Broken Self-Discipline
The Spirit of Discipline – Part 3
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.
As we spend one more day on this promise the Apostle Paul gives us that we have a spirit of discipline, let’s continue from yesterday. Since there are zero scriptures that justify a sinning Christ follower, let’s believe that we can be victors over temptation. Would the Bible tell us that we can live above sin if in fact we couldn’t?
Let’s look at another great promise to every child of God: “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). If God has designed our salvation in such a way that we will only experience common temptations; we will never face one that is more than we can bear; and He always provides a way out, why does anyone say things like: “everyone has to sin every day”?
To live with the reality of God’s promises, we must stop justifying sinful behavior. Our printed key verse promises us that we are given the spirit of discipline—rely on it! When you are faced with temptation, say quickly: “This is not more than I can handle. I am a victor, not a victim.” When we keep these facts from the Bible in the forefront of our minds, we can enjoy the abundant life!
Father, I will live my life today relying on your Word. I will trust it when I feel weak and know I am strong! In Jesus’ name, amen.