The Source of Self-Discipline

A Verse

2 Timothy 1:7

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

A Comment

While Paul mentions power and love in this verse, I want to briefly focus on self-discipline. As we begin a new year, I’m sure many of you have new goals and aspirations. Without self-discipline, our new goals and aspirations will remain just such: new goals and aspirations. If we would make progress, we will need self-discipline.

To be sure, I have no intention of cheapening the role of God’s Spirit in relating self-discipline to our goals and aspirations. Instead, I want to remind us why God has gifted us with the Spirit. His goal in us is godliness. To be more like Him in our thoughts, words, and deeds. If our new goals and aspiration are primarily about our own ambitions and glory, then it is the mercy of God for us to fail in those things. Yet, if our aim is His glory in our lives, then it is vital that we see our need for God’s Spirit.

As you seek to have self-discipline today and in the days ahead, I want you to remember that the source of our self-discipline in the Spirit of God. And this being this case, should lead us to acknowledge our dependence on Him in prayer and ask the LORD to grant us the power, the love, and the self-discipline that we need to live for His glory and the good of others.

A Prayer

Would you join me in praying that God would grant us power, love, and self-discipline in our pursuit of His glory and the good of others?

A Blessing

May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 15:5-6)