Discipline of self:

A. This dicipline involves the whole person -

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight:not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

1. Every thought:

. Be careful of your thoughts-they may break into words at any time.

2 Corinthians 10:5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

a. Who you are and who you will become begins with your thoughts -

Sow a thought reap an action

Sow an action reap a habit -

Sow a habit reap a character -

Sow a character reap a destiny -

Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. .

"Beware of what you set your mind on for that you will surely become". -Ralph Waldo Emerson

b. This however is not just a duty to be viewed negatively -

. No man who thinks in terms of catching mice will ever catch lions.

1) If you do not think in terms of Spiritual growth Spiritual service Eternal life We will NOT achieve . .

i.e. Succeed spiritually unless spiritual things preoccupy our thinking!

2. Every motive:

Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

a. Do you LOVE the Lord your God with ALL your heart? (Mark 12:29-31)

John 14:23 Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.

b. Do you love your neighbor as yourself? -

The Good Samaritan - (Luke 10:30-37)

3. Every act:

Colossians 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

2 Timothy 2:5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

1 John 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

4. We must control our attitudes!!

Ephesians 4:2,3 . . . walk . . . . with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Philipians 2:2-5 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,

[It has been said that repentance is the hardest command - why is that? Because it takes a great deal of self discipline! Before we can take the next step toward success - the step of self discipline MUST BE made! Once we gain control of ourselves, then we can move on to . . . . ]

Go to the next section: Dedication

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