Growing in Discipline and Spiritual Strength

Introduction

• Discipline is desired for achieving goals and personal growth.
• Challenges such as distractions and personal weaknesses can hinder our plans.
• Five steps to grow in discipline and spiritual strength.

Step 1: Find a Mentor

• Biblical Reference: Matthew 28:19-20
  • Jesus commands disciples to make more disciples.
  • Jesus exemplified this by spending time and teaching 12 men.
• Importance of a Mentor:
  • A mentor equips with knowledge and experience.
  • Personal experience: Learned ministry, overcoming sin, teaching, and spiritual closeness from mentors.
• Tips for Finding a Mentor:
  • Match gender (men with men, women with women).
  • Pray to find the right mentor.
  • Look for someone spiritually mature with admirable traits.
  • Communicate with parents if under 18.
  • Humbly ask potential mentors for guidance.

Step 2: Find a Team

• Biblical Reference: Matthew 10:1
  • Jesus sent disciples in pairs, emphasizing companionship.
• Importance of a Team:
  • Having a supportive group helps during challenges.
  • Disciples stayed together during difficult times and built the church together.
• Choosing the Right Team:
  • Find like-minded individuals with similar spiritual goals.
  • Beware of negative influences (1 Corinthians 15:33).
  • Surround yourself with disciplined and strong people.

Step 3: Find a Fight

• Biblical Reference: 2 Timothy 2:3-4
  • Paul compares enduring hardship to being a good soldier.
• Importance of a Cause:
  • Soldiers train with a purpose; similarly, find a meaningful cause.
  • A worthy cause provides motivation and drive for discipline.

Step 4: Find a Habit

• Biblical Reference: Luke 5:16
  • Jesus regularly withdrew to pray, showing disciplined habits.
• Building Spiritual Habits:
  • Choose habits that uplift spiritually (e.g., prayer, journaling).
  • Start with one habit and integrate it into daily routine.
  • Progress to new habits once the initial habit is established.

Step 5: Find a Sacrifice

• Biblical Reference: Matthew 5:30
  • Jesus speaks of extreme measures to avoid sin.
• Eliminating Harmful Habits:
  • Identify and remove habits that hinder progress.
  • Discipline involves both acquiring good habits and eliminating bad ones.

Conclusion

• Patience and perseverance are key.
• Approach with a marathon mentality for long-term growth.
• Rest in God’s grace and remember Jesus' love.