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In life, it takes decision making, determination and hard work to achieve anything. Habit is said to
be “easy to cultivate and hard to quit”. As Christians, we have to realize that God sees our hearts’
intents to answer prayers and to bring about our desires. God’s desire for His children is to live
righteously as they relate with others daily. This lesson comes in the ill of lack of self-discipline by
some Christians.
We shall see the following outline in this lesson:
- What is Christian living
- What is self discipline
- Self discipline in outings and appetites
- What lack of self-discipline may cause.
- Benefits of self-discipline
- Conclusion and exhortation
The lesson is aimed at:
- Respecting God in all our speeches and deeds
- Changing our hearts and lives in order to achieve God’s purpose for us.
- Living the life self evaluation/ examination daily
Self-discipline is an aspect in Christianity with a wide spectrum. But as a matter of spiritual need of
this congregation, we shall be specific on self-discipline in social outings and appetites. Reason being
that this is where some people easily lure. This lesson comes to us in order to safe guide our identity
as the Bride of Christ
Let’s start by asking ourselves, if self-discipline is necessary for Christians to cultivate or practice?
WHAT IS CHRISTIAN LIVING?
Christian living simply implies everyday life of a Christian. It involves the “How”, and “What” of your
lives as Christians.
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF SELF-DISCIPLINE?
Self-Discipline can also be regarded as self-control. This means a capacity of an individual to act
against his/her feelings because he/she has a higher goal. It is ability for you to control yourself.
Christians are asked to cultivate and maintain self discipline as one of the fruits of the SPIRIT as
recorded in the Book of Galatians. Second Timothy 1:7 admonishes us to always know that God did
not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. It is of truth that, if
a person is fond of discharging hindrance to his or her spiritual growth, it therefore means that
person is self-disciplined. It will be wrong for anyone to do things without certain restriction
especially when he or she is in a public gathering or function.
Discipline is derived from the Greek word “gymnadzo” which is translated to “gymnasium”. It came
from the word that mean “naked” because the Greek athletes were usually strip off their clothing so
as to avoid any hindrance while running for a prize. Christians are to avoid things that will not lead
them to eternal salvation.
Since we have agreed that self-discipline is necessary.The question again is why is it necessary? The
Bible in strong terms admonishes Christians that, “Whatever happens, we should conduct yourselves
in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you
in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of
the gospel [Philippians 1:27-28]. This lesson is for our best interest.
SELF-DISCIPLINE IN SOCIAL OUTINGS AND APPETITES
The study of sociology tells us that man is a social being – meaning that people are used togathering
together and interacting for the purposes of strengthening one another and making merriments.
Whereas, Christians are asked not to be equally yoked with unbelievers, we have seen daily as some
of our brethren are led astray because of the people they relate with. Bad company is said to corrupt
good mind. How do we act or behave when we attend occasions? Do we behave as Christians with
self-discipline?
It is therefore important to always know that we are letters that are read every day by some people.
In social gatherings/events, lots of things are done. Can you guess those things; we do in public
gatherings that may show lack of self-discipline?At different functions, events or social gatherings,
whether well attended or not.
- people exchange pleasantries
- people engage in conversations
- food and drinks are served
Apostle Paul tells us that “we are allowed to do all things, but not all things are good for us, “we are
allowed to do all things, but not all things help others to grow spiritually. Do not look out only for
yourselves. Look out for the good of others too [1Cor. 16: 23 – 24].
This lesson is to address a situation where lack of self-discipline is exhibited by some Christians in
functions or events. We have witnessed by ourselves, how some people eat, drink or do things
without regards to their self-dignity. It is sad to see some people scrabble for food, drinks and
programmes at funerals. Too often, these people lack the sub consciousness or consciousness to
realize that they could be watched by people.
We have cases where, somebody invited you to assist him or her cook or take care of something in
events, and for lack of self-discipline, you decide to smuggle or hid food stuffs or drinks meant to
serve the invitees. It is always disgraceful to see some people struggle food, drinks and programmes
of activities in funeral services and marriage ceremonies.
Therefore, Paul admonishes, “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the
Gospel of Christ. CONDUCT in this verse means to act, or method of controlling or directing yourself
by the Word of God. It is always shameful to see somebody well dressed get messed up because
he/she struggled for food. Some people are usually embarrassed for stealing stuffs in occasions.
Imagine someone’s father, mother, brother or sister caught while making attempts to smuggle food,
meat or drink from somewhere. As Christians, we must know to understand that God has made His
Own children. And as such, we must endeavour to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth.
We must be careful of the lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and pride of life. Lack of self-discipline
and appetites are linked to these sins [1 John 2: 15 – 17].
WHAT LACK OF SELF DISCIPLINE IN SOCIAL OUTINGS AND APPETITES MAY CAUSE
- Disgrace and shame one’s self, family and the Church
- A nick name
- Denial of fellowship or association from friends and the Church
- disappointments
- Sometimes sickness and death
Christians are not only advised to be orderly or be decent during worship but also at all times
wherever they find themselves. Christians are the ambassadors of Christ in this world. People are
always interested in Christians’ matters. We wear the name Christians today because people like us
were able to positively impact into the lives of people long ago with their conducts. We must
therefore keep the flag flying.
BENEFITS OF SELF DISCIPLINE IN SOCIAL OUTINGS AND APPETITES
Can self-discipline benefit anybody? Can it be believed that, if we cultivate self-discipline in our
social outings and appetites, we can stand to gain a lot? Self discipline can help us grow in the
followings:
- Self-respect[confidence in one’s self]
- Integrity [strict moral, wholesome or ethical code]
- Dignity [decorum]
- Exemplary lifestyles [ appropriate model]
- Blessings of preaching the gospel by your conduct
IN CONCLUSION,this lesson is to implore or beg all Christians including me, you and everybody
to admit with humility that,All Scriptures is God-breathed and is useful for TEACHING,
REBUKING, CORRECTING and TRAINING in righteousness, so that the man of God may be
thoroughly equipped for every good work. Any time you are in your social outings, think about those
things that are TRUE and HONOURABLE and RIGHT and PURE and BEAUTIFUL and
RESPECTED, and God of peace will be with you.
GOD BLESS US FOR ALWAYS MAKING EFFORTS TO BRING HONOUR TO THE CHURCH BY LIVING THE LIFE OF CHRIST IN JESUS NAME, AMEN
INDOOR LECTURE FOR DECEMBER, 2018