Sunday School Lesson January 24, 2021

Subject: The Benefit of Spiritual Disciplines

The Point: Growth in Christ occurs when we practice spiritual disciplines.

The Passage: 1 Timothy 4:1-10

Study The Bible: 1 Timothy 4:1-3

1). The world seeks to distort the good things of God.

1. Now the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will depart from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons,
2. through the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared.
3. They forbid marriage and demand abstinence from foods that God created to be received with gratitude by those who believe and know the truth.

Lasting truths from: 1 Timothy 4:1-3

• Christians are engaged in a battle with the world, the flesh, and the devil.
• Not all who claim to speak in behalf of God are genuine in their faith.
• False teachers must be exposed by the truth of God’s Word.
• Spiritual disciplines are not a standard by which we judge people’s spirituality.

2). Focus on and lift the truth of God.

1 Timothy 4:4-7a

4. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,
5. since it is sanctified by the word of God and by prayer.
6. If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of the faith and the good teaching that you have followed.

7a. But have nothing to do with pointless and silly myths.

Lasting truths from: 1 Timothy 4:4-7a

• God is the Creator of everything good.
• We should receive God’s good gifts with gratitude.
• We should not prohibit what God said is good.
• We should expose false teaching and focus on the truth.

3). Discipline and train yourself in godliness.

1 Timothy 4:7b-10

7b. Rather, train yourself in godliness.

8. For the training of the body has limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
9. This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance.
10. For this reason we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

Lasting truths from: 1 Timothy 4:7b-10

• Physical exercise has benefit, but godliness has more.
• Godliness gives us a better life and an impact on eternity.
• We do not strive for godliness in order to be saved but because we are saved.

Live It Out

As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions.

1. What are some of the habits you need to abandon? What are some of the habits you need to begin?
2. Why are the spiritual disciplines not our goal but godliness in Christ?
3. If you were rating the energy and effort you give to physical fitness, what would your number be on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the most active? How would you rate your spiritual fitness?

Closing Prayer:

“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I’m sorry for all the wrong I’ve done and ask You to forgive me. I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and a new life in Jesus Christ. From this day forward, I choose to follow You, In Jesus’ name, Amen”