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Train
Your Spirit
Gloria Copeland
“It [grace] has trained us to
reject and renounce all ungodliness (irreligion) and worldly (passionate)
desires, to live discreet (temperate, self-controlled), upright, devout
(spiritually whole) lives in this present world.” Titus 2:12, The
Amplified Bible
When an
athlete goes into training, he practices to improve his skills. He works hard,
repeating the same motions over and over until they become what we’d call
“second nature” to him.
Most of
us understand how crucial that kind of training is in the physical realm. We
know that you simply can’t be a winner without it.
But did
you know we can train ourselves that same way where spiritual things are
concerned?
That’s
right! Hebrews 5:14 says we can train our senses to discern
between good and evil.
When you
train, or practice, for something, you expose yourself daily to whatever it is
you want to become.
You
practice it over and over until it becomes second nature to you.
People
who are lazy have practiced being lazy. People who are disciplined have
practiced being disciplined.
Spending
time with God is “spirit” practice. As you do it diligently, your spirit will
grow stronger and will start to overcome the habits of the flesh.
If, for
example, you have trouble getting up in the morning to spend time with God
before the busyness of the day begins, if you’ve been giving in to your flesh
and staying in bed, then you’ll have to start practicing getting up.
The more
you practice it, the easier it will be.
Don’t
expect yourself to do it perfectly right from the beginning.
Don’t get
discouraged when you stumble and fail. You’re just out of practice. Get back on
your feet and go at it again!
Become a
spiritual athlete.
Put
yourself in training by practicing the things of God.
Build
your spirit muscles through fellowship with Him.
You will
be surprised to find just how much of a winner you can be.
Scripture Reading : 2 Peter 1:2-11
A powerful teacher
and best-selling author, Gloria Copeland has shared basic Christian beliefs
worldwide through the Believer’s Voice of Victory broadcast
and KCM events. With an anointing for in-depth preaching and compassion for the
sick, Gloria teaches God’s will for healing and divine health, His direction
for prosperity, His great plan for man’s salvation and more. Kenneth and Gloria
Copeland are based in Fort Worth, Texas.
2 Peter 1:2-11 English Standard Version (ESV)
2 May grace
and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our
Lord.
Confirm Your Calling and Election
3 His divine
power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through
the knowledge of him who called us to[a]his own glory and excellence,[b] 4 by
which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that
through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having
escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.
5 For this
very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue,[c] and virtue with
knowledge, 6 and
knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and
steadfastness with godliness, 7 and
godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.
8 For if these
qualities[d] are yours and are increasing,
they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our
Lord Jesus Christ.
9 For whoever
lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten
that he was cleansed from his former sins.
10 Therefore,
brothers,[e] be all the more diligent to
confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these
qualities you will never fall.
11 For in this
way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal
kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Footnotes:
a. 2 Peter 1:3 Or by
b. 2 Peter 1:3 Or virtue
c. 2 Peter 1:5 Or excellence;
twice in this verse
d. 2 Peter 1:8 Greek these
things; also verses 9, 10, 12
e. 2 Peter 1:10 Or brothers
and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural
Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either
to brothers or to brothers and sisters
English
Standard Version (ESV)
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