Archive for the ‘ Discipline ’ Category
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,
1 Corinthians 6:19, ESV
We should take care of our bodies with exercise and being careful of what we put inside (food, drinks, and otherwise), but Paul reminds us specifically to beware interwe watch, who we interact with, and if we are obeying God’s Word on sexuality and sensuality.
Remember, God the Holy Spirit dwells in us!
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
Matthew 6:34, ESV
Trusting God – the Creator and Sustainer of all things – helps us keep things in perspective and to plan out our days.
For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:11, ESV
When circumstances are tough, it is probably not punishment so much as a time to learn and grow. Your sin (even someone else’s) may lead to it, but use the time to grow closer to God.
Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.
Proverbs 4:23, ESV
This is not a “know thyself” proverb. This is a “be careful what you think, feel, watch, and listen to” warning and encouragement.
Focus on good and godly things.
Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,
Ephesians 4:26, ESV
It is okay to be angry over unrighteousness, injustice, and cruelty. We must give that anger to God. Vengeance belongs to Him. Love your neighbor.
As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him,
Titus 3:10, ESV
Some people only want to cause trouble. They gossip, demean, and mock, all in the guise of “prayer” and “accountability”.
Tell them stop, and if they refuse to listen avoid them (even to the point of kicking them out of the congregation).
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Psalms 23:4, NASB
We will face problems in this life. Sometimes they are inflicted on us by others, and sometimes they are a result of our sinful choices. In all, God is in control and uses them to discipline and lead us to His final, eternal comfort.
“He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much.”
Luke 16:10, NASB
How you live in the little, day-to-day humdrum of life can be evidence of your faithfulness toward great things.
If you want to do great things, be faithful in the ordinary.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23, NASB
If you lack any of these fruits, examine yourself and your salvation. All of these will spring forth as you pursue the righteousness of God and love others.
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
Matthew 18:20, ESV
The context is church discipline, calling out sin in hopes of repentance from a wayward brother or sister.
Is that not also why we share the gospel?
a simple man of God 