Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life Chapter 12 - Cameron Jungels - Wed, November 19, 2014

Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life

by Donald Whitney

 

Learning…for the purpose of godliness: Chapter 12 

Learning Characterizes the Wise

Ø  Learning is following in the foot-steps of Jesus.

Ø  Learning is a part of discipleship

Ø  Wisdom is characterized by humility, teachableness, and a desire to grow in knowledge and understanding.

Ø  Learning is a lifelong discipline.

 

Fulfilling the Great Commandment

Ø  The greatest commandment is to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength.

Ø  God is glorified when we use the mind that he made to learn about Him.

Ø  Learning is a discipline that is counter-cultural in our age.

 

Essential for Increased Godliness

Ø  The Christian life begins with learning—the gospel.

Ø  Christians are a Word-founded people, a “people of the book.”

Ø  The Christian life begins with knowledge, and it must continue in progress toward godliness with growth in knowledge (applied).

 

By Discipline, Not by Accident

Ø  Not much learning is gained by accident or in the normal course of life.

Ø  Growth in godliness requires discipline; learning requires purposeful discipline.

Ø  We must be intentional and systematic about learning.

 

Learning by Various Means

Ø  Audio Books

Ø  Video/Audio Sermons

Ø  Internet/TV/Radio

Ø  Bible Study Software

Ø  Classes/Small Groups

Ø  Purposeful Conversation

Ø  Reading

 

Obstacles to Reading

Ø  Our Entertainment Culture

Ø  Technology and Media

Ø  Lack of Time

Ø  Lack of Ability

Ø  Lack of Interest

Ø  Tiredness/Fatigue

Ø  Too Many Choices (Bad Choices)