The Essential Quality of Self-Discipline
“All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.” – 1 Corinthians 9:25
Self-Discipline: the ability to exercise control over one’s actions, thoughts, inner desires and words. (From the Greek enkrateia – meaning lordship or power over.)
“He must live a devout and disciplined life.” – Titus 1:8
HOW DO I GROW THE ESSENTIAL QUALITY OF SELF-DISCIPLINE?
- _____________ ___________ __________ __________
(Jesus) “I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5
Level 1: Getting Started
- ________ __________
- Attend Church Regularly
- __________ __________ _______ _______ ________
Level 2: Maturing Disciplines
- Develop a Bible Study Plan
- __________ _________ _______ __________
- Honor God Through My Tithing
“Train yourself to be godly.” – 1 Timothy 4:7
- d________ _____ ______ _____ ______ _______.
“So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.” – 1 Corinthians 9:26-27 (see also Hebrews 12:1)
- D_________ ____ _________ ______ ______ (no matter the cost).
(Paul) “And now I am bound by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem. I don’t know what awaits me, except that the Holy Spirit tells me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead. But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus – the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. And now I know that none of you to whom I have preached the Kingdom will ever see me again. I declare today that I have been faithful. If anyone suffers eternal death, it’s not my fault, for I didn’t shrink from declaring all that God wants you to know.” – Acts 20:22-27
Level 3: Accelerating Maturity
- ____________________________________________
- Fasting
- _______________________________
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
- D_______ ________ _______ (no matter how hard it gets).
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” – Galatians 6:9
“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13
“Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!” – 1 Corinthians 9:24
My Next Step Today is to…
- Memorize 1 Corinthians 9:25.
- Commit to the self-discipline necessary to develop godly spiritual habits.