Training yourself To Be Godly: A Bible Study

Introduction 

To grow as a Christian and strive toward Christ-like character, self-motivation in one’s relationship with God is our ultimate goal as Christians. This study is designed to emphasize the significance of being self-driven in that pursuit of spiritual growth. 

Fostering this level of self-motivation requires a shift from self-focus to God-focus in our lives. It means directing our aspirations toward what God desires for us rather than solely pursuing our own ambitions. This requires a Godly sorrow at every point of the man’s change.  

This study involves a series of probing questions. While external training often provides directives, training oneself demands introspection, self-realization, goal setting, structured planning, and personal accountability. These questions are crafted to prompt individuals to derive their own answers, the foundational step towards self-guided transformation. 

2 Timothy 1:7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 

The pursuit of spiritual progress hinges on the individual’s willingness and effort to construct a personal relationship with God based on the foundations laid by others. God’s intention is for each person to take personal responsibility for their maturity and growth rather than relying solely on others for guidance or to grow. 

Achieving godliness demands focus, a reverence for God, an understanding of the consequences when one does not grow spiritually, self-discipline, and a seriousness of heart and mind. These elements align with the objective of shaping ourselves according to God’s purpose in our lives. 

Philippians 2:12-13 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. 

In Philippians 2:12-13, the directive to work out one’s salvation with fear and trembling emphasizing the collaborative effort between personal responsibility and the influence within individuals to fulfill God’s purpose together. 

In understanding these scriptures, let’s take a moment and assk ourselves these questions: 

1. Who is responsible for your salvation and spiritual growth? 

2. What makes us feel like it is other’s responsibility? 

3. What are the consequences of us looking to others versus ourselves to be responsible for our own salvation and spiritual growth?  

Bitterness: When we place the responsibility for our spiritual development on others, it can breed a sense of bitterness within us. This bitterness might stem from unmet expectations, disappointments, or feeling let down by those we rely on for our growth. It creates a sense of dissatisfaction and disillusionment in our spiritual journey. 

Weakness Spiritually: By depending entirely on external sources for our spiritual nourishment, we risk weakening our own personal connection with God. Instead of fostering a strong, direct relationship with our faith and spirituality, over-reliance on others can result in a weakened spiritual foundation. This lack of personal strength in faith might lead to doubt, uncertainty, or a shallow understanding of spiritual matters. 

Criticalness that Defiles Many: Sometimes, when we lean excessively on others for spiritual guidance, it can inadvertently lead to a critical and judgmental attitude. Depending on others for our spiritual understanding might lead to a rigid, dogmatic viewpoint, resulting in a critical spirit that could negatively impact others. This judgmental attitude can be divisive and detrimental to the spiritual well-being of a community. 

Risk of Losing Salvation: Perhaps the most severe consequence of entirely depending on others for our salvation is the risk of losing our personal connection and accountability in our faith journey. Salvation, in the Christian context, is deeply personal and requires individual commitment and responsibility. Relying solely on others without actively engaging and taking ownership of our spiritual growth may risk losing our personal, intimate relationship with God and ultimately, our salvation. 

4. What does it mean to “work out your salvation” 

Obedience to God, even when other spiritual people aren’t around: This speaks to the personal commitment to obedience in every aspect of life, irrespective of external influences or the absence of fellow believers. It involves adhering to God’s principles, commands, and values consistently, regardless of the surroundings or the actions of others. 

Obedience to God when other “spiritual” people aren’t being spiritual: This emphasizes the need for a genuine dedication to obedience, even in situations where those who are considered spiritually mature may not be reflecting that in their actions. It entails maintaining one’s fidelity to God’s teachings and moral standards, irrespective of the conduct of individuals who are perceived as spiritually advanced. 

Personal attention to your spiritual welfare: Working out one’s salvation involves a conscious and intentional focus on personal spiritual growth. This encompasses a regular self-assessment, reflection, and a commitment to fostering one’s spiritual well-being. It entails actively seeking avenues for growth, such as prayer, studying the Scriptures, engaging in self-reflection, and seeking personal growth opportunities. 

Fearing God: A foundational aspect of working out one’s salvation is maintaining a healthy reverence and awe towards God. Fearing God involves an understanding of His sovereignty, His righteousness, and His authority, which in turn influences one’s decisions, actions, and attitude. The recommended book by Jerry Bridges provides insight into cultivating a joyful fear of God, contributing to the understanding of this critical aspect of spiritual development. 

Ultimately, the responsibility to work out one’s salvation lies upon the individual. However, as one commits to this responsibility, God provides the necessary assistance to live out this purpose effectively. 

God’s command to crave spiritual growth and godliness is not an option but a directive, as outlined in 1 Peter 2:2-3. 

1 Peter 2:2-3 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. 

To better understand this passage, one must ask themselves these questions:  

1. What examples can you think of that describe craving? 

2. What things have you craved for in your life? 

3. Do you have that same craving to grow spiritually in your life? 

4. If not, why not? 

5. When have you grown spiritually and it did not taste good? 

A good challenge to motivate yourself to think in a Godly way is to write down three times when you have craved specific spiritual growth and what were the consequences and results in your life. Write it out and share it with those closest to keep you accountable on that goal. 

In 1 Timothy 4:12, the Apostle Paul advises Timothy not to be disheartened by his youth but to set an example. 

1 Timothy 4:12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 

 This counsel extends to everyone seeking to embody godliness in specific areas of their lives. 

Attempting to work on all areas simultaneously may lead to  overwhelming yourself and, consequently, failing to bring about any meaningful change. To work around it,  two essential questions must be asked:  

1. What does God want me to work on the most right now?  
2. What one change in my life would have the most significant impact? 

After answering these two questions, the next step is listing the top five answers in order of importance. The process involves focusing on the foremost item in the list to initiate changes going down the list. 

The areas to contemplate for personal growth might include prayer life, Bible study, evangelism, purity, financial management, relationships, health habits, career, education, emotional regulation, marital or relational aspects, or leading Bible discussions. 

Imagin if you were to master just one area each year for the next five years. Envision the impact on your life after a year of dedicated growth in a single area and visualize those changes over the next five years. 

 Reflect on how different your life would be now if, for the past five years, you had mastered one aspect annually. 

This approach emphasizes the significance of focusing on specific areas for personal development, allowing for consistent and profound transformation over time. It underscores the potential for substantial growth and change within oneself by methodically addressing different aspects of life with a God-centric perspective. 

Point 3: Nothing changes unless you get radical about it 

Radical change demands an equally radical approach. But the question needs to be asked, how radical is radical? Let’s look into the Bible and see Jesus’ level of radicality.  

Matthew 5:29-30 If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell. 

The reasons people do not change is that they fail to count the cost of what it really takes. The attitude of change requires: 

1 Corinthians 9:25-27 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. 

Here are the radical mindset shifts we need to reach.  

Hebrews 12:11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. 

A “strict” mindset and schedule: Adopting a “strict” mindset and schedule involves a commitment to a disciplined and structured lifestyle. Initially it becomes uncomfortable at first, but the scripture emphasizes the long-term benefits. This requires a steadfast dedication to a routine that fosters righteousness and peace, even if it involves short-term sacrifices for long-term gains. 

Hebrews 5:14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. 

Training, is the practice of repeated actions until you achieve the required result: Hebrews 5:14 emphasizes the concept of maturity through consistent practice. Radically transforming your life demands repeated actions aligned with your goals. 

Philippians 3:13-14 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. 

Goals, know what you are aiming at and how to get there: Philippians 3:13-14 underlines the importance of setting specific goals and pursuing them wholeheartedly. To radically change, one needs a clear objective in mind, pushing forward and forgetting past limitations.  

Romans 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. 

Rigorous discipling of your body: Romans 8:13 outlines the necessity to discipline one’s body and actions. Radical change involves a commitment to living according to the Spirit rather than flesh. It’s about consciously controlling one’s body, thoughts and actions towards spiritual growth, promoting self-discipline and self-control. 

Luke 9:23-24 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. 

Mastering your emotions, making them a slave to you so you will no longer be a slave to them: This involves taking charge of your emotions and allowing them to align with your convictions and values first before listening to temporary craving, desires or wants. 

Luke 9:23-24 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. "

Living a life that gets you the prize of heaven: Radical change involves daily denial of selfish desires and pursuing a life aligned with the teachings of Christ. The ultimate prize is living a life that is in harmony with the principles that lead to eternal salvation. 

1 Peter 1:9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 

Radically changing your life means focusing on the profound outcome of your faith, working towards the ultimate goal of any Christian – going to heaven. 

Point 4: Practicals 

Goals without a well-devised plan often remains mere wishful thinking. Ephesians 4:11-15 emphasizes the role of mentors and leaders in equipping and guiding individuals toward spiritual growth. 

Ephesians 4:11-15 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 

A crucial step in pursuing growth is seeking mentors. Whether it’s for prayer, physical fitness, diet, Bible reading, financial management, evangelism, or any area targeted for improvement, a mentor or trainer is invaluable in providing guidance and accountability. 

Instead of just resolving to pray more, consider partnering with a prayer companion or forming a prayer group. Similarly, when pursuing physical fitness goals, having a personal trainer or workout partner significantly enhances commitment and progress. 

For Bible reading, consider joining a weekly group aimed at completing the Bible in a year, fostering accountability and catching up on missed readings. 

Areas like finance or evangelism can benefit from guidance or structured discipling sessions with set goals. For effective evangelism, set up a schedule to meet with people 3 or 4 times a week for 3 hours evangelism at a time. Consequently, doing follow up times together will prove useful until you are fruitful. 

Partnering with someone deeply committed and willing to provide strict discipline in the desired area of change is crucial for transformative growth.  

Matthew 28:20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” 

The journey toward spiritual growth often encounters failure, as highlighted in 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4. Even in the face of difficulty, it should be in our attitude not to give up! 

2 Thessalonians 1:3-4 We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. 

Prayer plays a fundamental role in persevering through trials. Try creating a prayer list, maintaining a prayer journal, and scheduling regular prayer sessions with someone who is more mature than yourself will help you. 

Philippians 1:9-11 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. 

Conclusion 

All in all, embracing the path to spiritual growth requires resolute commitment and practical steps. This study underscores the importance of having self-motivation and desire to consciously focus oneself towards God’s desires. This would entail you to take personal responsibility, focusing on specific areas for growth, getting accountability and adopting radical approaches to achieve such a lofty goal.  

If you would like to be connected with other like-minded people looking to grow in our godliness, reach out today!