, we are babes in Christ (Galatians 3:29-4:2) “and if you be Christ’s
then are you Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. Now I say, that
the heir, as long as he is a child, differs nothing from a servant, though he be lord of
all. But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the Father”.
Christians have been made the righteousness of God in Christ, however, in their
mind, they are babes and have to grow into Christ’ likeness, the good news is that
before Jesus left earth, He made the way for us to grow (Ephesians 4:11-15) “and
He gave some apostles; and some prophets, and some evangelists, and some
pastors and teachers. For the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry,
for the edifying of the body of Christ. Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of
the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of
the fullness of Christ. That we hereafter be no more children, tossed to and fro, and
carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning
craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive. But speaking the truth in love, may
grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ”.
Jesus came as a baby in the natural, however, Jesus grew, and “waxed strong in
spirit, filled with wisdom and the grace of God was upon Him” (Luke 2:40).
Christians regardless of their natural age, when they come to Christ, they begin as
babes and are told to study to show yourself approved (II Timothy 2:15). Just like
Jesus learned obedience, we have to do the same. We have been predestined to
be conformed to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29).
We are also told to crucify our flesh, and exercise control over our flesh (Romans 8:
5-11) “for they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that
are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to
be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against
God, for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that
are in the flesh cannot please God. but you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if
so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of
Christ, he is none of His. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin;
but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him that raised up
Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also
quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwells in you”.
Paul tells us to present our body as a living sacrifice and to renew our mind, in fact
he begs us in (Romans 12:1-2) which says “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by
the mercies of God that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable
to God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world, but
be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that
good, and acceptable and perfect will of God”.
We have to think of who you are in Christ, focus on your spirit, remember Proverbs
23:7 says “as a man thinks in his heart, so is he”. The Bible tells us how and what
to think of in Philippians 4:6-9. We have to meditate on the word of God day and
night, just like He told Joshua (Joshua 1:8).
Spiritual exercise should be our goal because our every blessing is from the Spirit
(Ephesians 1:3) “blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has
blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ”. We are to walk
in the Spirit (walk in the word of God) Galatians 5:16 says “this I say then, walk in
the Spirit and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh”.
We have to exercise our senses, Paul was trying to teach hard things and in
(Hebrews 5:11-6:1) he says “of whom we have many things to say, and had to be
uttered, seeing you are dull of hearing. For when for the time you ought to be
teachers, you have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of
the oracles of God, and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong
meat. For every one that uses milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness; for he
is a babe. But strong meat belongs to them that are of full age, even those who by
reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Therefore
leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ; let us go on to perfection; not laying
again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God”.
Paul tells Timothy how in I Timothy 4:7-12 which says “but refuse profane and old
fables, and exercise your self rather to godliness. For bodily exercise profits little;
but godliness is profitable to all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of
that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. For
therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who
is the Savior of all men, specially of those that believe. These things command and
teach. Let no man despise your youth; but be you an example of the believers, in
word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity”.
Jesus told a parable about the sower (Mark 4:13-20) and when His disciples asked
about the meaning, He explained that the devil can only take the word of God that
you don’t understand. We are told to get understanding (Proverbs 3:13) says
“happy is the man that finds wisdom and the man that gets understanding”;
Proverbs 4:7 says “wisdom is the principle thing, therefore get wisdom and with all
your getting get understanding”. Good news is that James tells us that “if we lack
wisdom, we can ask of God, who gives to all men liberally and upbraids not”. God is
not withholding anything from us, He wants us to know.
We can pray for each other as Paul did in Colossians 1:9 which says “for this cause
we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that
you might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual
understanding”.
We have to train ourselves to listen to the Spirit by following the word of God. We
are to be so dominated by the Spirit that we can be called spiritual (Galatians 6:1-2)
“brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, you which are spiritual, restore such an
one in the spirit of meekness; considering yourself, less you also be tempted. Bear
you one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ”. We are to confess your
faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The
effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (James 5:16).
We are to focus on the finished work of Christ; and exercise being led by the Spirit
of God. Exercise the spirit man within you, by acknowledging what God has put in
us (II Timothy 1:5-7) which Paul tells Timothy and says “when I call to remembrance
the unfeigned faith that is in you, which dwelled first in your grandmother Lois, and
your mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in you also. Wherefore I put you in
remembrance that you stir up the gift of God, which is in you by the putting on of my
hands. For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of
a sound mind”. Paul tells Philemon in Philemon 1:6 “that the communication of your
faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thin which is in you
in Christ Jesus”. Remember that “greater is He in you, than he that is in the world”.
Exercise unity and agreement, agree with the word of God, Agree with what God
says about you. Do as God says by “calling those things that be not as they are”
(Romans 4:17). In Joel 3:10 it says “let the weak say they are strong”. Psalms 10:2
says “let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand
of the enemy”.
Exercise casting your cares on Jesus (I Peter 5:6-10) “humble yourselves therefore
under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. Casting all your
cares upon Him; for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your
adversary the devil, as a roaring lion walks about, seeking whom he may devour.
Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are
accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who
has called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that you have suffered a
while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you”. Focus on God;
remember that Peter walked on the water.
Practice submission to God and resisting the devil (James 4:7). You submit to God
by applying His word to your life. You believe the word of God and then act on it.
You resist the devil by quoting the word of God that cancels out what the devil says
to you. Read how Jesus did it in Matthew 4:1-11, He kept saying “it is written”.
Jesus says “if you continue in My word, then you are My disciple indeed, and you
shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).
We have to exercise patience, and don’t be weary in well doing. The biggest trick of
the devil is to cause delay and make you think that it will never happen; but the Bible
tells us a different story in Galatians 6:7-9 which says “be not deceived; God is not
mocked; for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap. For he that sows to
his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that sows to the Spirit shall of the
Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season
we shall reap, if we faint not”. So remember that the word of God will not return to
Him void, but shall accomplish that which it is sent to do (Isaiah 55:11).
God tells us to “bring Me in remembrance of My word” (Isaiah 43:26).
Exercise your faith, feed your faith daily on the word of God. Remember that faith
comes by hearing and hearing the word of God. Your faith grows by what you say
and believe (Mark 11:22-24).
Settle what you believe! The word of God is not true because you believe it. The
word of God is true, period. Exercise making the Bible the final authority, develop
confidence in the word of God (II Timothy 3:15-17).
Study by: Harriet Bond
Date: April 27, 2010
Spiritual exercises are necessary for spiritual growth; when we come to Christ and
are born again, we are babes in Christ (Galatians 3:29-4:2) “and if you be Christ’s
then are you Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. Now I say, that
the heir, as long as he is a child, differs nothing from a servant, though he be lord of
all. But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the Father”.
Christians have been made the righteousness of God in Christ, however, in their
mind, they are babes and have to grow into Christ’ likeness, the good news is that
before Jesus left earth, He made the way for us to grow (Ephesians 4:11-15) “and
He gave some apostles; and some prophets, and some evangelists, and some
pastors and teachers. For the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry,
for the edifying of the body of Christ. Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of
the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of
the fullness of Christ. That we hereafter be no more children, tossed to and fro, and
carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning
craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive. But speaking the truth in love, may
grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ”.
Jesus came as a baby in the natural, however, Jesus grew, and “waxed strong in
spirit, filled with wisdom and the grace of God was upon Him” (Luke 2:40).
Christians regardless of their natural age, when they come to Christ, they begin as
babes and are told to study to show yourself approved (II Timothy 2:15). Just like
Jesus learned obedience, we have to do the same. We have been predestined to
be conformed to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29).
We are also told to crucify our flesh, and exercise control over our flesh (Romans 8:
5-11) “for they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that
are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to
be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against
God, for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that
are in the flesh cannot please God. but you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if
so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of
Christ, he is none of His. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin;
but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him that raised up
Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also
quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwells in you”.
Paul tells us to present our body as a living sacrifice and to renew our mind, in fact
he begs us in (Romans 12:1-2) which says “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by
the mercies of God that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable
to God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world, but
be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that
good, and acceptable and perfect will of God”.
We have to think of who you are in Christ, focus on your spirit, remember Proverbs
23:7 says “as a man thinks in his heart, so is he”. The Bible tells us how and what
to think of in Philippians 4:6-9. We have to meditate on the word of God day and
night, just like He told Joshua (Joshua 1:8).
Spiritual exercise should be our goal because our every blessing is from the Spirit
(Ephesians 1:3) “blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has
blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ”. We are to walk
in the Spirit (walk in the word of God) Galatians 5:16 says “this I say then, walk in
the Spirit and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh”.
We have to exercise our senses, Paul was trying to teach hard things and in
(Hebrews 5:11-6:1) he says “of whom we have many things to say, and had to be
uttered, seeing you are dull of hearing. For when for the time you ought to be
teachers, you have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of
the oracles of God, and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong
meat. For every one that uses milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness; for he
is a babe. But strong meat belongs to them that are of full age, even those who by
reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Therefore
leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ; let us go on to perfection; not laying
again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God”.
Paul tells Timothy how in I Timothy 4:7-12 which says “but refuse profane and old
fables, and exercise your self rather to godliness. For bodily exercise profits little;
but godliness is profitable to all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of
that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. For
therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who
is the Savior of all men, specially of those that believe. These things command and
teach. Let no man despise your youth; but be you an example of the believers, in
word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity”.
Jesus told a parable about the sower (Mark 4:13-20) and when His disciples asked
about the meaning, He explained that the devil can only take the word of God that
you don’t understand. We are told to get understanding (Proverbs 3:13) says
“happy is the man that finds wisdom and the man that gets understanding”;
Proverbs 4:7 says “wisdom is the principle thing, therefore get wisdom and with all
your getting get understanding”. Good news is that James tells us that “if we lack
wisdom, we can ask of God, who gives to all men liberally and upbraids not”. God is
not withholding anything from us, He wants us to know.
We can pray for each other as Paul did in Colossians 1:9 which says “for this cause
we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that
you might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual
understanding”.
We have to train ourselves to listen to the Spirit by following the word of God. We
are to be so dominated by the Spirit that we can be called spiritual (Galatians 6:1-2)
“brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, you which are spiritual, restore such an
one in the spirit of meekness; considering yourself, less you also be tempted. Bear
you one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ”. We are to confess your
faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The
effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (James 5:16).
We are to focus on the finished work of Christ; and exercise being led by the Spirit
of God. Exercise the spirit man within you, by acknowledging what God has put in
us (II Timothy 1:5-7) which Paul tells Timothy and says “when I call to remembrance
the unfeigned faith that is in you, which dwelled first in your grandmother Lois, and
your mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in you also. Wherefore I put you in
remembrance that you stir up the gift of God, which is in you by the putting on of my
hands. For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of
a sound mind”. Paul tells Philemon in Philemon 1:6 “that the communication of your
faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thin which is in you
in Christ Jesus”. Remember that “greater is He in you, than he that is in the world”.
Exercise unity and agreement, agree with the word of God, Agree with what God
says about you. Do as God says by “calling those things that be not as they are”
(Romans 4:17). In Joel 3:10 it says “let the weak say they are strong”. Psalms 10:2
says “let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand
of the enemy”.
Exercise casting your cares on Jesus (I Peter 5:6-10) “humble yourselves therefore
under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. Casting all your
cares upon Him; for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your
adversary the devil, as a roaring lion walks about, seeking whom he may devour.
Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are
accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who
has called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that you have suffered a
while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you”. Focus on God;
remember that Peter walked on the water.
Practice submission to God and resisting the devil (James 4:7). You submit to God
by applying His word to your life. You believe the word of God and then act on it.
You resist the devil by quoting the word of God that cancels out what the devil says
to you. Read how Jesus did it in Matthew 4:1-11, He kept saying “it is written”.
Jesus says “if you continue in My word, then you are My disciple indeed, and you
shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).
We have to exercise patience, and don’t be weary in well doing. The biggest trick of
the devil is to cause delay and make you think that it will never happen; but the Bible
tells us a different story in Galatians 6:7-9 which says “be not deceived; God is not
mocked; for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap. For he that sows to
his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that sows to the Spirit shall of the
Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season
we shall reap, if we faint not”. So remember that the word of God will not return to
Him void, but shall accomplish that which it is sent to do (Isaiah 55:11).
God tells us to “bring Me in remembrance of My word” (Isaiah 43:26).
Exercise your faith, feed your faith daily on the word of God. Remember that faith
comes by hearing and hearing the word of God. Your faith grows by what you say
and believe (Mark 11:22-24).
Settle what you believe! The word of God is not true because you believe it. The
word of God is true, period. Exercise making the Bible the final authority, develop
confidence in the word of God (II Timothy 3:15-17).
Study by: Harriet Bond
Date: April 27, 2010
