July 25, 2022
Self-Discipline
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 9:27 NLT)
My precious child no one likes to talk about self-discipline. When raising children, we know the importance of disciplining them, ‘train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is OLD, he will not depart from it.’ (Proverbs 22:6) As adults we don’t want to address self-discipline because it means we must discuss bad choices we’ve made. 1. Self-discipline prepares us for the future. “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. However, if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.” (Luke 16:10)
If you don’t have self-discipline, you will become a slave to what controls you, such as, ‘food, alcohol, drugs, sex, lust, money, idol worship, your words’ then find yourself overwhelmed by the consequences of a lack of self-discipline. The results of sin are death. (Romans 6:23) Obedience to the Holy Spirit and the Word of God brings blessings and success. Godliness is the purpose of self-discipline, physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:8) We are instructed to be holy as God is holy. (1 Peter 1:16)
As a believer, the Holy Spirit convicts your heart when you do wrong so you can repent and allow Him to create a clean heart in you and renew a right spirit within. (Psalms 51:10, John 16:7-8) When you refuse to repent, sin can catapult you into deeper sin. “But your sins have made a separation between you and your God.” (Isaiah 59:2a) Being separated from God is the most significant consequence of sin. Every sin is an offense to God, and God cannot be in the presence of sin. The Holy Spirit will stop speaking to you if you do not repent. (1 Thessalonians 5:19) His presence will exit your life.
2. Self-discipline keeps us healthy. Paul said, “I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others, I might be disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27) Overeating has consequences; you will become overweight, which will ultimately affect your health. If you drink or do drugs – you are risking becoming an alcoholic or drug addict. Are you having sex outside of marriage, or are you committing adultery? Do you struggle with pornography? Are you cursing yourself with your words? What sin is your greatest struggle? If there is a generational curse that has come down through the bloodline, you are not exempt from it. The curse must be broken, then commit to obeying God’s commands, then you will walk in blessings. Don’t play around with sin.
When you mess with fire, you will get burned! Look at this scripture, ‘God has not given you a spirit of fear, (anxiety or panic) – He has given you power, love and ‘self-discipline.’ (2 Timothy 1:7) What areas of your life can you pinpoint that you need to repent and ask God to forgive you so you can start today with a clean slate? Ask God to create in you a clean heart and renew the right spirit within. (Psalms 51:10) Repent, lay your sins, on the altar at the feet of Jesus, forgive yourself, and He will give you a New Beginning! Start today renewing your mind by meditating on the Word of God day and night, so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. (Joshua 1:8) Study scriptures continually. The Holy Spirit will empower you to say ‘NO’ to sin! Self-discipline is the foundation for living a life of righteousness and selflessness that reflects Jesus and brings glory to God. 3. Self-discipline increases your focus and productivity. “Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.” (Proverbs 13:14)
The Bible is a book of instruction to help you prosper in life. Self-discipline unlocks God’s will!
