A person practices to improve his skills. He works hard, repeating the same motions over and over until they become what we would call "second nature" to him. Most of us understand how crucial that kind of training is in the physical realm. We know that you simply can not be a winner without it. We can train ourselves that same way where spiritual things are concerned? Hebrews 5:14 says we can train our senses to discern between good and evil. When you train, or practice, for something, you expose yourself daily to whatever it is you want to become. You practice it over and over until it becomes second nature to you. Spending time with God is "spirit" practice. As you do it diligently, your spirit will grow stronger and will start to overcome the habits of the flesh.
Titus 2:12It [grace] has trained us to reject and renounce all ungodliness (irreligion) and worldly (passionate) desires, to live discreet (temperate, self-controlled), upright, devout (spiritually whole) lives in this present world."
(0400) 09 Nov 2007