Missions-in-Focus - Keynote 3: Daily Discipline in a Disciple's Life

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Daily Discipline in a Disciple's Life Hilvert Wijnholds Points to Consider Discipline is a word most of us don't like! We automatically think negatively about it; but discipline in our lives is not negative, it's necessary. Those that have done well in their education know the discipline it takes to succeed in school, whether high school, college, or graduate school. Think of the hours of dedication and discipline it takes for men and women to become doctors, lawyers, or successful business people. Likewise, in sports one of the main ingredients of a successful athlete is discipline. Proverbs 23:12 tells us, "Apply your heart to discipline (instruction), and your ears to words of knowledge" (NAS). Paul instructed Timothy to "exercise (train) yourself toward godliness" (1 Tim. 4:7). This word exercise or train is the source of our English words gymnastics and gymnasium . The word drips with sweat and feels like burning muscles! Spiritual discipline leads to a godly life and helps develop a Christ-like life. Some have defined spiritual discipline as cultivating godliness in our lives. Scripture constantly refers indirectly to this spiritual exercise or discipline through instructions like these: "the renewing of your mind" (Rom. 12:2), "being transformed" (2 Cor. 3:18), "Christ being formed in you" (Gal. 4:19), and "being conformed into the image of His Son" (Rom. 8:29). Then in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 we read this: "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." Suggested focus: What are some essential disciplines in the lives of Christians if they are to be true disciples of Christ? Some points include: Prayer Scripture Worship Fasting Stewardship Service and sacrifice Witnessing/evangelism Handout Provided at Conference DAILY DISCIPLINE IN A DISCIPLE’S LIFE As seen in the life and service of Paul We usually speak of Paul as an apostle, but in this keynote address I want to emphasize that he was a disciple in the first place. We remember that he escaped death in Damascus, went to Jerusalem and tried to join the disciples ; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple (Acts 9:23-26). So let's find out together in Scripture some essential disciplines in his life and service that show that Paul was a true disciple of the Lord. Both brothers and sisters (Acts 9:2,36), both young (Timothy: Acts 16:1) and old (Mnason: Acts 21:16) are disciples of the Lord and should wonder if they are characterized by these disciplines. Prayer In his personal encounter with the Lord, Paul had already recognized the Lordship of Jesus (“Lord, who are you?” and “Lord, what do you want me to do”? Now the Lord Jesus himself mentions Paul's first activity as a disciple , telling Ananias: “Behold, he is praying . Paul was a man of prayer! Keyword: interaction. “Now it happened, when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, ………… and saw Him saying to me …” (Acts 22:17). In his prayers, Paul was communicating with the Lord. One day Paul pleaded with the Lord three times that the thorn in the flesh might depart from him. But the Lord said to him , “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is…

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