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

Ses s i on 2: The Di sc i p l i ned L i fe

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What are the specific warning signs and speed bumps that we must be aware of in embracing discipline as the way to a life worthy of our Lord Jesus?

A. Turning discipleship into legalism: neo-Pharisaism

1. The Problem : The one whose life before God and others is compelling is a life lived in the power and leading of the Holy Spirit.

2. The Remedy : affirming that we are brought into right relationship with God on the basis of our faith alone, and not on the basis of our discipline or good works. We are created for good works, not by them .

a. Rom. 1.17 – For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

b. Rom. 10.16-17 – But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” [17] So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

c. Hab. 2.4 – Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith.

d. Heb. 11.6 – And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.