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

Warning Signs and Speed Bumps of Personal Discipline The Problem The Remedy Turning discipline into legalism (neo-Pharisaism) Affirming our standing before God by faith alone Pretending discipline outranks the Spirit Not by power, nor by might, but by the Spirit

Substituting discipline for righteousness before God Looking down on others who are undisciplined Turning discipline into “private religion”

Christ Jesus alone is our righteousness before God Only humility before God counts for anything

We are fulfilled only in the body of Christ

Fighting the enemy requires our full engagement and concentration, all through the Spirit’s power

Believing discipline immunizes you from the world, flesh, and devil

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V. Principles and Implications of A Disciplined Life

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. We have been redeemed by God that we might live a life worthy of God and our Lord Jesus Christ , and God has provided us with the requisite standing and gifts to live that life (2 Pet. 1.3-4). As partakers of God’s own nature and possessor of the gifts of Christ, we are to discipline ourselves in the Spirit to attain to the fullness of Christ .