Week 1: Introduction — The Spiritual Disciplines and the Gospel

1.Whitney opens by distinguishing between spiritual disciplines as a *means* of grace versus *meritorious works* that earn favor with God. In your own words, what is that distinction, and why does it matter so much for how we approach this book?

2.He anchors the entire book in 1 Timothy 4:7 — "train yourself to be godly." The Greek word for "train" (gymnazō) is where we get the word "gymnasium." What does the athletic metaphor communicate about the nature of spiritual growth that a purely passive model of sanctification might miss?

3.Whitney defines a spiritual discipline as "any activity that can help me gain power to live the Christian life." Does this definition feel too broad or too narrow to you? What would you add or clarify?