How’s Your Self-Discipline?

rwh12april Ep.359 – Run With Horses Podcast – How’s Your Self-Discipline?

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https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

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Following Jesus was never meant to be easy. Self-discipline is a key component of a Christian’s walk with Christ, especially for those who are striving to be obedient to His call to be disciple makers. Self-discipline – today we look at what it is and what it matters.

Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is simple in many ways, but potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to grow, to live intentionally and to join in His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together!

Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!”

**(23:00 – 0:00)* * PART 1

Biblical theology, emphasizes holiness, and sanctification. Self-discipline is an essential piece of the puzzle for growing your faith, honoring God, and becoming more like Christ.

1. Self-Discipline is Essential for Spiritual Growth

The Bible teaches that following Jesus involves ongoing transformation. Self-discipline enables a Christian to maintain focus on spiritual growth and maturity. This growth is not passive; it requires intentional effort to discipline oneself in the faith.

• 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NKJV): “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.”

  In this passage, Paul emphasizes the importance of self-discipline in the Christian life. Like an athlete training for a race, the believer must discipline their body and actions to ensure they live a life pleasing to God. This passage also highlights that discipline is necessary for not only spiritual progress but also for preventing spiritual failure.

2. Self-Discipline in Fleeing Sin and Pursuing Holiness

Self-discipline is crucial for resisting temptation and living a holy life. Christians are called to reject sin and live in a way that honors God, and this requires discipline in thoughts, words, and actions.

• 1 Timothy 4:7-8 (NKJV): “But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.”

  Paul urges Timothy to “exercise” toward godliness, which speaks to the discipline of growing in spiritual maturity. This is contrasted with physical exercise, which has limited benefits, while spiritual discipline has eternal value.

• Titus 2:11-12 (NKJV): “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.”

  The grace of God teaches the believer to deny sinful desires and live disciplined lives, demonstrating the power of grace in enabling self-control.

3. Self-Discipline in the Use of Time and Resources

Christians are called to be stewards of their time, talents, and resources. Practicing self-discipline helps them use these gifts in a way that honors God and furthers His kingdom.

• Ephesians 5:15-16 (NKJV): “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

  This passage speaks to the importance of using time wisely. Self-discipline involves making choices that align with God’s will, ensuring that the believer is living for eternal purposes rather than temporary desires.

4. Self-Discipline in Prayer and Bible Study

A disciplined prayer life and consistent study of Scripture are vital for growth in the faith. Christians must intentionally set aside time to communicate with God and immerse themselves in His Word.

• Matthew 26:41 (NKJV): “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

  Jesus speaks to the importance of watchfulness and prayer to avoid falling into temptation. Self-discipline in maintaining a life of prayer is necessary for strength against sin.

• 2 Timothy 2:15 (NKJV): “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

  This emphasizes the discipline required in studying Scripture. A believer who wants to rightly divide the Word must be diligent and disciplined in their study.

5. Self-Discipline in Following Jesus’ Example

Lastly, the ultimate example of self-discipline is Jesus Himself. He lived a life of perfect self-discipline, obeying the Father’s will even to the point of death on the cross.

• Luke 9:23 (NKJV): “Then He said to them all, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.’”

  To follow Jesus is to practice daily self-discipline, denying one’s own desires and submitting to the will of God.

Conclusion

For anyone who is striving to follow Jesus, self-discipline is not merely about willpower, but it is a response to God’s grace and a necessary aspect of sanctification. It requires a commitment to spiritual practices, a resistance to temptation, and an ongoing pursuit of holiness. Through self-discipline, believers not only grow in Christ-likeness but also glorify God in all aspects of their lives.

Self-discipline is both a duty and a privilege, empowered by the Holy Spirit and essential to the believer’s walk with Christ. It is through discipline that Christians can live according to God’s Word and fulfill their calling to be holy and set apart for His purposes.

 

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**(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2**

Developing self-discipline as a follower of Jesus requires intentional effort and commitment. A commitment to the spiritual disciplines can be a big part of the process of growing as a follower of Jesus. These disciplines are practices that help a believer grow in their relationship with God, resist temptation, and align their lives more closely with His will. In the context of following Jesus, self-discipline is rooted in God’s grace but also requires the active participation of the believer in cultivating habits that foster spiritual growth. The spiritual disciplines are habits that help us keep our focus. Prayer, Bible reading, meditation and study Silence, Solitude, Community, Fasting. These are habits that help you build a strong spiritual life. We have talked about them before and will come back to them again but for now, Know that studying and practicing the spiritual disciplines should be a part of your spiritual life.

 

Developing personal self-discipline is a key aspect of spiritual growth and daily life, especially for a Christian who is striving to follow Jesus. While spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible study, and worship are vital, personal self-discipline in everyday activities also plays a significant role in the overall process. Here are practical steps that can help someone develop or increase their personal self-discipline:

1. Set Clear Goals and Priorities

Having clear goals allows you to stay focused and motivated. Self-discipline thrives when you have a sense of purpose. Start by determining what is most important to you, both in your spiritual life and personal life.

• Actionable Step: Write down your goals—spiritual, personal, and professional—and prioritize them. Break them down into smaller, achievable tasks. For example, if your goal is to read through the Bible in a year, break it into daily reading plans.

2. Create a Routine or Schedule

A structured routine helps build self-discipline because it instills consistency. When you have a set schedule, you’re less likely to be distracted by fleeting desires or emotions.

• Actionable Step: Create a daily or weekly schedule that includes time for prayer, Bible study, work, exercise, meals, and sleep. Setting fixed times for these activities helps cultivate habits and limits procrastination. NEXT ACTION. DO IT.

• Proverbs 12:1 (NKJV): “Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, But he who hates correction is stupid.”
  A disciplined schedule allows you to grow in knowledge and wisdom, as it gives you time to learn and apply godly principles.

3. Develop Healthy Habits

Small, healthy habits can lead to big changes. Good habits can gradually transform your life and build the foundation for self-discipline. These habits can include morning routines, exercise, and eating habits. Whole Life stewardship requires WHOLE LIFE DISCIPLINE.

• Actionable Step: Start by adopting one healthy habit at a time, such as drinking water in the morning, avoiding social media first thing, or exercising regularly. Focus on consistency, and gradually build other habits on top of that.

• 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NKJV): “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
  Taking care of your body through healthy habits is a way to honor God and develop discipline.

4. Practice Accountability

Accountability is a powerful tool in developing self-discipline. When you know someone is holding you accountable, it increases your motivation and helps you stay on track. You aren’t in this alone.

• Actionable Step: Find an accountability partner or a group that shares your spiritual goals. This could be a prayer partner, a mentor, or a small group from your church. Regular check-ins and mutual encouragement can strengthen your resolve.

• Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV): “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”
  Accountability helps keep you on the path of discipline and encourages you to grow together with others.

5. Learn to Say No

Self-discipline often involves making hard choices and learning to say no to things that are not aligned with your goals or that hinder your progress. This applies to both time management and spiritual focus. You must be clear on God’s calling for you life and let nothing hinder your pursuit of Him and His mission.

• Actionable Step: Practice saying no to distractions, whether it’s binge-watching TV, spending excessive time on social media, or even good things that might prevent you from focusing on what matters most, like spending time with God or with family.

• Matthew 5:37 (NKJV): “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.”
  Learning to say no when necessary is part of being disciplined, especially when it comes to guarding your time and energy.

6. Eliminate Distractions

Distractions are one of the biggest barriers to self-discipline. It’s difficult to stay focused when you’re surrounded by temptations or interruptions. By intentionally reducing distractions, you can stay on task and make better use of your time. Remember Mary and Martha. There is one thing you need.

• Actionable Step: Identify areas of your life where you tend to get distracted—such as your phone, the internet, or unproductive relationships—and take steps to minimize those distractions. For instance, you could put your phone in another room while reading your Bible or studying.

• Matthew 6:6 (NKJV): “But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”
  Finding a quiet, distraction-free space for prayer or study is essential in maintaining self-discipline.

7. Take Breaks and Rest

Self-discipline doesn’t mean working yourself to exhaustion. Taking breaks is important for mental and physical well-being. Rest allows you to recharge and maintain focus over time.

• Actionable Step: Schedule regular breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge. Ensure that you also take time off from work and other obligations to rest, whether it’s a weekly Sabbath, a day off, or short breaks during the day.

• Exodus 20:8-10 (NKJV): “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work…”
  Resting is essential for spiritual, emotional, and physical renewal, and it’s a discipline that promotes a balanced life.

8. Practice Self-Control in Small Things

Building self-discipline in small areas of life can create a ripple effect that leads to greater self-control in bigger things. Start with simple acts of self-restraint, and work up to more challenging areas.

• Actionable Step: Practice self-control by limiting small indulgences, such as sweets, caffeine, or unnecessary spending. This builds the muscle of self-discipline, which will help in more significant areas like temptation or long-term goals.

• Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV): “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”
  Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit that grows as we practice it in daily life.

9. Celebrate Small Wins

It’s easy to become discouraged if you’re only focused on long-term results. Acknowledge and celebrate small victories along the way to stay motivated.

• Actionable Step: When you accomplish a goal or stick to a discipline for a certain period, reward yourself with something meaningful—whether it’s a small treat, a break, or a time of reflection and gratitude.

• 1 Corinthians 9:24 (NKJV): “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.”
  Recognizing progress along the way encourages perseverance and motivates you to continue toward your final goal.

10. Seek God’s Help and Grace

Ultimately, self-discipline is not about relying solely on your strength, but on God’s grace. Ask the Lord to help you develop discipline, giving you the strength to overcome weaknesses and the wisdom to prioritize what matters most.

• Philippians 4:13 (NKJV): “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
  Depend on God’s strength to help you grow in discipline, especially when things seem too difficult.

Conclusion:

Developing self-discipline is a process that requires intentional action and reliance on God’s grace. By setting clear goals, creating a structured routine, developing healthy habits, and seeking accountability, you can grow in self-discipline and make progress in your personal and spiritual life. Keep focusing on small, practical steps while relying on God’s strength and guidance through it all.

**(5:00 – 1:00)**

Doctrine Today

 

Church Role in Discerning God’s Will

 

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How are you doing at keeping those hard tasks on your schedule? Doing the right thing is seldom easy and it often takes more effort that we would like. But it is worth it do be disciplined and maintain our focus. When you fail, start over, persistence is a big part of discipline!

– “Thank you for listening today!

-If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page.

May we all be found faithful, ready, and living for eternity. Until next time, keep your eyes on Jesus and never stop running.”

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