Self discipline

KJV:For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.(1 John 2:16-17, Rom. 8:5-6)

Introduction

This study has two things that will call for a careful study of each of them before we can get the real truth about the subject matter that is:

1. "self"
2. "Discipline"
   First of all, what is "self" and "discipline"
3. Self has been defined as one's own nature, character, abilities, personality etc. Self is a particular part of one's mental or physical nature.
4. Discipline is training that produces obedience, self control, or a particular skill. Control is gained as a result of this training.
   Having known the meaning of self and discipline let us see what we can learn from self discipline.

The lesson

1. Some discipline may come from God to those he loves.
   "My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline.... because the Lord disciplines those he loves" prov. 3:11-12.
   How can a child of God discipline himself?
   a. By accepting the discipline of God without despising God for what he has done in your life.
   b. Discipline is for correction, therefore we should not look down on God when he does it. Job 5:17
   c. You cannot correct yourself if cannot train yourself to do or break a particular habit, e.g. you must train yourself to overcome your sinful desire and live by the directive of the word of God. Rom. 8:5-6
2. There are three areas one needs to discipline oneself.
   These are:
   a. The lust of the flesh : this is preoccupation with gratifying physical desires.
   b. The lust of the eyes : materialism craving and accumulating things for oneself wanting to have all what your eyes see and admire.
   c. The pride of life : obsession with one's status or importance 1 John 2:16
   when the serpent tempted Eve (Gen3:6) he tempted her in these three areas. Also, when the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness these were his three areas of attack. Matt. 4:1-11
   Does your actions reflect the world's values or God's values?

Conclusion

How do you discipline yourself with regard to the three areas mentioned in this lesson? You can learn from Christ's self discipline in Matt. 4:1-11.

Thank you and God bless you as you doing according to his words.

Posted using Partiko Android