It is absurd to think that good intentions and warm, fuzzy feelings toward God will turn us into fruitful Christians. Although today we might hear the word discipline and recoil, it is not the dirty word society has made it out to be. Rather, when we exercise self-discipline, submitting our personal desires to God's will, we will bear glorious fruit by the power of Christ working in us—and develop a closer relationship with our Creator that will prepare us to stand firm whatever the spiritual battle.
In Romans 12:9-21, the apostle Paul gives us a full list of disciplines for the Christian life—eight means of offering ourselves as living sacrifices to God.
In Romans 12:9-21, the apostle Paul gives us a full list of disciplines for the Christian life—eight means of offering ourselves as living sacrifices to God. Each is an outgrowth of genuine, Biblical love taking root in our hearts:
We could never accomplish these commands in our own strength. It is the in-dwelling Holy Spirit who empowers us to persevere in loving as Christ loves. In fact, it is only after believers have been deeply moved by the grace of God that they can experience the kind of spiritual transformation that makes them effective spiritual soldiers for Christ's Kingdom. So, dig into the Gospel. As you do, its wondrous Truth will take shape in you and arm you for battle each day.
Related Content
