Scripture Passages
I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13, English Standard Version)
7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 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 4:7 – 8, English Standard Version)
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2 – 4, English Standard Version)
Introduction
Welcome to our 2026 Group Bible Study. This is our chance to collectively consider Scripture passages that will help us through the 40 Days of Discipline journey.
When Christians face challenges a popular “go to” verse is Philippians 4:13. However, misinterpretations of the verse can result in misplaced confidence in our ability to accomplish anything we want rather than reliance on God to accomplish what God wants. This self-serving syndrome is not supported by the context of the verse. Remember, Paul was in Prison when Philippians was written. What the verse clearly supports is full reliance on Christ, who strengthens us.
For our Group Bible Study this year we are going to focus on three tools that Jesus uses to strengthen us for challenges. The three tools are: 1) Exercise, 2) Example, and 3) Encouragement. Today we will consider Exercise.
Discussion
Prayerfully read the passages above. Why do the apostles Paul and James recommend spiritual training/exercise? In your view, how does Jesus use spiritual training/exercise to strengthen us to overcome challenges?
February 18, 2026 at 1:16 am
In regards to the apostle Paul and James instructions I am reminded that my walk with Christ is to be a humble dependent walk. One which I should not expect to pass with flying colors on the first try (so to speak) but it’s a gradual process learning and depending each step of the way.
As to the question that relates to Jesus, my thoughts brought me to the occasion when, despite Peter’s insistence that he would do otherwise, He told Peter that He had prayed for him and that after he (Peter) had failed, he (Peter) should encourage others. This exchange reminds me of a patient experienced coach who knows that his player is on the process of learning and has a realistic expectation of the player even when the player himself/herself doesn’t. He patiently allows us to learn from our mistakes aka exercise as we progressively get stronger in our walk with Him.
February 18, 2026 at 4:53 am
Paul and James knew that spiritual training was for eternal gain. They knew this training would be mandatory for believers because trails would come and all believers will face situations that test their faith.
The Holy Spirit guides and encourages us through small testing of faith to equip us for bigger battles. As I grow in His strength and faith I better understand how Jesus equips me to operate in this world.
February 18, 2026 at 4:58 am
Physical exercise and training helps with your physical health and well-being. They can assist in addressing chronic disease, injuries and mental health. They also require discipline and consistency. I believe Paul and James are recommending spiritual exercise and training to help strengthen and enhance our spiritual journey. Our walk will experience many challenges, difficulties and set-backs. Our consistency in prayer, studying the word and other spiritual disciplines will assist in addressing these daily challenges. Our mind and heart will be strengthened.
February 18, 2026 at 6:45 am
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me” is fundamental truth that undergirds my new life in Christ. And thus begins the journey consistently renewing my mind from its natural and old way of thinking – self reliance, to wholly dependent on the Spirit of God within me. There is no better context for Jesus to display Himself a the true wellspring of joy and strength, than in trials. Temporal trials train me to maintain an eternal perspective of future glory and total dependence on Him as the earth shakes beneath me, the waters rises or the storm rages around me. Will I remain faithful to Him? Will I doubt His goodness, trustworthiness and ways He chooses for my good and His glory? Can I suffer and remain faithful and “not sin by charging God with wrongdoing” (Job 1:22b)?
February 18, 2026 at 6:47 am
Training gives strength and understanding. If our faith is tested, we will grow and learn. This would lead to a much stronger and stable faith. A believer with strong faith can overcome with the Lord all the challenges that life will throw.
February 18, 2026 at 7:05 am
The battle is won in the mind, where our faith [ie confident trust (and hope) in] either holds or fails. We can consider our persevering faith as an anchor rope. Unless the rope (and anchor) is tested, we won’t be led to or able to rely on it. On the contrary, knowing the trials it has previously endured, we are able to find peace in the midst of those to follow, and even offer this peace to others. We “train ourselves for godliness” by intentionally getting to know our ‘Anchor’, thereby equipping ourselves to trust Him (strengthening our rope) in the inevitable storms of life, including those brought on by a call to obey.
February 18, 2026 at 7:27 am
In your view, how does Jesus use spiritual training/exercise to strengthen us to overcome challenges?
Similar to a muscle on your body, your spiritual “muscle” needs practice and training. If I were tasked with running a marathon tomorrow, I would (painfully) fail. However, if I took the time to train and accomplish smaller increments, when I am finally faced with the marathon, I have a better chance at succeeding. In the same way, spiritual training gradually prepares us for when we need to rely on God during obstacles that seem insurmountable.
February 18, 2026 at 8:46 pm
1. I think the apostle Paul and James recommend spiritual training/exercise because they know from their own experience that faith isn’t sustained by emotion, comfort or circumstance. James 1: 2-4. I think that it touches on the fact that trials reveal what has or has not been trained in us. so I think the recommendation for exercise comes from the understanding that as humans, we are naturally weak and self-reliant. That it’s in our human nature to not respond as Jesus would. Also Faith that is not trained will inevitably collapse when challenged. And to us humans, obedience, endurance, and trust are more like muscles not instincts. That need constant training. Spiritual training exists to reform us from our natural instincts of fear, doubt, pride, self-reliance, and disobedience.
2. I think that God uses spiritual training to shift our dependency from ourselves onto him. I think He uses trials that we will inevitably face like a gym, a place to train and refine us. Through prayer and obedience he uses that to strengthen our endurance, refine our character and align our hearts with his will rather than removing every hardship. Jesus use spiritual training/exercise to form perseverance, so we can endure trials with faith and trust. And begin relying on him as our strength rather than using our own self-reliance.
February 18, 2026 at 10:08 pm
I think Paul and James recommend spiritual training/exercise because our faith is ‘hard work.’ Life itself is hard enough and in the New Testament Jesus even warns that a life spent following Him would be difficult. Thankfully enough Jesus provides a way through these difficulties and that is with Him. This is our ‘spiritual muscle’ which we need to continually work on and that can be done through our disciplines, routines, etc.
Jesus uses this training so we may partner with Him and do His works while we are here on Earth. Tough times are inevitable but as Christians we are called to far more service for God and for our neighbors.
February 19, 2026 at 7:52 pm
Our personal faith is a continuous journey which comes with its highs and lows. I think Paul and James recommend exercise to remind us to remain strong in our faith through all we will experience in our lives including any challenges we may face. I think Jesus uses spiritual exercise to train us how to persevere and push through these challenges through his strength and guidance. I think this continuous trust in God is what allows Him to work through us and guide us to fulfilling His will.
February 19, 2026 at 10:01 pm
Just as our body becomes stronger with training/exercise, so will our faith, with spiritual training.