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. ______ 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 _____ he was and _________ he did.

B. 1 Cor. 9:24-27

II. Discipline involves _________-________________.

A. Some versions use “__________________” here.

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

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

C. Our trainer is __________! 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 _______________ crown!

E. Are we fully committed to exercising self control?

1. No _______ _____________ service – Rev. 3:15-16

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

F. Self control must be ______________________.

III. Discipline requires _______________________.

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

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

B. To best understand decisiveness – look at ________________.

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

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

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

IV. Discipline requires ___________________.

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

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

2. 9:27 – Paul fought _______________ first.

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

C. ____________ 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 _____-_____________!

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. ______ 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 _____ he was and _________ he did. B. 1 Cor. 9:24-27 II. Discipline involves _________-________________. A. Some versions use “__________________” here. 1. to exercise self-restraint; to be in control of ones __________ & appetites. B. During Paul’s day – runners were to be temperate in their preparation for approaching games. Runners subjected themselves to rules of their _________. C. Our trainer is __________! 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 _______________ crown! E. Are we fully committed to exercising self control? 1. No _______ _____________ service – Rev. 3:15-16 2. 1 Cor. 9:25 – self control must be evident in ______ aspects of life! F. Self control must be ______________________. III. Discipline requires _______________________. A. 1 Cor. 9:26 - - run …as not w/o aim. 1. We are ______________ bound. Phil. 3:13-14 – NIV; Pro. 4:25-26 B. To best understand decisiveness – look at ________________. 1. Isa. 50:7 – set face like flint. Denotes courage; firmness; _____________ C. Heb. 12:1-3 – must keep our mind on where we are going. D. Every ________; decision; choice we make either moves us closer to God or farther away from Him. 1 Cor. 9:26 – where are you _________________? IV. Discipline requires ___________________. A. 1 Cor. 9:26-27. Paul did not waste his ______________. 1. Eph. 6:10-13 – we can’t win the fight on our own! 2. 9:27 – Paul fought _______________ first. B. Disciplined himself by bringing every _________ & evil inclination into subjection. C. ____________ 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 _____-_____________! C. How is your heart? Give it to God.