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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2. The laws of God are inviolate and constant , and cover the phenomena both of the physical and spiritual universe. As disciples of Christ, we must acknowledge the power of the laws of sowing and reaping, and sow in every way to the Spirit of God. 3. Careful and critical thought must be given to understanding the nature of discipline as it relates to our spiritual lives. While we must discipline ourselves for the purpose of godliness, we must not confuse discipline with, or substitute it for, dependence on the Spirit and walking by faith . Dis cipline can only be rightly applied when we understand the role of the Spirit of God in our spiritual development. 1. Our self-indulgent society is unaware of the toll it pays for its materialism, hedonism, and individualism. As disciples of our Lord, we are to so live our lives in order that we might fulfill the will of God in them. This means that we will inevitably cross purposes with the principles and positions of this world and society . 2. The laws of the harvest apply to us as we seek to live our lives worthy of our Lord Jesus. Only through the rigors and joy of self-discipline will we be able to accomplish the mission that God has designed for us in advancing his Kingdom. 3. As we discipline ourselves in conjunction with the laws of the harvest, we must also be careful to avoid the pitfalls associated with wrong or incomplete notions of self-discipline . We seek to discipline ourselves for the purpose of god liness out of gratitude and dedication to our Lord. We do not pretend that our own efforts can make us righteous before God or overcome the enemies which Christ alone through his Spirit has overcome on our behalf.

B. Critical Implications