How's Your Self-Discipline?

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

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Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith

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

**(24:00)**

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 belie