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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
Self-discipline is essentially the same as self-control, one of the nine fruits of the Spirit listed by Paul in Galatians 5:22-23. The KJV translation uses the word temperance in place of "self-con...
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Jay Saunders
Supporter
Paul, the greatest teacher in the meaning of the dispensation of grace, gives us an example of a child of God putting on the armour of God which includes the acts of discipline. The helmet of salvation protects our mind by keeping our thought life pure, by, and through, discernment using the word of God. Example: Meditate on those things that are pure lovely of a good report. If their be anything worthy of praise, then think and speak on these things. Put on the breast plate of righteousness.not your own righteousness, but His righteousness, because our righteousness is as filthy rags. This only comes through true salvation, and true salvation brings love for humanity and the Lord Jesus. Gird up your lions with the belt of truth. Speaking the eternal truth of God of God's word that is never out dated or void of truth now and forever. Shod your feet with the gospel of peace towards anyone and every one. That does not mean that someone will keep the peace with you, but you have to do your best and pray about those you can not control that are out of control. Let go and let God do what you cannot. The Jews never let up at persecuting Paul where ever he went. They were the thorn in his flesh. Of coarse not everyone agrees with that, but it was the Jews that rejected Jesus that persecuted Paul most. Then comes that shield of faith. The defensive and offensive weapon. We read Psalm 91 and it says because we love him, He protects us. Not because we are perfect, not because we're well connected, but because we love him. We shall not want. Psalm 23 My favorite: Take up that sword of the spirit that is in your mouth. By quoting the word of God's many promises and rebuking sickness, diseases, threats, depression, worry, lack, mental attacks of all kinds, we can lift that shield of faith to quench those fiery darts of the evil wicked one. The living word of God makes us clean and makes us over comers in Christ Jesus. If you discipline, exercise and use the living word of God. Selah! Ps. You can do all things though Christ Jesus our Lord. The word says so. Jaybird
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
When people are right with God, they are apt to be hard on themselves and easy on other people. But when they are not right with God, they are easy on themselves and hard on others. - John Newton Two verses come to mind, one that has already been mentioned by Michael: "God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." --2 Timothy 1:7 (New International Version) “Self-discipline” is a better translation of “sound mind” (2 Tim. 1:7). It describes a person who is sensibly minded and balanced, who has his life under control. The Amplified Version reads, “calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.” WW I am a firm believer in self-discipline which I know comes from God, not myself. I put it into practice in doing for others, and this helps me, too. If I mow somebody else's grass, this helps keep me in shape! And the other verse that comes to mind is Proverbs 10:17: " He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray." (NIV) The latter is listed with DailyVerses, Proverbs 10:17. Also, the good NLT song based on this verse can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=KfR6UXVXx2M
Jeffrey Johnson
Supporter
What does the Bible say about self-discipline? In the Bible, self-discipline (often translated as "self-control" or "temperance") is not just willpower but a spiritual fruit produced by the Holy Spirit. It is considered essential for resisting temptation, maturing in faith, and living a life that honours God. Key Principles A Fruit of the Spirit: Self-control is a direct characteristic of the Holy Spirit living inside a believer. Spiritual Protection: The lack of self-discipline leaves a person morally and spiritually defenceless.The Ultimate Goal: Discipline isn't practised for its own sake, but for "godliness"—to grow closer to God and live out His purpose. Scriptures Galatians 5:22–23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." Proverbs 25:28: "A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls." 1 Corinthians 9:24–27: The Apostle Paul compares the Christian life to an athletic race, noting that competitors exercise "self-control in all things" to win an imperishable prize. 2 Timothy 1:7: "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." Titus 2:11–12: God's grace "teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives." 1 Corinthians 9:27 ESV: "But I buffet my body, and bring it into bondage: lest by any means, after that I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected." Amplified Bible: "But [like a boxer] I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached [the gospel] to others, I myself will not somehow be disqualified [as unfit for service]." Amplified Bible, Classic Edition "But [like a boxer] I buffet my body [handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships] and subdue it, for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel and things about it, I myself should become unfit [not stand the test, be unapproved and rejected as a counterfeit]." Paul told us his secret to success. Like Paul, we too must gain mastery over our imperfect flesh rather than allow it to be our master. We need to root out fleshly tendencies, longings, and desires. (Romans 8:5-8; James 1:14, 15) Paul 'got tough' with himself. He would force himself to do what is right, even when his body desired to do wrong. Illustration: Imagine that you are in a small rowboat on a swiftly flowing river and are being pulled toward its falls. To avert disaster, we must strenuously row upstream against the strong current. We may not seem to be making much progress, but as long as we keep exerting ourselves vigorously, we will not go over the falls to our destruction. Each of us knows his own weaknesses. Others may not appreciate our firmness in a certain matter, but we individually know where we must exercise self-discipline to be pleasing to God. Like Paul, if we do as he did, we can win this fight too.
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