DATE: 2024-04-05

AO: 3rd-f

Q: Squatter

PAX: Mr Rogers, Pinto, Dipstick, Thriller, Web, Paddy Whack, Chopper, Squatter

FNGs: None

COUNT: 8

Exercise vs. Training

1 Timothy 4:8 – For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

What is the difference between exercise and training?

Physical Exercise – to feel good, burn calories, stay in shape, doesn’t usually have a specific goal, often makes you feel good in the short run

Ex

– running the same mileage at the same pace each week

– doing random exercises at the gym depending on how you feel

– posting for F3 workouts

Physical Training – systematically working toward a specific goal in the distant future

Ex:

– increasing your mileage or pace over time

– increasing weight or reps through a weightlifting program

– regularly doing specific exercises to prepare for a Spartan Race

Spiritual Exercise – short term, helps us maintain our faith, feels good in the short term

Ex:

– going to church on Sunday

– reading a short devotional

– Saying a prayer before meals or right before bed

– Posting at 3F

Spiritual Training- long term, greater intentionality, intensity and consistency, systematically and actively working towards being more Christ-like, progress over time, uncomfortable at times but leads to growth

“You are not content merely to be counted righteous in Christ (glorious as that is); you yearn also to become righteous like Christ. You want to be holy as he is holy.” – Scott Hubbard

Ex:

– memorizing scripture

– studying a book of the Bible

– Praying for extended periods of time for specific things

– Fasting

– Growth in fruits of the spirit

– Pursuing opportunities to grow in love, service, humility, etc.

– The Spiritual Disciplines (various lists include prayer, meditation, fasting, etc.)

How can we move beyond just spiritual exercises to spiritual training?

What is one area that you will start training and not simply exercising?

Prayer Requests

– Mr. Mom in ICU for pneumonia

– Web has an MRI today

– Dipstick’s grandma dealing with family tension and controversy

– Thriller’s brother-in-law and sister-in-law struggling marriage, pray for healing and peace for mother-in-law

– Mr. Rogers helping his sister who is a single mom

– Squatter’s wife nausea and fatigue from pregnancy