Wisdomfied part 7- Discipline


Prepare Your Heart: Read Hebrews 12:5-11.  Journal of a time that the Lord disciplined you.  What was the result?  What things were added to your faith that couldn’t have been without the loving correction of the Lord?



Discipline is a constant factor in my life.  As a classroom teacher of first graders, my primary job is to develop this trait in the students in my classroom.  Many of them don’t come from homes where self-control is a habit that is shaped in them.  I am also a mother and try to select with care the consequences that will change my children’s character.  Because I love them, I look ahead to the moments in life that they will have to make tough choices and pray that my influence will help them choose the narrow path.  As an athlete, physical discipline is a constant as I run and play soccer regularly.  There are always moments that I need to press on despite when I feel like giving up.



 There is much value in life of worldly discipline, but Paul tells Timothy that there is a greater prize in it for those of faith.  1 Timothy says discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness, for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but the godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.  It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance.  For it is for this we labor and strive because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers (4:7-10).  So though we labor in this life, the discipline that comes from us is of little value.  Instead we are empowered by the Spirit and changed by the discipline of the Lord (1 Tim 1:7).  Let’s see what He has to say with us about His discipline.  As always, scripture references are found in the book of Proverbs.  Read and take note of what you learn.  



Discipline

·         3:11,12

·         10:17

·         12:1

·         13:18, 24

·         15:5, 10, 12, 32

·         19:18

·         20:30

·         22:6, 15

·         23:13,14

·         29:15, 17, 19, 21



So what is the response of your heart when the Lord corrects you?   Do you see His hand as loving or cruel?  Proverbs 10;17 says He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but he who hates correction leads others astray.   To be teachable we need a humble heart, one set on keeping the law and repentance.  Read the following verses in Proverbs, as you do reflect on the state of your  heart and pray that God would show you any areas where He desires purity and love: 28:4, 7, 9, 13, 18; 14:9.






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