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

Ses s i on 7: F l esh i ng Out a Compe l l i ng Tes t imony : Di sc i p l i n i ng Our Di sc i p l i nes 323

unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. [12] I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ ”

b. The law only has a single possibility: the awareness of our state of condemnation before the Lord, Luke 18.13-14 – But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” [14] I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted. c. External rule-keeping apart from faith encourages a kind of comparison and competition with other believers that is unwise. (1) 2 Cor. 10.12 – Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare them selves with one another, they are without understanding. (2) Isa. 65.5 – . . . who say, “Keep to yourself, do not come near me, for I am too holy for you.” These are a smoke in my nostrils, a fire that burns all the day. (3) Prov. 26.12 – Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. 3. External rules have been replaced with a new heart and the Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence in the saint who also is a member of God’s people: discipline, therefore, is not an opportunity to compete but to cooperate with the Spirit and our brothers and sisters so we can grow together in Christ .