Personal Discipline

series: life-change

Personal Discipline

Matthew 6

Spiritual Life Change

·      Only God can bring real change.

·      Life change is a process.

·      It may begin in an instant, but there will always be more change needed.

Discipline

·      Discipline results in progress.

·      Discipline results in freedom. 

·      Discipline results in a good feeling.            

It is impossible to have a healthy relationship with God without discipline.   

MATTHEW 6:1-18

In this passage, Jesus talks about three disciplines:

Giving, Praying, and Fasting

Two Types of Prayer

1.        As you go prayer

2.       Intentional prayer

Each of these disciplines can be and are misused.

These disciplines are not beneficial when they are improperly utilized.  

If utilized properly, these disciplines bring great reward. 

The Benefits of Spiritual Discipline 

1.      Through the Discipline of Giving,

…you learn to trust God instead of your money.

…you learn to manage your money.

2.     Through the Discipline of Praying,                        

…you learn to prioritize your time.   

…you consistently remind yourself of God’s sovereignty and your dependence upon Him.  

3.     Through the Discipline of Fasting,  

…you develop the Christlike quality of self-control.

Today’s Takeaway  

·      Give God the 1st 15 minutes of your day.

·      Give God the 1st portion of your income for one month.

·      Practice a personal fast this week. 

·      Spiritual change is impossible without a relationship with Jesus.