Train To Grow

1 Timothy 4:7-8

"Train yourself to be godly. 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."

Introduction – Training vs. Trying

You know, in powerlifting, I quickly learned the difference between trying and training.

You can “try” to deadlift 400 pounds tomorrow… but if you haven’t trained, your back is going to scream at you. You can “try” to bench press a personal record without warming up… and you’ll regret it.

Growth— whether in the gym or in your spiritual life—isn’t about bursts of effort... It’s about training... Consistent, Intentional, and Disciplined training.

Paul says the same thing about our walk with Jesus: “Train yourself to be godly.” Not try... But Train... That means using Discipline, Repetition, and Consistency.

And just like in weightlifting, the payoff in spiritual growth may be gradual… but it's real.

Today, I want to show you four spiritual disciplines that are like the exercises of a godly life. And don’t worry …you can start practicing them today.

1. The Discipline of Prayer – Warming Up

Paul says in Philippians 4:6:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

Prayer is like warming up before a heavy lift. You don’t just walk up to the bar and start deadlifting 400 pounds—you warm up. Stretch. Activate your muscles. Prepare yourself.

Prayer isn’t just calling God when life is heavy, it’s having daily conversations with Him. It’s your spiritual mobility… your mental and emotional warm-up.

How-to do it: Ten minutes a day. Three short prayers: “Thank You... Help me... Speak to me.” Start small and stay consistent and over time, it will become an automatic lifeline to God.

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The Discipline of Scripture – Following the Program

2 Timothy 3:16-17:

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…"

You can’t grow in powerlifting by just showing up and guessing. You need a program... You need to Track your progress and Log in your reps... And always be adjusting your routine... That’s how growth happens.

Scripture is our spiritual program... It teaches, it corrects, it equips and if we ignore it, we’re like an athlete who shows up without a plan— you'll be struggling, You'll plateau … and be unprepared.

How-to follow the program: Read One chapter a day... Highlight one verse... Write down one takeaway... Small, daily discipline is what builds strength over time.

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The Discipline of Worship & Community – Training Partners

Hebrews 10:24-25:

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another…"

Think about your lifting partners.... You'll lift heavier... Push harder... and You won’t quit as easily because someone’s spotting you… encouraging you… holding you accountable.

Community and worship do the same for spiritual growth. They keep your fire burning... Push you closer to God, they remind you why you’re training in the first place.

How-to: Make worship a non-negotiable weekly thing... Plug into a small group or circle of believers... Know this, spiritual growth isn’t a solo project...it’s a team effort.

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The Discipline of Service & Generosity – Spotting Others

Mark 10:45:

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many."

Serving others is like spotting someone under a heavy bar. At first, it feels like extra work... An added responsibility... But it strengthens you and helps build patience and it teaches humility.

Giving generously stretches your trust in God’s provision... Serving others stretches your faith... Both are essential for growth.

How-to: Look for ways to serve this week. Help someone. Encourage someone. Give intentionally. Growth happens when faith moves into action.

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Closing Reflection

Spiritual growth, much like strength training, doesn’t happen by accident. It takes discipline, repetition, and consistency. Physical training is valuable—but training for godliness has eternal value.

Think about it:

• Do I need to warm up with prayer more consistently?

• Do I need to follow my spiritual program in Scripture?

• Do I need to train more with my community of believers?

• Do I need to spot and serve others more intentionally?

Growth is possible!!! Step by step... Day by day... Lift by lift... Prayer by prayer... Scripture by scripture... Service by service… Do these things and you'll be surprised how much you will grow.