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 99

and plant churches among non-Jewish peoples who had never heard of Christ. Their example is relevant to our inner-city ministry today.

~ Keith Phillips. Out of Ashes . Los Angeles: World Impact Press, 1996. pp. 102-03.

III. The Baker’s Dozen for Living a Disciplined Life

Discipleship means adherence to Christ, and, because Christ is the object of that adherence, it must take the form of discipleship. An abstract Christology, a doctrinal system, a general religious knowl edge on the subject of grace or on the forgiveness of sins, render discipleship superfluous, and in fact they positively exclude any idea of discipleship whatever, and are essentially inimical to the whole conception of following Christ. With an abstract idea it is possible to enter into a relation of formal knowledge, to become enthusiastic about it, and perhaps even to put into practice; but it can never be followed in personal obedience. Christianity without the living Christ is inevitably Christianity without discipleship, and Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ.

~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer. The Cost of Discipleship . New York: MacMillan Publishing Company, 1963. p. 189.

A. Understand why the disciplined life is necessary.

1. The biblical idea

a. 1 Tim. 4.7-10 – Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; [8] for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. [9] The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. [10] For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

b. Heb. 12.7-10 – It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? [8] If you are left without discipline, in which all have