Proverbs 3:1-12
SELF-DISCIPLINE
Diligent application of godly
principles to our lives by the
teaching of the word of God
THE CHASTENING OF THE LORD
DISCIPLINE OF THE MIND

Our minds should be concentrated on the right
things - Phil. 4:8
 Opposite

is earthly minds - Phil. 3:19
Sin has no roots in a mind disciplined in the
righteousness of God - Prov. 2:6-16
 We
should bring every thought into captivity to the
obedience of Christ - 2 Cor. 10:5
DISCIPLINE OF THE BODY
Paul disciplined his body and brought it into
subjection - 1 Cor. 9:27
 Ways our bodies must be disciplined:

 Food
- Prov. 23:20; 1 Cor. 8:13
 Sex - 1 Cor. 6:15-18; 7:8-9; Matt. 19:12
 Health - 1 Tim. 5:23
 Tongue - Jas. 3:8-10

We are to glorify God in our body - 1 Cor. 6:1920
THE NEED FOR SELF-CONTROL
It is characteristic of one who is a spiritual
person - 2 Pet. 1:6; Gal. 5:23
 It is part of Gospel preaching and teaching Acts 24:25
 Is Key to living “soberly, righteously, and godly”
- Tit. 2:11-12

THE NEED FOR SELF-CONTROL

Contrast: Eph. 4:17-32
 Lack
of control evident in “old man of sin”
 Careful control exercised by “new man” in Christ
 Note
that “teaching” is key to exercising selfdiscipline - Jas. 3:13
THE NEED FOR SELF-CONTROL

Beware of “self-imposed” human
doctrines/practices that promise a special
ability to control the mind and body
 Only
true control is through a knowledge of Christ Col. 2:20-3:10
 Ex – cultic practices (meditation, asceticism),
dietary and other restrictions (celibacy)
 False humility – no value in controlling flesh
APPLY DIVINE WISDOM AND USE SELF-DISCIPLINE
Trust in the Lord with all your heart…in all your
ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct
your paths – Prov. 3:5-6
 Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go;
keep her, for she is your life – Prov. 3:13
 Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your
ways be established. Do not turn to the right or
the left; remove your foot from evil – Prov.
3:26-27
