“IT TAKES DISCIPLINE”
In every aspect of one’s life, from our
schooling, social, and salvation purpose.

Discipline: comes from the root word “Disciple”, taken from the Latin word, “discipulus” meaning “to teach!”

There usage and meanings are almost interchangeable.
(Learn; disciple: or learning; discipline: comprehend; disciple: develops self-control; discipline).

To become a disciple of Christ there is a holistic development which needs to take place in every believer’s life. (Phil 2:5) “It’s a mind thing; this is where the change must take place.

There are “3D’s” foundations for building a secure tower of spiritual discipline in everything we partaken in. As Saint’s of God we should have learned or be obtaining control in our achievement of education, in how we treat other, and in our walk with Christ. (In 2006: 1 out of 3 high school students will dropout of school before graduation.)  We’re in a time of No Control! The adversary (Satan) wants to promote people with low self esteem. By this he can propagate negativity which allows him easy targets for his conversion. Studies show people who have discipline themselves, most likely are person with high self esteem (not pride), which makes it very difficult for them to become suppressed. That in turn helps them to achieve success in life.

DISCIPLINE (The learning): God’s teaching in the lives of his people: both formative and corrective (Job 36:10). Repent, return from their iniquity. (Lev 20:7 and Lev 10:10; Eph 1:4, 1Pet 1:15) “Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the Lord your God.” Holiness is a life of righteous self discipline. The word discipline occurs only here in Job 36:10, no where else does it appear in the Bible.

The concept still weaves through many passages of scripture, in words such as “correction,” “instruction,” “chastisement,” “reproof,” and “nurture”. Simply put, change the way you’ve been thinking and start to think like Christ see (Col 3:10).

In my marriage (1 Tim 5:8, 2 Cor 12:14), in the friends I select (2Cor 6:14-18), in the handling of my business (see Pro 10:4 and 22:29; 2Pet 3:14).  Discipline includes training and knowledge balanced with correction and punishment.

“For every action, there is a re-action!” Biblically, all discipline should be based in love, not hate (Col 3:12-14) having concern for our well-being, the main purpose is for our maturity and long term happiness (See Psa 94:12-13; and Pro 3:11-12). Those who are authoritative in providing spiritual discipline. (See Eph 4:11-13)

DISCIPLE (The Learnt): Learner, student, a follower, apprentice. One who implies acceptance of the teacher’s teaching (this can be by your father, mother, Pastor, almost anyone of skill), and imitate the practices, but here we’re referring to Christ, “The Master Teacher” (see Luke 6:40; Isa 8:16). Those who followed Jesus were called disciples (see Luke 22:39), as are all Christians who overcome and follow His teaching (see Luke 14:26-27; Acts 9:36). The word disciple is used only in the four Gospels and Acts. From that point on the disciples or Learnt, who learned from Jesus were sent out as apostles or teachers to teach others the instructions of Christ.

One of the most signifying trait of a seasoned disciple is there ability to separate (the Learnt become a Discerner) the things of God, from the things not of God (see Job 6:30; Ezek 44:23). Able to detach from the hindrances in their life (see Luke 14:26, 27, 33). The Learnt will yield result from their following of the “discipline teaching of Christ” John 15:6-7 and Eph 3:17-19). The Learnt can clearly distinguish without much reservation, the difference between good and evil (see 1 John 2:14; Heb 5:14).

DISCIPLESHIP (the acts of teaching others by example): Is the commitment to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ. “Commitment” is a strong word when used in description for following Christ. I see follower’s commitment divided into four categories, demonstrating how people devote their service to Christ. My examples are derived from the Gospels where Jesus instilled his teaching to His disciples and the world. The 1st category is the “multitude or crowd commitment” Matt 13:2-3; 10, 13, 34-36, and Matt 15:30, they are around looking to receive, and not willing to give up nothing; waiting for the miracles. The 2nd category is the “churchgoers or (Sunday morning only folks) temple dwellers commitment” John 6:53-57; 66-69), they come and seek no farther understanding of Christ’s teaching. The 3rd category is a Disciple commitment Matt 10; 1-5; Matt 11:1; Luke 22:14; following to be taught and to understand the depth of Christ’s message. The 4th category is the Beloved or Chosen commitment  the inner circle, the jewels of God’s eyes, full of devoted trust and have total understanding of Christ’s teaching, Mark 9:2-10, Matt 26:36-41; John 19:26-27).

Discipleship is a process that includes learning Biblical truths (Isa 28:13); and applying the biblically based truth into your everyday life, remember someone is watching you (2 Cor 3:2). In the process of discipleship one has the responsibility to share this Gospel and its teaching with others, through our service within the local church, and fulfilling the purpose God has personally designed for each person he calls (1 Pet 2:9).