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DISCIPLINE

Text: 1 Cor. 9:25

All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.

To be a true disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ, you must learn discipline. *There can never be a true discipleship without discipline.* 
The Greek word (mathetes) from which disciple is coined also means learner or pupil. 

Every learner as you know, had to go through discipline in order to gain the required knowledge or expertise. 

In the same way, for you to become like the Master (Jesus Christ), you must also subject yourself to the disciplines of the Spirit. Remember, discipline is not punishment. People don't like the word discipline. In fact, many Christians who have been caught up in the web of 'hyper grace' believe that there is nothing more to do since Jesus has done it all for them on the cross. 

While this is very true, another side to this narrative which they often neglect is that; while our sins has been paid for, we also have the responsibility of continuous obedience to commandments.

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, [then] are ye my disciples indeed;(John 8:31).
Two words are key to becoming a disciple in this verse: *believe* and *continue* in my word.

Jesus once said to His disciples, "...If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." (Luke 9:23).

 *Though Jesus has died for our sins, but He has not taken away our cross, you must daily carry your own cross in order to realise the power of resurrection in your own life.* 

As a believer, you must know what Jesus has achieved for you on the cross, and how He wants you to to daily walk therein. To accept the provisions of Christ's death on the cross, you need to simply believe, but to experience the power of His resurrection, you must deny yourself and daily die to self by carrying your cross.

Don't be deceived dear believer, being born again is just the beginning into a vast new life in God's kingdom. It's just like giving birth to a baby. The parents are excited, but there is whole lots of growth  the baby had to go through, and each of these growth stages comes with its own requirements.

So many young folks in our society today are objects of pain to their parents and the society at large because, while growing up they were not properly disciplined.

In the same vein, we are having many untrained and indisciplined followers of Christ in the church today, because they are not being discipled. 

If God doesn't discipline you as He does to all of His genuine children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his child at all.(Hebrews 12:8).

You must be subjected to the Lord's discipline for you to grow into Sonship.


 *Bible Reading:* 

Hebrews 12:6-11.

PRAYER FOCUS

Father Lord, I receive the grace to daily deny self and carry my cross daily.



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