Thursday: Habits – Self-Discipline
Self-discipline is one of the most important character traits a steward can have. “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Tim. 1:7, NIV). The Greek word for discipline, sophronismos, appears only here in this verse in the New Testament and involves the ability to do what must be done with a balanced, sound mind that will not deviate from God’s principles.
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Self-discipline can help us “to distinguish good from evil” (Heb. 5:14, NIV), understand situations at hand, and yet calmly and meekly withstand pressures and distractions regardless of outcome. Daniel pursued what was right despite the lions, as opposed to Samson, who lived a self-indulgent life and showed little restraint or sound judgment. Joseph pursued what was right in Potiphar’s house, in contrast with Solomon, who worshiped other gods (1 Kings 11:4-5).
Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. What does Paul say here about self-discipline? What does he say is ultimately at stake in the whole question of self-discipline?
“The world is given to self-indulgence. Errors and fables abound. Satan’s snares for destroying souls are multiplied. All who would perfect holiness in the fear of God must learn the lessons of temperance and self-control. The appetites and passions must be held in subjection to the higher powers of the mind. This self-discipline is essential to that mental strength and spiritual insight which will enable us to understand and to practice the sacred truths of God’s word.” – Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 101.
Self-discipline improves through habitual practice. God has called you to “be holy in all you do” (1 Pet. 1:15, NIV) and to “train yourself to be godly” (1 Tim. 4:7, NIV). Stewards must practice and train to be self-disciplined just as much as the most talented athletes or musicians. We must, through God’s power and our own diligent effort, discipline ourselves in the things that really matter.
| How can we learn to surrender to the power of God, who alone can give us the self-discipline we need to live as faithful and godly stewards in a fallen and corrupt world? |
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It is true that God alone is the one that can help us with self control It comes slowly as we move from Glory to Glory. Prayer and a humble spirit is needed. If we fail, God is faithful to forgive our sins.
I believe that we can obtain a degree of self control on our own, but the problem is we are very limited. Jesus, leads us to gain self control outside the realms of how the "world" dictates self control.
By taking time for self assessment, individual accountability, identifying flaws by being honest to oneself and owning up to these faults by submitting them to God with a contrite heart, through prayer daily and to then submit to His will.
As the text in 2Timothy 1:7 about self discipline and the role of the Holy Spirit states, it reminds us that the Holy Spirit is our helper in all the problems that we face. We have a dichotomy. On one hand we are given the power of choice. At the same time we are persuaded by the urging of the Holy Spirit. The help that is needed in understanding and applying the verse in 2 Timothy comes from our Heavenly Father. We have covered areas in other lessons about how we live and the temptations. So this is similar but a bit different.
In a recent report we are told that Usain Bolt (the world fastest man) made $62M in about 2.65 minutes that's is profound. The author of the article went on to say that, the events never happened just like that but because throughout his years of rigorous training, hard work and self disciplines this achievement was accomplished. But for me I can do a whole lot better if by the Grace of God apply Spiritual values and submit to the Holy Spirit.
Self-Discipline (1 Tim. 4:7)
Most human being LOVED exercise at home or at a gymnasium because it help keep us breathing and moving the blood through our body, however, what the scripture is stating is that self discipline life by the Holy Spirit is far more so, making you fit for the moment and eternal life.
You know the story of King Solomon’s tenure on this planet, while he was young he was the wisest man who ever lived led an ordered and restrained life.
HOWEVER, like most of us, we sometime loses self-control and a just like Solomon we lose our heart and we are no longer loyal to the Lord his God
So, being a good manager for God we understand the value of self-control, choosing integrity over gratification, and do not allow their earthly cravings and desires to deter them from their heavenly goal.
Sometimes we treat the Holy Spirit as though it is a magic wand that we wave to make things happen. If you are praying for the Holy Spirit to give you self-discipline, the next step is to make the changes that prompted you to pray for the Holy Spirit in the first place. The Holy Spirit does not force you do to anything. It works like the gentle wind, unseen but persistent.
For me, the Holy Spirit came in the form of a conversation with my unchurched PhD supervisor, who also had size and exercise issues. He told me that he was making some changes to lose weight. I thought, "Hang on a minute! I'm a Seventh-day Adventist and we are supposed to be the healthy ones!" And that is where are started on my journey of a better lifestyle. Was that the work of the Holy Spirit of just a bit of a brain rattle?
We need to get real about our Holy Spirit talk and convert our words into actions. That is what the Holy Spirit does!
It is true that the holy Spirit allows us freedom of choice. How we apply that freedom as I understand, is 100% within our finite capabilities. John 14:16 KJV uses the word comforter. Greek- consoler, advocate. The Helper is not selective because we deserve this help. We are aware of the unpardonable sin against the Holy Spirit.Our understandings may be different for some. I had a friend that had programs on the TV that misused the term Holy Spirit. They would demonstrate falling over as being in the spirit. My friend would ask me if it was ok to pray to the Holy Spirit? This bias is due to backgrounds and the fact that we have different opinions about the purpose of the gift. I do not have all the answers but the Holy Spirit does 2Timothy 3:16
Paul, do you think that the infinite Love of God is within our finite capabilities to perform? Do you think that healing the sick and raising the dead as the apostles did is within our finite capabilities? Is the Character of God possible to attain with our finite capabilities?
It is true that the Holy Spirit is not for us to use as a magic wand, but it is not true that we are not given supernatural power to do the perfect will of God by the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
In regard to the question posed at the end of today's lesson, sometimes something about a situation prompts us to think about a change we perhaps 'should' make. And sometimes that is enough of a prompt for us to actually undertake and maintain necessary change/s.
However, when a gentle prompt is not enough (which unfortunately is more often the case), then it usually takes us hitting some serious and persistent consequences that, despite our best efforts to try to overcome them, we are unable to shake. This is referred to as reaching 'readiness' to change and is not achieved until we feel/experience that the costs of continuing on the way we were going now sufficiently outweigh the benefits of doing so (effective child discipline works on this principle in regard to application of appropriate consequences, as does the law-enforcement system through application of penalties). Prior to reaching this point, we are actually anti-ready to change and therefore resistant to change. Sometimes reaching this readiness point means reaching 'rock bottom'. As you can appreciate, reaching readiness is virtually always an unpleasant experience.
Interesting then that James suggests we 'consider' it pure joy when we experience this (see Jas 1:2-4). Fortunately James used the word consider rather than feel - otherwise his suggestion would not be able to be taken seriously. And the Greek word for joy (chara) does not so much mean feel fantastic about, but rather to realise that the change opportunity we are being presented with will, if taken, actually better and benefit us. It matches the unfortunate reality-truth within this fallen world that there is no gain without pain.
And, with regard to the role of the Holy Spirit/power of God and the process of change, I would affirm what Maurice has said regarding the unfortunate tendency to view/treat the Holy Spirit as 'magic' that will make all the changes in us and for us without us having to put in any serious effort. Ellen White talks a lot about the Holy Spirit being the power that is imparted to us that 'enables' US to put in the effort to actually undertake change. An analogy would be the current power tool trend of battery-powered tools. Think of the Holy Spirit like a charged battery. A charged battery of itself won't result in anything. But if you plug a charged battery into the power tool in your hand and then use that power tool appropriately, you can then 'develop'/transform a pile of timber can into a piece of useful furniture.
In case anyone thinks that what I am saying is promoting works-based salvation, please consider this. In order "to live as faithful and Godly stewards (because we have each been significantly tainted by being) in a fallen and corrupt world" - as per the lesson's question - we need our character to be redeveloped. And we need to be an active participant in this process. In other words, we need to be actively involved in the change process. Our character can't be changed for us. Consequently, there is much work to be done and much work that we will need to do. However, where 'works' become a problem is if we think they somehow then place God in a 'you owe me' position. We absolutely need to work - but never to place God under obligation to us (see DA 175.3).
Self discipline is when we acknowledge God in all our ways, not in a mere agreement, but in active following through choices made and acted upon. God's word is a light that must be followed. It can only inform us, but will never manipulate us against our will. However, if we surrender our will and then ACT on His will, He will impart grace, though it will still require a determined effort on our part to obey and act. That determination is required because we must deny our own natural desires to follow God's "good, acceptable and perfect will"(Romans 12:2).
As for knowing, Jesus said the Holy Spirit would "convince the world" of what they need to know(John 16:8). We also can pray for God to show us, instruct and teach us, etc, but we then must act(Ps 32:8; 139:23, 24). God will instruct us through His word and if acting upon what we do understand, He will teach us what we cannot understand without His help(John 7:17, Rev 1:1). God cannot guide the insincere. Faith is an action, not merely a belief. If not acting, we deny the belief don't we?
God leaves the choosing and acting with us, where self-discipline is revealed if it exists.