A Compelling Testimony: Maintaining a Disciplined Walk, Christlike Character, and Godly Relationships as God's Servant

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A Compe l l i ng Tes t imony

participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. [9] Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? [10] For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.

c. Heb. 12.14 – Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

2. The principal insight : The better you understand why you are doing something, the greater the likelihood you will be motivated to continue it.

3. The practical implementation : Make sure you understand the relationship of discipline to your walk in discipleship and your testimony.

B. Study in order to understand how to practice the discipline.

1. The biblical idea

a. Ezra 7.10 – For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.

b. 1 Sam. 7.3 – And Samuel said to all the house of Israel, “If you are returning to the Lord with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your heart to the Lord and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.”