Discipline: What is it?

Discipline: What is it?

Introduction:

Life in America IS about comfort. If something is uncomfortable we tend to avoid it or get rid of it. The uncomfortable is replaced w/the more comfortable. Sometimes it is hard to imagine that some discomforts are in our best interest: Healthy diet & exercise, medical treatments, changing lifestyles for the better, etc. are a few things that come to mind. Think of how salvation contains elements of great comfort. A few examples are the destruction of guilt, forgiveness, mercy; and grace. But it also contains things that are not comfortable (Repentance and confession of sin). To do the things that are uncomfortable requires discipline. While it is unpleasant, it is necessary – since an undisciplined life leads to a person’s destruction.

I. The disciplined Christian is described in 1 Cor. 9:24-27

A. Paul is one of the greatest examples of a disciplined life.

1. Acts 9 – face to face experience w/the Savior. Obeys gospel & begins teaching the lost. Went from violence; insolence to…. Gal. 2:20

2. Paul let Jesus determine WHO he was and WHAT he did.

B. 1 Cor. 9:24-27

II. Discipline involves self-control.

A. Some versions use “temperate” here.

1. to exercise self-restraint; to be in control of ones passions & appetites.

B. During Paul’s day – runners were to be temperate in their preparation for approaching games. Runners subjected themselves to rules of their trainer.

C. Our trainer is Jesus! He wants us to compete for an imperishable crown!

1. Mt. 16:24; Col. 3:5-11; Gal. 5:24

D. We do away w/these things since we’re striving for an incorruptible crown!

E. Are we fully committed to exercising self control?

1. No half hearted service – Rev. 3:15-16

2. 1 Cor. 9:25 – self control must be evident in ALL aspects of life!

F. Self control must be continuous.

III. Discipline requires decisiveness.

A. 1 Cor. 9:26 - - run …as not w/o aim.

1. We are heavenward bound. Phil. 3:13-14 – NIV; Pro. 4:25-26

B. To best understand decisiveness – look at Jesus.

1. Isa. 50:7 – set face like flint. Denotes courage; firmness; resolution

C. Heb. 12:1-3 – must keep our mind on where we are going.

D. Every deed; decision; choice we make either moves us closer to God or farther away from Him. 1 Cor. 9:26 – where are you aiming?

IV. Discipline requires effectiveness.

A. 1 Cor. 9:26-27. Paul did not waste his energy.

1. Eph. 6:10-13 – we can’t win the fight on our own!

2. 9:27 – Paul fought himself first.

B. Disciplined himself by bringing every thought & evil inclination into subjection.

C. Self is often the greatest enemy we face.

Conclusion:

A. Nothing wrong w/desiring to be comfortable.

B. If you want to lead a disciplined life: Be temperate; decisive; effective!

1. There will not be anyone in heaven that is not self-disciplined.

C. How is your heart? Give it to God.



Discipline: What is it? Introduction: Life in America IS about comfort. If something is uncomfortable we tend to avoid it or get rid of it. The uncomfortable is replaced w/the more comfortable. Sometimes it is hard to imagine that some discomforts are in our best interest: Healthy diet & exercise, medical treatments, changing lifestyles for the better, etc. are a few things that come to mind. Think of how salvation contains elements of great comfort. A few examples are the destruction of guilt, forgiveness, mercy; and grace. But it also contains things that are not comfortable (Repentance and confession of sin). To do the things that are uncomfortable requires discipline. While it is unpleasant, it is necessary – since an undisciplined life leads to a person’s destruction. I. The disciplined Christian is described in 1 Cor. 9:24-27 A. Paul is one of the greatest examples of a disciplined life. 1. Acts 9 – face to face experience w/the Savior. Obeys gospel & begins teaching the lost. Went from violence; insolence to…. Gal. 2:20 2. Paul let Jesus determine WHO he was and WHAT he did. B. 1 Cor. 9:24-27 II. Discipline involves self-control. A. Some versions use “temperate” here. 1. to exercise self-restraint; to be in control of ones passions & appetites. B. During Paul’s day – runners were to be temperate in their preparation for approaching games. Runners subjected themselves to rules of their trainer. C. Our trainer is Jesus! He wants us to compete for an imperishable crown! 1. Mt. 16:24; Col. 3:5-11; Gal. 5:24 D. We do away w/these things since we’re striving for an incorruptible crown! E. Are we fully committed to exercising self control? 1. No half hearted service – Rev. 3:15-16 2. 1 Cor. 9:25 – self control must be evident in ALL aspects of life! F. Self control must be continuous. III. Discipline requires decisiveness. A. 1 Cor. 9:26 - - run …as not w/o aim. 1. We are heavenward bound. Phil. 3:13-14 – NIV; Pro. 4:25-26 B. To best understand decisiveness – look at Jesus. 1. Isa. 50:7 – set face like flint. Denotes courage; firmness; resolution C. Heb. 12:1-3 – must keep our mind on where we are going. D. Every deed; decision; choice we make either moves us closer to God or farther away from Him. 1 Cor. 9:26 – where are you aiming? IV. Discipline requires effectiveness. A. 1 Cor. 9:26-27. Paul did not waste his energy. 1. Eph. 6:10-13 – we can’t win the fight on our own! 2. 9:27 – Paul fought himself first. B. Disciplined himself by bringing every thought & evil inclination into subjection. C. Self is often the greatest enemy we face. Conclusion: A. Nothing wrong w/desiring to be comfortable. B. If you want to lead a disciplined life: Be temperate; decisive; effective! 1. There will not be anyone in heaven that is not self-disciplined. C. How is your heart? Give it to God.