Discipline can be the Highest Form of Freedom. The freedom not to allow an abusive habit to hinder, hurt or harm your life can be the most empowering liberty. The scripture days “Whom the Son sets free is free indeed.” Because Jesus not only sets us free to do the things that are important. But He also sets us free from vices & snares that are destructive.

Hebrews 12:1 – NLT
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

A Christian sister from Yadkinville joined us week before last. Even though a member there. She just wanted to visit, to worship with us. She came to me afterwards & told me: “One thing I know, Jesus was here this morning!” 🙂

1. The value of Fasting

Matthew 6:16–18
“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
One of the chief things that you have to realize, to see the liberty of freedom in Christian discipline is that it is very intentional. Many things in our life happen by accident. But submitting Our Lives to the leadership of Christ and learning a deeper discipline is never an accident. Learning to have this kind of purposeful living, through sacrificial steps is very deliberate.

2. Biblical instruction can teach why, what and how to achieve Godly discipline in your life.

2 Timothy 3:16–17
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

The architect of our universe, while infinite in creativity and variety has left us very many, very clear signs, road maps and directions. The existence of such a book as the Bible is the best example.. Many people. From many times. From many places. From many backgrounds. All weaving a incredible message of divine love and purpose throughout Judao Christian history is incredibly amazing. The most significant book in all of human history is the resource for us to gain insight from. God has made it very clear, how to get support and guidance.

3. It is the meditations of the heart that cause and lead to disciplines of the mind and body! ( mental renewal must happen before actual practice and discipline.

Joshua 1:8
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

It is no secret, even though I have known the Lord since I was 14. God started a major life transformation in me 11 years ago that continues to this day. Sometimes we can get caught in lethargic modes of living that do not really harmonize with our Creator or apply his instructions. Our mind must change radically, before our Behavior does. There are specific tools that the scripture indicates to learn mental renewal, which will lead to life transformation.

Romans 8:2 – Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

4. Bad Company corrupts good morals. Birds of a feather flock together.

Psalm 1:1–2
Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.

This verse speaks for itself. I remember my father telling me when I was young that his grandfather told him, ELaw Law JW, you lay down with the dogs, you get up with the fleas!

5. Private devotion will result in public honor. Public displays of religious bigotry will result in dishonor & shame, in the sight of God.

Matthew 6:5–6
“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

While Jesus showed Mercy, Grace and compassion on the downtrodden, Outcast, reprobate Center, adulteress, and even tax collector in his day. There was one group of people Jesus had no use for and that was the religious Authorities & leaders. He wanted people with heart hunger for God, not people who pretended to know it all already.

6. Bodily discipline can indicate spiritual discipline. There is normally a problem spiritually, when there is a lack of discipline physically. Ouch!

1 Corinthians 9:27. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

NUFF SAID for now. This is at least a whole sermon.

7. Our world often confuses the Wild Will of rebellion with freedom. True Godly freedom is full of Honor, restraint and excellent Behavior. Godly freedom is what Jesus meant when he said You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free! Liberty is always honorific and never reflects a lack of true discipline.

Hebrews 12:11…For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Everybody says they want to be free. But the highest freedom is deepest learned through the halls of spiritual obedience, learned through mental renewal & life discipline.

Discipline can be the Highest Form of Freedom!

SLAM-

Timothy Grant Carter – Slam – #Slamism