Broken Self-Discipline
The Spirit of Discipline – Part 1

Scripture Reading:  2 Timothy 1:1-7

Key Verse: 2 Timothy 1:7

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

Self-discipline is the ability to deal with the daily conflicts between what your flesh (lower nature) wants and your spirit (moral values) wants.  Those who are far from God have this conflict as much as Christ followers.  God has put in all humans this inner revelation of goodness, which is really a revelation of Himself.  The Apostle Paul wrote: “since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them” (Romans 1:19).  In my opinion, this is what we would describe as “everyone has a conscience.”

Christ followers have a great advantage in dealing with this conflict between the flesh and the spirit.  We enjoy God’s Holy Spirit living within us.  Our printed key verse for today reminds us of three things that Spirit within us gives: power, love and self-discipline.  I want to focus on this spirit of self-discipline.  This spirit of self-discipline is not a mold that is standard for all and we pour ourselves into it.  Rather, it is a living Spirit that works in us; growing us into a Christ like person.  As we learn to rely on it in times of conflict (temptation), we discover its power.

Next time you are struggling with an area that you know takes self-discipline, call upon God’s Spirit within you!  Start praying; start believing that you can bring under control your “self” that once was out of control!

Father, I praise you for the abundant life you want me to live.  Thank you for your Spirit that helps me say no to ungodly desires.  In Jesus’ name, amen.