Reading Notes for Chapters 6-9.
Reading Notes for Chapters 10-13.
Reading Notes for Chapters 14-18.
Chapter 19 - Grace of Discipline
- The author talked about the "rich etymology" of the word "discipline" -- that it includes both divestment (casting off) and investment (see page 223). The dynamic discipline of divestment-and-investment is a life-long practice as the Lord progressively sanctifies us.
- Christian Living from start to finish is a matter of grace - Sola gratia. "Salvation is by grace alone, and living the Christian life is by grace alone also. . . . As we tackle the disciplines of a godly man, we must remember it is a matter of grace from beginning to end" (p. 227).
- Thus, "there is no contradiction between grace and hard work" (p. 228).
- The author has been helpful and practical throughout the book with the constant refrain that "training in righteousness" is not a passive affair: godliness requires that we work hard, that we break a spiritual sweat, and this means we need to pro-actively assess our spiritual condition.
- One way the author recommends to assess our spiritual condition and to discipline ourselves without being legalistic (see quote below and the table):
Review the seventeen disciplines studied in this book [divide them into separate lists--a list of those areas in which you are doing well ("+") and another list of the areas where you need help (" - ")], then prioritize them in relation to your own life -- the abilities and interests God has given you, the opportunities before you, your own level of spiritual understanding and maturity, your willingness to move forward (p. 229).
Discipline of . . .
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+
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-
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Priority
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Purity
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Marriage
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Fatherhood
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Friendship
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Mind
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Devotion
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Prayer
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Worship
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Integrity
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Tongue
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Work
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Perseverance
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Church
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Leadership
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Giving
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Witness
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Ministry
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