God wants his children to be equipped and prepared to win the spiritual battles that they will encounter.

In this lesson, we will examine the importance and methods of spiritual training.

“But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. 8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” (1 Timothy 4:7-8)

 

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ¹² For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:10-12)

What are the Benefits of Spiritual Training for Disciples?

 

1. Spiritual Training Helps Disciples Grow Closer to God and Understand the Deep Spiritual Things of God

“Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 7 but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8 which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.^” (1 Corinthians 2:6-16)

• • Spiritual training helps disciples grow in maturity while revealing the deep things of God through the Holy Spirit. The natural man does not have the ability to understand the spiritual things of God. Through the Holy Spirit and spiritual training, the spiritual man inside of the disciple can know the mind of Christ and discern spiritual things while learning the depths and mysteries of God.

 

2. Spiritual Training Helps Disciples Mature While Growing in Righteousness

“But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. 8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” (1 Timothy 4:7-8)

• • The Bible teaches disciples how God expects us to live, so we will bring Him honor and glory.
  • It also warns disciples of actions that will separate us from Him and result in destructive consequences. While reading God’s Word, the Holy Spirit will convict us of sin, show us how to correct our mistakes, and how to live wisely so we will not sin in the future.

3. Spiritual Training Helps Disciples Serve God and Others

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

• • The Holy Spirit guides disciples in daily decisions regarding life, family, and career. The scriptures train disciples how to listen to God in prayer and devotions to gain wisdom and understanding so we can test and determine what God’s specific will and plan is for the decisions we make.

 

4. Spiritual Training Protects Disciples During Spiritual Battles

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” (John 14:26)

• • Matthew 4:1-11 includes the account of Jesus being tempted by the devil in the wilderness. This passage instructs disciples how to handle times of temptation by using memorized scripture. Satan tempted Jesus several times and manipulated scripture in his trickery. Jesus utilizes scripture to answer the devil’s attacks with proper doctrine. The spiritual armor we are given (Ephesians 6:10-20) is based on a proper understanding of how to use scripture in defense and offense to fight the spiritual forces that try to tempt and manipulate us as we try to serve the Lord.

 

The Armor of God

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ¹² For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. ¹³ Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; ¹⁵ and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; ¹⁶ above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. ¹⁷ And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: ¹⁸ praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; ¹⁹ and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” (Ephesians 6:10-20)