“Spend your time and energy in the exercise of keeping spiritually fit.” 1 Timothy 4:7 (TLB)
If you want God to use you—fortify your faith.
The Bible says in 1 Timothy 4:7, “Spend your time and energy in the exercise of keeping spiritually fit” (TLB).
Do you ever wake up thinking, “I get to exercise today?” I certainly don’t. But I do know that we all need both physical and spiritual exercise. I also know this about exercise: I want the most benefit I can get out of every minute I exercise, whether it’s physical or spiritual.
I’d like to help you get the most out of your spiritual exercise by giving you four spiritual habits that will fortify your faith.
1. Study the Bible. You need to study the Bible personally. You can’t depend on someone else’s study of the Bible to fortify your faith. You have to do it yourself.
The Bible says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT).
God’s Word is the “Get Ready” manual for life. If you want to get ready to be used by God, you’ve got to study the Bible.
2. Read Christian books.Proverbs 19:8 says, “Do yourself a favor and learn all you can” (GNT).You learn a lot more when you read books that help you grow spiritually.
3. Write out your testimony. The Bible says in 1 Peter 3:15, “Always be ready to answer everyone who asks you to explain about the hope you have” (NCV). Just like nobody else can study for you, nobody else can tell your story. There are four parts to a testimony: what your life was like before you came to Christ, how you realized you needed Christ in your life, how you committed your life to Christ, and what your life is like now.
4. Join a small group. The Bible says, “Encourage each other and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT). When it comes to fortifying your faith, few things can compare to regular contact with your small group. If you are not in a small group, find people who you can share life with and who will support you as you grow in faith.
These four habits will help you stay spiritually fit so that you’re ready to be used by God. Which one will you start practicing today?
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