Tag Archives: discipline

Disciple and Discipline

 

Discipline

 

So when I ask, “what is a disciple”, I must first admit that all of us, that every person is, a disciple of someone or something.

“The disciple who perfectly understands the rules and sees the example of his master, will think it his business to tread exactly in his steps, to do and suffer upon like occasions, as his master did: and so he will be like his master.” Whitby

Jesus wants me to become like Him, to see things as He sees them and to look like Him in character, attitudes and behaviours.

Training is absolutely necessary to become like Jesus. Discipleship is…

 “The intentional training of disciples, with accountability, on the basis of loving relationships.” – Bill Hull

I am personally responsible for my growth even though there is a collective obligation among believers as well. It does take time, effort, energy and study. It does not happen by accident, or in a haphazard way. In fact, it is only accomplished when I set my mind, and plan my purpose, with intentionality.

Here are some signs I have seen in my own life that would indicate that my training is coming together. I am learning, I am following Jesus, I am serving others (hopefully I am doing this with humility), I love others, my single focused commitment is to Jesus, I see results and change, and I am walking with others.

I want to be Jesus’ disciple. I will allow Him to mentor me, mold me and make me what He wants me to be. As that is happening, I will pass it on to others.

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Church discipline

 

I Surrender – Hillsong Worship

 

Not sure I like the words “church discipline” as I probably would prefer surrendering to Jesus first before putting my life in the hands of the church. The apostle Paul spends some time on this, in particular, with the church in Corinth as they required it.

Actually, there is an important relationship between the ministries of discipline and evangelism. It would seem they occupy the flip sides of a coin.

“Evangelism ministers to those outside the church who are in bondage to sin. Congregational discipline ministers to those within the church who are in bondage to sin” – Laney

It would also appear that discipline sides with discipleship.

I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people—  not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world.  But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. – 1 Corinthians 5:9-11  ESV

My thoughts would rest on this word that would require the most discipline – PRIDE.

For the sin of their mouths, the words of their lips,
    let them be trapped in their pride.
For the cursing and lies that they utter – Psalms 59:12  ESV

 

 

 

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