1 Timothy 4:1-5 1 But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, 3 men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; 5 for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.

1 Timothy 4:6-8 6 In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following. 7 But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; 8 for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

James 3:13-17 13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.

1 Timothy 4:7-8 7 But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; 8 for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

Jerry Bridges (The Pursuit of Holiness) “As we become soft and lazy in our bodies, we tend to become soft and lazy spiritually…..When the body is pampered and indulged, the instincts and passions of the body tend to get the upper hand and dominate our thoughts and actions. We tend to do not what we ought to do, but what we want to do, as we follow the craving of our sinful nature.”

Are You Lacking in Spiritual Self-Discipline? Do you overeat? Do you eat junk foods and high sugar snacks and drinks? Do you drink alcohol to excess? Do you use non-prescription drugs recreationally? If you are not married, are you sexually active? Are you careless with your speech? Do you say whatever comes into your head? Are you overly critical of others? When you are frustrated or upset, do you let it keep you from doing your duty?

Are You Lacking in Spiritual Self-Discipline? Do you allow yourself to grumble and complain about things more than verbally praising the Lord to the experiencing of His joy? Do you allow yourself to engage and stay in a mode of argument with others rather than seeking true peace with others as far as it depends on you? Is your life and attitude characterized more by the deeds of the flesh than by the fruit of the Spirit? Do you oversleep? Do you allow yourself to lay in bed longer than is needful for your rest?

Are You Lacking in Spiritual Self-Discipline? Do you find yourself giving your time to things that you want to do and neglecting those things that are more difficult or more important? Do you spend money you don’t have, or make unwise spending decisions? Do you leave your bed unmade and leave your clothes lying around rather than hung back up in the closet? Do you indulge in recreation when you should be working?

Are You Lacking in Spiritual Self-Discipline? Do you say you are going to do something and then neglect to do it; work projects, school assignments, bible studies? Are you consistently late for appointments or for church meetings?

Four Truths From 1 Timothy 4:7 A disciplined Christian life is… Expected Commanded Personal Purposeful

The Goal of Godliness – Self-Discipline How Can I Practice Self-Discipline On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness (1 Timothy 4:7b) 1. Be resolved (Daniel 1:8) “But Daniel made up his mind (set his heart upon – resolved) that he would not defile himself…”

The Goal of Godliness – Self-Discipline How Can I Practice Self-Discipline On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness (1 Timothy 4:7b) 2. Be prayerful (1 Thessalonians 5:17) “pray without ceasing.”

The Goal of Godliness – Self-Discipline How Can I Practice Self-Discipline On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness (1 Timothy 4:7b) 3. Be intentional to develop godly habits (Matthew 7:17, 20) “17 So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit…20 So then, you will know them by their fruits.”

Luke 9:23 “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.”

The Goal of Godliness – Self-Discipline How Can I Practice Self-Discipline On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness (1 Timothy 4:7b) 4. Be focused on the pleasure and power of Christ (Colossians 3:1-2) “1 Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.”

The Goal of Godliness – Self-Discipline How Can I Practice Self-Discipline On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness (1 Timothy 4:7b) 5. Be diligent (2 Timothy 2:15) “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.”

The Goal of Godliness – Self-Discipline How Can I Practice Self-Discipline On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness (1 Timothy 4:7b) 6. Be ready to change (2 Corinthians 5:17) “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.”

The Goal of Godliness – Self-Discipline How Can I Practice Self-Discipline On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness (1 Timothy 4:7b) 7. Be determined (Proverbs 24:16) “For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again, but the wicked stumble in time of calamity.”

The Goal of Godliness – Self-Discipline What are the Pitfalls in Developing Self-Discipline? On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness (1 Timothy 4:7b) 1. Idolatry (1 John 5:21) “Little children, guard yourselves from idols.”

The Goal of Godliness – Self-Discipline What are the Pitfalls in Developing Self-Discipline? On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness (1 Timothy 4:7b) 2. Pride (Proverbs 16:18) “Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling.”

The Goal of Godliness – Self-Discipline What are the Pitfalls in Developing Self-Discipline? On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness (1 Timothy 4:7b) 3. Inflexibility (Isaiah 40:3) "Clear the way for the Lord in the wilderness; Make smooth in the desert a highway for our God.”

Four Truths From 1 Timothy 4:7 A disciplined Christian life is… Expected Commanded Personal Purposeful