Spiritual Theology (Ascetical Theology): Spiritual Disciplines
1. Defining Spiritual Disciplines in Christian Theology
Spiritual disciplines are practices of devotion and obedience that train believers in godliness and righteousness. They are not optional extras for advanced Christians but essential practices for all who seek to follow Christ.
Paul exhorted Timothy, “Train yourself for godliness” (1 Timothy 4:7). The Greek word for “train” (gymnazō) suggests rigorous discipline. Just as athletes train their bodies, believers are called to train their souls. Spiritual disciplines are therefore intentional acts that place believers before God, shaping them into the likeness of Christ.
These practices are not meritorious — they do not earn salvation — but they are integral to sanctification, the Spirit’s ongoing work of conforming believers to Christ’s image.
2. The Purpose of Spiritual Disciplines
The purpose of spiritual disciplines can be summarized in three interconnected goals:
Formation of Christlike character — shaping thoughts, desires, and habits to reflect Christ (Romans 12:2).
Resistance against sin — putting to death the deeds of the body through disciplined obedience (Colossians 3:5).
Availability to God — positioning oneself for the Spirit’s transforming work (Galatians 5:25).
In this way, spiritual disciplines are both proactive and reactive. They address spiritual weakness while cultivating strength, creating space for God’s grace to work in daily life.
3. Biblical Foundations for Discipline
The call to discipline is deeply rooted in Scripture:
Old Testament — Meditation on God’s Word is praised: “Blessed is the man… his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:1–2).
Jesus’ example — Christ modeled prayer, fasting, solitude, and obedience to the Father (Luke 5:16; Matthew 4:2).
Paul’s exhortations — Believers are to “walk by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16) and to discipline their bodies (1 Corinthians 9:27).
The biblical witness reveals that spiritual disciplines are both commanded and exemplified. They are not human inventions but divine means of grace for spiritual growth.
4. Types of Spiritual Disciplines
Christian tradition has recognized a variety of disciplines, which may be grouped broadly into:
Disciplines of devotion
Prayer (Philippians 4:6)
Meditation on Scripture (Joshua 1:8)
Worship and thanksgiving (Psalm 95:6)
Disciplines of abstinence
Fasting (Matthew 6:16–18)
Silence and solitude (Mark 1:35)
Simplicity and detachment from materialism (Matthew 6:19–21)
Disciplines of community
Fellowship (Acts 2:42)
Confession and accountability (James 5:16)
Service and generosity (2 Corinthians 9:7)
These disciplines address the whole person — mind, body, and soul — and direct the believer’s attention toward God.
5. Asceticism and the Training of the Body
Asceticism, or rigorous training, has long been part of Christian practice. Paul uses athletic imagery to describe this pursuit: “I discipline my body and keep it under control” (1 Corinthians 9:27).
Yet Scripture warns against distortions of asceticism. Bodily exercise alone profits little (1 Timothy 4:8). Practices like fasting or solitude must not become ends in themselves or fuel pride. Instead, they must be directed toward godliness, cultivating humility, holiness, and love.
The wisdom of ascetical theology is this: the flesh must be kept in subjection so that the spirit may flourish. Spiritual disciplines, rightly practiced, integrate body and soul in devotion to God.
6. Divine and Human Agency in Discipline
The practice of spiritual disciplines reflects both divine and human agency.
Divine agency — The Holy Spirit is the ultimate cause of sanctification. Without His work, disciplines become empty rituals.
Human agency — Believers actively engage in training, choosing obedience and perseverance.
This cooperation is expressed in Philippians 2:12–13: “Work out your own salvation… for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Spiritual disciplines embody this paradox: believers strive, but God empowers.
7. The Dual Process: Mortification and Sanctification
Protestant spirituality often emphasizes two complementary movements:
Mortification — putting to death the old nature with its desires (Romans 8:13).
Sanctification — being renewed by the Spirit, bearing fruit in holiness (Galatians 5:22–23).
Spiritual disciplines participate in both processes. Fasting, for example, mortifies the flesh by denying physical cravings, while prayer sanctifies the heart by directing it to God. Together, these movements reflect the believer’s ongoing transformation into Christ’s likeness.
8. Spiritual Disciplines and the Gospel of the Kingdom
The Gospel provides the foundation and direction for spiritual disciplines. Believers are not disciplined to earn God’s favor but because they have already received it through Christ. The disciplines deepen communion with Christ, who is Himself the embodiment of true godliness.
Furthermore, the disciplines anticipate the future kingdom. Prayer embodies longing for God’s will to be done on earth as in heaven (Matthew 6:10). Fasting reflects yearning for the Bridegroom’s return (Matthew 9:15). Worship anticipates the eternal praise of the redeemed in the new creation (Revelation 7:9–10).
In this way, spiritual disciplines are both present practices and eschatological signposts. They form believers to live faithfully now and prepare them for the day when Christ completes His work.
Conclusion: Training in Godliness Until the End
Spiritual theology, expressed through the practice of spiritual disciplines, calls believers to intentional training in godliness. Rooted in Scripture and modeled by Christ, these practices address both the weakness of the flesh and the renewal of the Spirit.
Disciplines of devotion, abstinence, and community work together to shape Christlike character, resist sin, and open lives to God’s transforming presence. Though the Spirit is the ultimate agent of sanctification, believers are called to participate actively, working out their salvation in daily obedience.
Ultimately, spiritual disciplines point to the Gospel. They remind us that we belong to Christ, that His Spirit is at work in us, and that His kingdom is coming. Until that day, Christians are to “run with endurance the race set before us” (Hebrews 12:1), confident that God will complete the good work He began.
Bible Verses on Spiritual Disciplines
“Train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way.” (1 Timothy 4:7–8)
“Blessed is the man… his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” (Psalm 1:1–2)
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night.” (Joshua 1:8)
“And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.” (Mark 1:35)
“But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:27)
“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness.” (Colossians 3:5)
“If by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” (Romans 8:13)
“Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16)
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Galatians 5:22–23)
“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:1–2)
