THE NEED FOR DISCIPLINE
1 Corinthians 9:27
I. DISCIPLINE YOUR WILL (Ephesians 6:6).
A. Discipline means “training that develops self-control . . . accep-tance of or submission to authority and control”—Webster.
B. In his most excruciating hour, Jesus submitted his will to his Father’s will (Matthew 26:42). We must surrender our will to God’s will also. God’s will is always best.
II. DISCIPLINE YOUR WAYS (Psalm 25:4).
A. Many Christians are set in their ways. They insist on having their own way and fail to be a blessing to others and glorify God.
B. We must submit to God’s ways. They produce love, joy, and peace. We are enabled to witness to the lost effectively and to glorify God when our ways please him (Proverbs 16:7).
III. DISCIPLINE YOUR WORDS (James 3:2).
A. Some Christians are careless with their tongues. They hurt and discourage new and sensitive Christians with critical and damaging words (Psalm 141:3).
B. We must discipline our words. Be kind, understanding, and strive to increase the confidence of others. Bring healing instead of causing hurt (Ephesians 4:32).
IV. DISCIPLINE YOUR WORK (1 Thessalonians 1:3).
A. Many Christians neglect to work for God. They are too busy making money and pursuing selfish goals.
B. We must discipline our work, making time to work also for God’s cause and kingdom, and helping others.
V. DISCIPLINE YOUR WALK (Colossians 2:6).
A. God’s Word refers to the Christian life as a “walk.” we must discipline our walk so that our influence will cause others to want to life for Christ also.
B. We are to “walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work” (Colossians 1:10).
