Welcoming Discipline by Stephen Coffin

How do you think of discipline? What value do you see in discipline? Why?
What goals do you have for your life? Can they be achieved without discipline?
Can we be disciples without discipline?

The example of Jesus

In what ways does Jesus' life exemplify the value of discipline?
Although Jesus was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered (Hebrews 5v8).
What does this verse mean?
How did Jesus teach discipline to his disciples?

Why Does God Discipline Us?

How do these verses answer this question?
Can you illustrate them from your own life & experiences or those of others?
*My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. (Proverbs 3:11-12; Hebrews 12v5-6)

• Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. (Revelation 3v19)
• God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. (Hebrews 12v10-11)
• You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last. (John 15v16)
• I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. (John 15v1-2)

God uses the circumstances of life to help us grow more like Jesus – there is no other way!!

• …though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed. (1 Peter 1v6-7)
  How can we must continue to praise & trust him even in difficult circumstances?

We must learn to be self-disciplined, like Jesus

Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control. (Proverbs 25v28)
Classical Disciplines (inward, outward, corporate) e.g. Richard Foster: Celebration of Discipline

• Meditation Prayer Fasting Study (bible, etc.)
• Simplicity Solitude Submission Service
• Confession Worship Guidance Celebration

What do you think these mean? How are you applying them to your life presently?
How much time do we give to such disciplines, compared to leisure, pleasure, entertainment, etc.?

Act in response to this study!

Lent (starts 6th February) as a focus for discipline
Will you join a group to discuss our teaching topics, so we learn from each other?
This requires disciplined commitment !
This can help us produce fruit in terms of character growth in ourselves & each other
Will you take something away each week to discuss with friends & work colleagues as opportunities for witness?
This can help us produce fruit in terms of impact for God on the lives of others
This week ask people what they think about discipline…..?