AN APPEAL FOR DISCIPLINE

THE IMPORTANCE OF DISCIPLINE

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,

but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Proverbs 1.7

Jesus commanded His disciples to make disciples and teach them to obey His commands. This great commission has not changed. The teacher/disciple Paul taught the disciple/learner Timothy who was to teach faithful men who would teach others (2 Timothy 2.1-3). This has not changed.

You and I are to be disciplined disciples of Christ and teach others the necessary disciplines of discipleship.

The Gospel, according to Paul, is "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1.27).

Paul worked to help others "have complete understanding of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (Col. 2.2) He says, "...that we may present everyone perfect in Christ...I labor, struggling with all His energy, which so powerfully works in me." (1.29)

We can do no less!

The book of Proverbs gives us great instruction and motivation to pursue the knowldge, understanding and wisdom necessary for us to live the life for which Jesus came and died for and now lives for.

It is essential that we understand that what we call "salvation" is only the doorway, the "gate," into the life Christ seeks us to live. The "way" of Christ is the way of discipleship.

"Salvation" is only the beginning of the Gospel of eternal life. The life of this salvation is learning disciplined obedience to the daily commands of Christ. Jesus says, "If you continue in My word, you are my disciple." (John 8.31) He further says, "If any man will come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me." ( Luke 9.23)

No word, no self-denial, no daily cross--no Gospel.

Proverbs 1.1-7 uses twenty-seven words to emphasize the importance of disciplined discipleship, stating that "fools despise discipline." v. 7.

My appeal is that you immediately dedicate yourself to serious discipleship.

If you need help getting started, contact me. I will give you practical, workable help.

Proverbs says tha way of the fool is hard. Jesus says His way is easy. It is easy. It is simple. But it is urgent and essential that you dedicate yourself to serious discipleship toward Jesus Christ.

Christ demands it. The world depends on us.

We are fools to fail.