Discipline in Learning
2004035
Topic # 1494
Introduction:
A. Society not disciplined. Seems we live in a world far removed from self-control; self-restraint.
1. 1 Cor. 9:24-27 – Paul speaks on discipline. Paul one of best examples in NT on leading a disciplined life.
2. 1 Cor. 9:25 – made it a point to practice self-control in all things.
3. 9:26a – ran decisively. Didn’t look back. Always moved w/a view of heaven in mind.
4. 9:26b – ran effectively. Didn’t waste time.
5. 9:27 – in control of himself – made his body his slave.
B. 9:25b – we’re in this to require an imperishable crown.
1. Phil. 3:13-14 – heavenward bound. Do we long to be w/God w/a passion that can’t be denied?
2. Every deed, decision, choice, we make either moves us closer to God or farther away from Him.
3. We cannot expect to spend our lives making choices that draw us away from God & then expect to wake up in heaven some day.
C. What can assist us in making better choices? Choices that draw us nearer to God?
1. Discipline in learning.
2. How hungry are we for learning more about God & His will for us?
3. How much is God on our minds?
4. Deut. 6:6-8 – Israelites of old told to speak of God’s commandments & every juncture of their lives.
5. Every turn in life should be an opportunity to pass on God’s word to others – especially our children.
a) Families: what are we talking about in the conversations in our home?
b) Is God on our lips?
1) Do our kids hear of our love/respect for God? Do they see it in action?
2) Do they see us with our bibles open?
3) Are we setting the example with our discipline in learning?
D. Time to begin learning is NOW!
1. Bible is God’s mind delivered to mankind.
2. Let’s do what we can to serve Him & live our lives w/effective service.
3. It all begins with disciplined learning.
I. The Psalms describe a person in tune with God.
A. Psalm 1:1-2; 63:6-8; 77:11-13; 143:5-6; 119:9-16.
B. Each of these scripture readings speak of a person who hungers for a close relationship with God.
1. This not the person who reaches out to God because he has to.
2. This is the person who reaches out to God because all his being wants to.
C. It can become as natural as taking a breath for us to think about God.
1. We can think about God as we go through daily affairs of life.
2. We can think about God at night.
3. It can become natural for us to think about God!
D. Psa. 119:9-16 – this & other passages show how important it is for God to be pleased with us.
1. God’s opinion of us matters.
2. We must learn to live in a way in which we cannot imagine life without God. That such an existence is unthinkable!
E. This is a hunger that comes from the heart!
1. It arises from who/what the person is – from who he inwardly is.
2. It is the person who is diligently seeking God.
3. There can be no more important pursuit in life than to seek God – which comes by discipline in learning!
II. Consider two well known passages:
A. Mt. 5:3-11 – beatitudes describe a righteous person.
1. Description of righteousness Jesus gives totally different from Jewish description.
2. one characteristic of a righteous person – Mt. 5:6
B. Righteous people have an appetite for righteousness.
1. Psa. 143:6b – like a person starving – a person parched.
2. Hungry? Jesus says those who spiritually hunger will be satisfied.
C. Pause for a moment & think on this verse:
1. God does not force feed anyone.
2. Decision to eat/not eat resides w/us.
3. If I cultivate an appetite for righteousness – I will have it.
4. We can meditate on his teachings.
5. We can develop the willingness for Him to feed us.
D. 2 Tim. 2:15
1. NASU; NIV; OKJV; NLT
2. Look at the emphasis in this verse:
a) Receiving God’s approval is of utmost importance.
1) Not “if it happens it happens if it doesn’t it doesn’t.”
2) Not by accident.
3) Not w/o our involvement & interest.
b) Gaining God’s approval was to be so important to Timothy that he committed himself w/o reservation to gaining that approval!
4. We must settle for nothing less that God’s approval!
5. We must not labor just for the approval of others; the church; etc.
6. Our objective is standing & living in God’s approval.
E. We seek God’s approval by:
1. Serving him in such a way that we have no way to be ashamed of our work.
2. Handling God’s message carefully & accurately.
3. This happens by being disciplined in learning.
III. How is our attitude? Is seeking God’s approval our highest priority?
A. Easy to be lax; lazy; neglectful. After all, we’ve got many things to “juggle” in our lives.
1. Time for some honest evaluation. 2 Cor. 13:5
B. What does it say about our spiritual hunger when:
1. We chronically tardy to bible class?
a) Know there are mornings that things don’t work out as planned.
b) But…wk after wk; month after month – suggests need for priority change.
1) Why do we treat going to bible class lackadaisically?
2) How to fix? Go to bed earlier on Sat PM; get up earlier on Sun PM.
2. When we willfully skip the AM Bible class or the Wed BS?
a) Can’t find 2 extra hours in the week?
3. We put no effort in bible class lesson week after week?
4. If we can’t live up to our responsibilities in this area – what does it say about the rest of our lives?
C. What about the I study at home response?
1. If there’s no hunger to attend/participate in public bible classes – doesn’t it seem likely there’s no hunger for private study?
IV. Everything that God wants to happen in our lives begins by learning.
A. To learn & grow in Faith means there must be teaching.
B. We can succeed in our Bible Study! Some give up from the start.
1. Look at the Bible – read a few chapters – long names; many chapters, intimidated by the size of the bible.
2. Some have hard time seeing how bible is relevant for families in today’s society.
C. How to combat this? How can I develop discipline in learning? Here are some effective habits for effective bible study.
1. Take responsibility for yourself.
a) Responsibility is the recognition that in order to succeed you must follow though on your decisions about your priorities, time, and resources.
2. Center yourself around your values & principles.
a) Don’t let friends and acquaintances dictate what you consider important.
3. Put first things first.
a) Follow up on the priorities you have set for yourself; don’t let others; other interests; distract you from your goals.
4. Discover your key productivity periods and places.
a) Morning/afternoon/evening. Study spaces where you can be the most focused and productive.
b) Prioritize these for your most difficult study challenges.
5. Consider yourself in a win-win situation.
a) By doing your best – you’re growing closer to God & being molded into a better disciple on a daily basis.
b) May involve sacrifice of time – but worth it on an eternal basis!
6. First understand others, then attempt to be understood.
a) Have an issue w/a teacher or friend,…a conflicting view on a scripture, put yourself in the other person’s place.
b) Now … ask yourself how you can make your best case given his/her situation.
7. Look for better solutions to problems.
a) Don’t understand a certain scripture? Don’t just reread the same material.
b) Try something else! Consult w/a friend; a mentor; older Christian; preacher; study group.
8. Look to continually challenge yourself.
Conclusion:
A. Psalm 119:6-13
B. Are you keeping your way pure?
1. Are seeking God w/all your heart?
2. Have you wandered from God’s commandments?
3. Do you rejoice in the way of God’s testimonies?
4. Do you mediate on God’s precepts?
5. Have you forgotten God’s word?
C. The way to begin to lead a disciplined life is to be disciplined in learning.
D. Disciples are disciplined. Are you a disciple? Do you want to apply the proper discipline to your life so that you can live w/the hope of heaven?
E. Do so today!
F. I N V I T A T I O N
