The Good Fight Week #3 Training for Spiritual Success Think back. What stands out? Key verse Train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:7b-8 3 Keys to Spiritual Fitness

1. Nutrition If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. 1 Timothy 4:6 NIV

2. Exercise For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God. 1 Timothy 4:10 ESV 3. Goals Set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity… Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 1 Timothy 4:12,15

Start talking. Choose a conversation starter for your group. • Have you ever played a sport? What was the training like? • How do you stay in shape? What habits do you have in order

to stay fit and healthy? Start thinking. Ask questions to get your group thinking. • What do you find is the most spiritually nourishing to your

soul? • How is exercising our faith different from working for our

salvation? • Why would someone disrespect another for their young age?

Does young age minimize one’s ability to influence for the gospel?

Start sharing. Choose questions that create openness. • Has anyone close to you ever “departed from the faith?” • How does the challenge to let others “see your progress”

encourage or challenge you? Start digging. Read Scripture about spiritual fitness.

Colossians 1:9-11 Hebrews 6:1-3 Ephesians 4:11-13 1 Peter 2:1-3

Start praying. Be bold, and pray specifically. Father, thank you for your word. Use it to sharpen and challenge us. Grow us to be even more like Jesus, so that we can fight the good fight. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Start doing. Commit to a step, and live it out this week. Make a list of things you want to do in order to train spiritually.