WHAT JESUS SAID ABOUT THE FIVE DISCIPLINES
 
How To Grow Like Jesus Grew
 
There are five basic disciplines embraced by all Christians. While there may be others, these have been the primary focus of disciples from the very beginning. Jesus majored on each of these both in His teaching and His example, and we should too, if we are to become like Him. Remember, the goal of a disciple is to do what Jesus did in order to become what He became. The five basic disciplines are:
giving,
prayer,
fasting,
hearing, study, or meditation, 
and rest. 
 
In this study, we will begin by exploring what Jesus taught in the sermon on the Mount about giving, prayer, and fasting. Later, in the book of Matthew we will look at what He said about the importance of hearing God’s word so we can do it. Jesus gave us the most gracious invitation we will ever hear to come aside to rest. He also demonstrated each of these disciplines in a balanced way, modeling what they look like so we can imitate Him. 
 
I call these disciplines because they are not required of us as commandments. Doing them or not doing them doesn’t make us eligible to go to heaven. In fact, many believers neglect doing them, at least with any consistency. However, if we do them, they make us more effective, enhance our spiritual lives, and make us more sensitive to God. They also help keep us free and will help us be able to bring freedom to others.