READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary | Celebrating Chinese New Year reminds us that a new year gives us opportunities for starting new spiritual disciplines. Some think of spiritual disciplines as a visit to the dentist – it’s good for us but it involves pain and discomfort.
In 1 Cor. 9:27, Paul wrote to the Corinthians: “…so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” This would have caused surprise and disbelief. How could Paul, the spiritual hero who was imprisoned and beaten for the Gospel, be disqualified?! Paul’s warning was not groundless for the best and most gifted have been disqualified. Demas, mentioned in Colossians and Philemon as a fellow worker with Paul, ended up loving the world and deserting Paul (1 Tim. 4:10). Hymenaeus was a teacher and preacher but also fell from grace (1 Tim. 1:20). Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve apostles, betrayed the Lord, even though he had spent years following Him. In more recent times, many were shocked at the disclosures of Ravi Zacharias’ life. He was a gifted apologist and author of many books and yet, there were reports involving sexual and financial misconduct. Any of us can be disqualified. It is by God’s grace that we continue our spiritual journey.
What do we do with this warning? Paul’s illustration about elite athletes is instructive. These athletes compete to win (vs. 24). They do not waste their energy just going through the motions of training. So also, we need to be spiritual Olympians, who aim higher and do our best in our spiritual race. This involves intentional discipleship, in order to be the best for Jesus. Even if we only have one talent, “may we be for the world, the Body of Christ…”. Each act of kindness contributes to the community. Spiritual disciplines are therefore the means though which we train ourselves. Athletes require a lifestyle change in their habits, behaviour, practice, and activity. They are willing to pay the price to reach their goals. We too need to exercise self-control in all things, learning to say “no” to our bodies. It may require denying ourselves of comfort, safety, control over our lives. Instead, we say “yes’ to God’s plans, purposes and call. Each individual will have his or her own level or pace when exercising spiritual disciplines.
What steps can we take? John Wesley had a list of spiritual disciplines including study, meditation, prayer, fasting, giving, worship, witness, sacraments, fellowship, and service. This may sound too much. However, take a step at a time to start practising our Rule of Life. Our church has many resources to aid us on this journey. They include:
- Spiritual Health Check, which helps us know what direction and steps to take. (https://wesleymc.org/spi-health-check)
- Bible Reading Drive. We cover the entire Bible in four years, through reading given passages every day and sharing our thoughts and meditations with the community.(https://wesleymc.org/brd2022)
- SHAPE enables us to discover our gifts and to serve well. (https://wesleymc.org/ministries/discipleship/discipleship-nurture)
- Small Group. Just as athletes train with a coach and teammates, a small group enables us to grow consistently and in accountability to each other. (https://wesleymc.org/get-involved/join-a-small-group)
May the serious warning of disqualification lead us to run like Olympians and take a next step towards spiritual disciplines.
(Sermon Notes by Angela Goh)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. What are some areas I may be vulnerable to spiritual disqualification?
2. How am I the Body of Christ to the world?
3. What are some of my 2022 Intentional Discipleship goals?
4. What are next steps of Spiritual Disciplines (lifestyle changes to my habits, practice, behaviour, activities) I can take daily, weekly, monthly?
5. Write out your Rule of Life.
