Tag: self-discipline
Running to win!
Scripture reading for July 17: 1 Corinthians 9
“To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the Gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings. Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:22-27
Paul explained to the believers at Corinth how he viewed ministry in their culture. He had explained how he had a right to receive support from them as he ministered among them. However, he did not take any support, but worked to support himself so that he would not cause any to stumble. He was not preaching for money or as a job that supported him. His reward was seeing souls saved and in heaven for eternity. These eternal blessings would be shared by all. His world-view enlarged his perspective and motivation and daily actions.
Paul also sought to reach the most people. He did this by identifying with those to whom God sent him. He got down where the people were and learned to speak their language and understand how to reach them. He stated that he “became all things to all people that he might win some.” He likened his daily walk as a race in which he was running for the prize. In the world, runners raced for a laurel wreath given to the victor. Paul was looking for the eternal reward of the crown of righteousness and enjoying Jesus with the redeemed saints.
Do you find that each day’s short term needs are a primary subject of your thinking? How does Paul’s world-view challenge you to change your focus? In what ways do you need to bring your body and mind under self-discipline to focus on eternal things?
Prayer: Father God, I am challenged by this passage of Scripture and the example of Paul the Apostle. Help me to develop a world-view that focuses on sharing the Gospel of Jesus to those around me. Help me to discipline my body and mind and live effectively as a witness of Jesus Christ and enjoy eternal life with Jesus. Amen.
Fan your Gift into Flame!
Scripture reading for October 3rd: 2nd Timothy 1
Key Scriptures for over-comers: 2nd Timothy 1:6-10 “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me His prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the Gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life–not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel.”
Paul encouraged Timothy and us to fan our gift into full flame! The Holy Spirit is not timid but bold, loving, and disciplined to accomplish God’s will by using us and the gifts of the Spirit given us by God’s grace. We may face suffering and even death, but Jesus Christ has destroyed death and brought immortality to light for us who know Him and have believed!
Observations for over-comers: Over-comers purposefully develop the gifts God has given them for His glory and purpose and boldly live and preach the Gospel of God’s grace in Jesus Christ. “I will bow down toward Your holy temple and will praise Your Name for your love and Your faithfulness, for You have exalted above all things Your Name and Your Word. When I called, You answered me; You made me bold and stouthearted.” (Psalm 138:2-3)
Life and immortality through the gospel!
Scripture reading for October 22nd: 2nd Timothy 1:1-18
Paul’s second letter to Timothy turned out to be his last letter before he was martyred for serving Christ. He knew that his time on this earth was short and wanted to pass on important pastoral encouragement to his young friend and co-w0rker. Timothy was the pastor of the church that Paul had founded in Ephesus and also faced increasing persecution. His youth and somewhat timid spirit may have been hindering his ministry.
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me His prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life–not because of anything we have done, but because of His own purpose and grace. (2nd Timothy 1:7-9) The Holy Spirit brings us power to live a life of love and self-discipline. God’s purpose is to use us as a witness of this love through our godly living. He chose us Himself and through grace saved us.
This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel.” (2nd Timothy 1:9b-10) God’s plans were put in place before the beginning of time. God lives in the realm of eternity and sees all of time. He and His Son determined the proper time to reveal His grace by Jesus Christ, the Son, coming to earth as a man. Through Christ’s life and atoning death, the way for all men to receive God’s grace was made available. Now through preaching this Gospel, the gift of eternal life and the path to immortality with God has been opened to all who will believe!
“And of this Gospel I was appointed a herald, an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day.” (2nd Timothy 1:11-12) Paul assured Timothy that God would be faithful to keep them both!