The dedicated training, through the study of Scripture, prayer and self-control, which enables Christians to be more effective witnesses to the gospel, to lead lives more pleasing to God, and to win the crown that awaits those who are victorious over sin.
Self-discipline is training oneself to be godly
1 Timothy 4:7 See also Romans 13:14; 1 Corinthians 9:24–27; Ephesians 4:23–24; Philippians 3:12–14; Colossians 3:12; 2 Timothy 1:7; Hebrews 5:14, Hebrews 12:1
But reject irreverent, silly myths. Instead, train yourself for godliness.
Self-discipline and the study of Scripture
Psalm 119:9–11; 2 Timothy 3:16–17 See also Deuteronomy 29:29
How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word. With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me stray from Your commandments. I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.
Self-discipline involves learning through experience
Titus 2:12 See also Romans 5:3–5
It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age,
Self-discipline should transform the whole person
A Christian's thoughts should be disciplined
2 Corinthians 10:5 See also Romans 12:3ROM Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:23 1 Peter 4:7
We demolish arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
A Christian's speech should be disciplined
Psalm 141:3 See also James 3:2–12
Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.
A Christian's behaviour should be disciplined
Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to let his eating be a stumbling block. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything to cause your brother to stumble.
A Christian's body should be disciplined
1 Corinthians 9:27 See also Romans 6:12–13, Romans 8:13; Ephesians 4:22; Colossians 3:5; James 3:2
No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
Self-discipline prevents God's discipline
Now if we judged ourselves properly, we would not come under judgment. But when we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.
Physical self-discipline is of some value, but only in this life
1 Timothy 4:8 See also 1 Corinthians 9:25
For physical exercise is of limited value, but godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for the present life and for the one to come.
An elder should be self-disciplined
Instead, he must be hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.
Examples of those who exercised self-discipline
See also Genesis 22:9–14 Abraham; Genesis 39:8–12 Joseph; 2 Samuel 11:11–13 UriahDaniel 1:8, Daniel 1:11–13 Matthew 4:4 Jesus Christ; 1 Corinthians 8:13 Paul
Self-discipline strengthens believers when faced with temptation
Matthew 5:29 parallel Mark 9:47; Romans 8:13; Galatians 5:24
The reward for self-discipline is a crown and a prize
1 Corinthians 9:25 See also 1 Corinthians 9:24, 1 Corinthians 9:27; Philippians 3:14; Colossians 2:18; 1 Thessalonians 2:19; 2 Timothy 4:8; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 2:10, Revelation 3:11
Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.