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

1. All disciples of Christ are to engage in sincere efforts to become more intimate with God through a spiritual pursuit of God through the disciplines.

2. All of the disciplines have both a personal and corporate dimension to them.

3. Discipline is not to be equated with holiness; all of the disciplines require the Holy Spirit’s ongoing direction and anointing in order that God may use our efforts to walk in intimacy with him.

4. Relating the disciplines to the personal dimension alone will never produce maturity in Christ; all obedience to the disciplines requires ongoing participation and submission in the midst of a local assembly of believers under godly authority. 5. The disciplines are not to be done for the purpose of outward show or false righteousness; through the guidance of the Holy Spirit we can be transformed as we seek God, and find him, if we seek him with our whole hearts (cf. Jer. 29.13).

VI. Connections for Urban Ministry Today

Jer. 29.11-13 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. [12] Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. [13] You will seek me and find me. When you seek me with all your heart . . .

A plant and garden nursery displayed the following sign:

The best time to plant a tree was 10 years ago. The next best time is today.

Answer the following questions openly and honestly about the dimensions of discipline covered in this session, relating them both to your personal walk with and witness to Christ where you live.