Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 9:27
But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
1 Corinthians 9:27
The apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Corinth for them to be strong and victorious as God's people, against the scene of their corrupt-sinful society. He gave them and us today the benefits of self-discipline.
Self-discipline is self-control. Self-control is the last of the fruit of the Spirit written in Galatians 5:22. It is a gift from the Holy Spirit to help us do and give our best with His help to control the other 8 fruits lest they be used for our self-pleasures and not for God as His people in Christ. Self-discipline gives us strength to overcome our spiritual, physical, and mental weaknesses as all of us have. It gives us the power to have self-denial. To say 'NO' to anything that is destructive to our Christian life. Good athletes have self-discipline to keep their bodies in peek health and strong condition, by decisive discipline coupled with rigorous workouts and a strict diet regimen.
Same with Christians. We must be fed with God's Word daily with Christ in us as Lord and Savior, powered by His Holy Spirit and a daily exercise for our Christian faith in living and serving the Lord.
The Bible tells us of God's Word. We must run the race God has set before us and we need to practice self-discipline along the way to reach the finish line where Jesus our Lord is waiting for us. Paul kept this self-discipline as a healthy and strong Christian so as not to be disqualified from the race (not pertaining to losing our salvation in Christ for we are eternally secured in him). We want to be a winner of God's prize, the reward of living a faithful life, a life of service to Him.
Reflect
1. What do you need to do have self-discipline?
2. What are the ways of the Bible for you to have self-discipline?
3. What is the fruit of self-discipline in your life?
Remember
The fruit of self-discipline is victory in our Christian life.
Read
Romans 8:13; Romans 13:14; 2 Corinthians 13:5
Pray
Lord, I pray that you bless us with Your Spirit-controlled lifestyle, giving us victory over our weaknesses and making awarded winners in the race (or boxing arenas) of life in this world. Help us practice this winning spirit in, through, and for our church as victorious ambassadors of Christ to share our faith in our community. In the Name of our victorious and glorious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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