Explain the five techniques of the Christian life.

The five techniques of the Christian life are progressive and must be learned in order, because just as God gives grace only to the undeserving, He gives strength only to the weak. (1) Confession: coming boldly to the throne of grace when we sin, in full assurance our sins were paid for at the cross, so that we are cleansed, restored to fellowship, and filled by the Spirit; it is the first habit, for without it we cannot be filled by the Spirit or have power to live (Hebrews 4:14-16; 1 John 1:9). (2) Spirituality: after learning to confess and be filled, mastering the technique of staying filled, walking by the Spirit, which requires that we not grieve the Spirit by sinning nor quench Him by being apathetic to the Word (Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:16). (3) Faith-Rest: taking hold of the Word and relying on its promises, principles, and doctrines, which produces inner rest, peace, and tranquility in the midst of outer turmoil (Matthew 11:29; Philippians 4:6-7). (4) Living in the Word: realizing that everything in life but the Word is a detail, making the Word our priority, and saturating our souls with it through personal study (Matthew 4:4; 2 Timothy 2:15). (5) Occupation with Christ: becoming occupied with the Person of Jesus Christ Himself, fulfilling the command to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30; Hebrews 12:1-3).