17 July 2025
Ken F. Miller
This study guide is to be used with my book Understanding the Doctrine of Christ, according to Hebrews 5:12-14 & Hebrews 6:1-20. This guide has been laid out to be used in a classroom environment, using a very good Bible Concordance for scriptural references and either a KJV or NKJV Bible. It can be very easily used with my book which would explain in detail what is brought out here. (See chapters 9 and 10)
I do want to stress a fact that most believers do not know about or just don’t care about. The Apostles and the early Christians did not have a Bible like we do today. The early Christians relied on the actual words spoken by the Apostles or from their letters they wrote to the different churches, as well as guidance from the Holy Spirit.
The hardest part of being a Christian is changing our habits.
Having faith requires us to change our old habits and incorporate new “learned” habits into our daily lives to align with God’s Word. To do this will require a lot of patience, self-control and commitment.
So many people in the world today view being a Christian as being ”square”, or as a “Bible caring, holier than thou, stuck up “sissy”. Some seventy-five years or more ago this may have been true but in today’s arena this is not so, yes, there are always exceptions.
When we seek how to develop Christian habits, we are essentially asking how to imitate Christ daily. It is about cultivating discipline and devotion to spiritual practices that produce fruit over time, love, joy, peace, patience, and the rest of the Spirit’s work (Galatians 5:22-23).
Step 1: Start with a New Mindset
In my book, I stress the fact that our habits form our character. Since our habits are personal and changeable then it is only logical and expected that “I made my character the way it is and I can change it to what it should be.”
Romans 12:2 reminds us to not fall for the norms of this world, they are misleading and not what God teaches us, regardless of them being very easy to get influenced by. Christian habits, we must begin with a complete change, a 180 degree transformation in mindset and in the way we live our everyday lives. Instead of approaching habits with guilt or obligation, view them as opportunities to grow in intimacy with God.
Step 2: Prioritize Time with God Daily
One of the best Christian habits is spending deliberate time with God, through prayer, through Bible reading and yes, with fellow Christians. These habits will root us in truth and anchors us against the shifting flows of culture and emotion.
- Morning Devotion: Start your day with a few minutes of Scripture and prayer. Choose a verse to meditate on and ask God to speak through His Word.
- Prayer Routine: Create space throughout the day to connect with God. This does not always mean formal prayers, simple conversations with God matter deeply.
Developing this habit can be difficult at first, but consistency will turn it into a treasured time of communion with the Lord.
Step 3: Engage in Regular Fellowship
Christianity is not a solo journey. Hebrews 10:25 urges believers not to neglect meeting together. Being part of a church community encourages accountability, spiritual growth, and service.
To fully grasp how to develop Christian habits, you must also embrace fellowship:
- Attend weekly worship services.
- Join a small group or Bible study.
- Surround yourself with fellow believers who inspire and challenge you.
Habits formed in the company of likeminded people are more likely to stick, especially when others walk with you in grace and truth.
Step 4: Serve with Purpose
Jesus modeled a life of servanthood. One of the most transformative Christian habits is learning to serve others with joy and humility. Whether through your church, community, or workplace, look for opportunities to bless others.
Serving breaks the cycle of self-centeredness and aligns your life with the example of Christ. It also helps you discover spiritual gifts and deepen your walk with God.
Ways to serve include:
- Volunteering at your church
- Supporting missions or outreach programs
- Helping a neighbor in need
When service becomes a habit, your faith moves from theory into action.
Step 5: Practice Gratitude and Contentment
In a culture obsessed with greed, gratitude grounds the Christian in spiritual truth. Philippians 4:11-13 teaches us the secret of contentment, trusting Christ in every circumstance.
Make it a daily habit to:
- Journal three things you are thankful for
- Verbally express gratitude to God in prayer
- Celebrate small blessings throughout the day
Gratitude rewires your mindset and aligns your heart with God’s goodness. It is a habit that cultivates joy, peace, and resilience.
Step 6: Fast and Reflect Regularly
Fasting is not just about abstaining from food, it is about deepening your spiritual hunger. When considering how to develop Christian habits, include fasting and spiritual reflection as tools for clarity and renewal.
- Fast once a month or during specific seasons (like Lent)
- Use that time to focus on prayer, Scripture, and personal repentance
- Journal your spiritual insights
These disciplines strengthen your dependence on God and break unhealthy attachments to worldly distractions.
Step 7: Guard Your Inputs
The content you consume directly impacts your spiritual health. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
To develop strong Christian habits:
- Limit media that promotes ungodly values
- Replace mindless scrolling with uplifting Christian podcasts or books
- Memorize Scripture to renew your mind and resist temptation
Forming godly habits requires guarding what influences you. Choose input that feeds your spirit and honors God.
Step 8: Be Patient and Persevere
No habit is formed overnight. Just like a tree grows slowly but surely, your spiritual disciplines will take root over time. If you miss a day or stumble, do not give up.Remember Philippians 1:6, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.”
Grace is essential in the habit-forming process. Trust God’s timing and rely on His strength rather than your willpower.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to develop Christian habits is not about legalism or performance. It is about drawing closer to Jesus, one intentional step at a time. When your habits reflect His character, your life becomes a testimony of grace, truth, and transformation.
Start small, stay consistent, and invite the Holy Spirit to shape your daily walk. Over time, your habits will reflect a life fully surrendered to Christ, a life marked by love, wisdom, and spiritual maturity.
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 1