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

Ses s i on 3: The Ce l ebrat i ons of a Di sc i p l i ned L i fe

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2. The principal insight : Growing in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ is the goal of all self-discipline (cf. 2 Pet. 3.18).

3. The implementation : Abide in Christ and you will bear much fruit (cf. John 15.4-5).

IV. Principles and Implications of the Spiritual and Life Disciplines of a Leader

Review again the definition of a compelling testimony:

A “compelling testimony” means “A life of dedication, discipline, and sacrifice based on the truth of God’s Word in Christ and in Scripture, where one’s life is lived in a manner worthy of the Lord Jesus Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit, for the purpose of demonstrating a Christlike character, in the roles, relationships, and responsibilities that God provides, done for the glory of God.”

A. Principles

1. As disciples of Jesus seeking to display him before the world, we are called to live lives that constitute a celebration of discipline , a discipline toward godliness, 1 Tim. 4.7-10.

2. This celebration of discipline has been displayed in the lives of the saints and is being displayed in the Church in the lives of disciples today. We are called to join that sacred journey with them , see Heb. 11.32-40, cf. vv. 39-40 – And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, [40] since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.