Proverbs 3:1-12

SELF-DISCIPLINE Diligent application of godly principles to our lives by the teaching of the word of God

 Our minds should be concentrated on the right things - Phil. 4:8  Opposite is earthly minds - Phil. 3:19  Sin has no roots in a mind disciplined in the righteousness of God - Prov. 2:6-16  We should bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ - 2 Cor. 10:5

 Paul disciplined his body and brought it into subjection - 1 Cor. 9:27  Ways our bodies must be disciplined:  Food - Prov. 23:20; 1 Cor. 8:13  Sex - 1 Cor. 6:15-18; 7:8-9; Matt. 19:12  Health - 1 Tim. 5:23  Tongue - Jas. 3:8-10  We are to glorify God in our body - 1 Cor. 6:19- 20

 It is characteristic of one who is a spiritual person - 2 Pet. 1:6; Gal. 5:23  It is part of Gospel preaching and teaching - Acts 24:25  Is Key to living “soberly, righteously, and godly” - Tit. 2:11-12

 Contrast: Eph. 4:17-32  Lack of control evident in “old man of sin”  Careful control exercised by “new man” in Christ  Note that “teaching” is key to exercising self- discipline - Jas. 3:13

 Beware of “self-imposed” human doctrines/practices that promise a special ability to control the mind and body  Only true control is through a knowledge of Christ - Col. 2:20-3:10  Ex – cultic practices (meditation, asceticism), dietary and other restrictions (celibacy)  False humility – no value in controlling flesh

 Trust in the Lord with all your heart…in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths – Prov. 3:5-6  Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; keep her, for she is your life – Prov. 3:13  Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. Do not turn to the right or the left; remove your foot from evil – Prov. 3:26-27