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

Ses s i on 3: The Ce l ebrat i ons of a Di sc i p l i ned L i fe 83

II. The “Way:” Principles Underlying a Rule to Live By

In writing to his Corinthian friends, Paul reminded them that “every competitor in athletic events goes into serious training. Athletes will take tremendous pains – for a fading crown of leaves” (1 Cor. 9.25, Phillips). It was an inflexible condition of entering the Olympic Games that the athlete undergo ten months of rigorous training. No excep tions were tolerated. During those months, they had to live rigorously disciplined lives, bridling their normal desires and refraining from certain pastimes that might affect their fitness. They had to have a balanced diet and get rid of all superfluous fat. In our day the more popular outlook is : “Do your own thing. If it feels good, do it.” This is not the way athletes for Christ are produced. The actual rules of the contest were recorded by Horace. “There must be ordinary living, but spare food. Abstain from confections. Make a point of exercising at the appointed times in heat and cold. Drink neither cold water nor wine at random. Give yourself to the training master as to a physician, and then enter the contest.” What challenging words these are to the lax and undisciplined disciple.

~ J. Oswald Sanders, Spiritual Discipleship. Chicago: Moody Bible Institute, 1994. pp. 84-85.

A. A rule that challenges us to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (i.e., the Christo centric principle)

1. Exegetical evidence: continuous growth in conformity to the image of Christ is the end of all Christian discipleship.

a. Transformed into the image of Christ, 2 Cor. 3.18 – And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

b. Flourishes like a tree, Ps. 92.12 – The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.