A SPIRITUAL FAMILY THAT DISCIPLINES (1)

Victor M. Eskew

 

INTRODUCTION

 

A.   When we hear the word “discipline,” we have a tendency to cringe.

1.    It carries an evil connotation.

2.    Most of the time we associate discipline with punishment.

3.    What comes to your mind when you have the words “church discipline”?

 

B.   Let’s do something interesting.

1.    Take the word:                                        D  I  S  C  I  P  L  I  N  E

2.    Remove the letters:   i, n, and e.            D  I  S  C  I  P  L

3.    Add the letter:  E                                    D  I  S  C  I  P  L  E

 

C.   The title of this lesson is:  “A Spiritual Family that Disciplines.” 

1.    Let’s talk about discipline within the church, the family of God.

2.    Hopefully, we will come away with a better understanding of discipline, and, also a greater appreciation for it.

 

I.             WHAT IS DISCIPLINE?

 

A.   The word “discipline” comes from the Latin word “disciplina” which means “instruction.”

 

B.   We mentioned the word “disciple” a moment ago. 

1.    We don’t hesitate to call our disciples.

2.    In the Greek language, the word “disciple” simply means “one who sits at the feet of another, a pupil, a learner.”

a.    The disciples of Jesus (Matt. 12:49)

b.    The disciples of John (John 3:25)

c.     The disciples of the Pharisees (Mark 2:18)

 

C.   Any tool, method, or exercise that causes a person to learn is a form of disciple.

 

II.           METHODS OF DISCIPLE

 

A.   The most common method of discipline is through teaching.

1.    Jesus taught His disciples (Matt. 5:1-2).

 

And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain:  and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:  and he opened his mouth, and taught them saying.

 

2.    John the Baptist taught his disciples (Luke 11:1).

 

And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.

 

3.    Any class or period of worship wherein there is teaching, we are being disciplined.  We are learning.

 

B.   Another method of discipline is in drills and exercises.

1.    When Jesus called Andrew and Peter, He said to them:  “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matt. 4:19).

2.    In Matthew 10:1-4, Jesus chose His twelve apostles.

3.    He, then, put them into action (Matt. 10:5-6).

 

These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:  but go rather to the last sheep of the house of Israel.

 

4.    This is why it is good for churches to have Door Knocking Campaigns.  It is also useful for churches to engage in mission work in foreign places. 

a.    In those efforts, we are being disciplined.

b.    Hands-on experience is a very valuable teacher.

 

C.   Another method of discipline is example.

1.    There are many individuals who can learn by watching another person in action.

2.    We have four gospel accounts about the Life of Christ.  This is not by accident.  These present us with the living example of Jesus during His earthly ministry.

3.    1 Peter 1:21

 

For even hereunto were ye called:  because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow in his steps.

 

a.    Jesus’ suffering provided us an example to follow.

b.    Note the next two verses (1 Pet. 1:22-23).

 

Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:  who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.

 

D.   Disciple can also involve warnings with our mouths.

1.    Admonition

a.    To admonish means “to caution or warn gently.”

b.    This is one of the obligations of elders (1 Thess. 5:12).

 

And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you.

 

2.    Rebuke

a.    To rebuke means “to correct, to reprehend severely, often with a suggestion of shaming the individual convicted.”

b.    Two verses:

1)    The work of preaching involves rebuking (2 Tim. 2:4).

 

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

 

2)    The Lord’s words to the church at Laodicea (Rev. 3:19).

 

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten:  be zealous therefore, and repent.

 

E.   There are times when just a look can be a form of discipline (Luke 22:61).

 

And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter.  And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

 

F.    Judgments from God are another form of disciple.  There are many types of these judgments.

1.    Famine

2.    Pestilence

3.    Natural disasters:  flood, tornadoes, fire, volcanic eruptions

4.    War

5.    Captivity

6.    Death

 

III.        THE PURPOSES OF DISCIPLE

 

A.   To bring individuals to maturity (Col. 1:28).

 

Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.

 

B.   Correction of the individual who is in sin (2 Tim. 2:25).

 

In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth.

 

C.   Punishment for wrongdoing (Prov 23:13)

 

Withhold not correction from the child:  for it thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.

 

D.   To warn others (Gal. 6:1; 1 Tim. 5:20)

 

Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

 

E.   To save souls (Prov. 23:14; Jude 22-23)

 

And of some have compassion, making a difference:  and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

 

CONCLUSION

 

A.   This is the first of two lessons this morning on discipline.

 

B.   It serves as an introduction to our next lesson.

 

C.   The main thing we need to remember about all discipline is that its main purpose is to instruct.  This instruction has the purpose of changing and developing the individual into the Christians God desires us to be.