When we think of Jesus, we think of the freedom God has given us to live in his love. What we don't often do is think of the discipline it takes to live true to that spiritual freedom. Without it, we can find ourselves before long wanting what our selfish flesh desires, rather than what God wants and what our spirit needs.
One of Paul's sternest warnings in this first of two letters to his beloved apprentice, Timothy, is to live a disciplined life in order to accomplish God's purpose. The word "disciple" means to regulate one's mind, thoughts and actions to achieve a particular purpose. Being a disciple of Jesus, then, is following a particular way of living that is about making our mind, thoughts and actions all about Jesus. In fact, Paul tells Timothy to think about the discipline of godliness just like we might think about working out at the gym. Do it and you will be strong, healthy and able to endure. Neglect working out and you'll be out of shape, you'll look unappealing and you won't be able to stand against Satan.
At the beginning of this chapter, Paul warns Timothy to stay on his toes and be on the lookout for false teaching because that's Satan strongest weapon in shipwrecking faith. So training in godliness, then, is first about knowing the "words of the faith" - the only truth, the real truth - about our savior, Jesus.
Paul commands Timothy to devote himself to reading scripture and to teaching scripture to save both himself and his hearers from Satan's lies. Even today, going to church each week to hear good preaching remains one of the most powerful ways we can "train" our minds to know and believe and act in the truth of God. Another method is daily Bible reading and regular Bible study of our own.
Many of us don't like discipline because it takes work. The truth is there's no alternative if we are to live lives pleasing to God as good servants of Christ.
Used by permission from NewSpring Church
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