Wednesday, February 14, 2007

In His Image - 19: The Discipline of Christlikeness


“I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” --Philippians 4:13-14

Opening Thought
Disciplined Christianity


Paul’s pictures of athletics in his writings are familiar to us as he seeks to challenge us to take our Christian walk seriously. Whether speaking of the Olympic runner or the fighter (1 Corinthians 9:26; 1 Timothy 1:18; 6:12), he makes it clear that winning the challenge doesn’t come easily or by accident. Reaching the finish line requires a clear-cut decision and determination that distractions aren’t going to keep you from getting there.

For Christians, the “finish line” is Christ – being like Him and being in His presence. In Philippians 3:14, Paul says he anticipates the day he is “called up” to be with Christ. In Ephesians 4:13, he reminds us that we are moving towards “measuring up” to the measure of Christ. We look forward to the day when we shall see Him as He is, and be like Him – how exciting!

If you watch an athlete, or a musician, or a corporate leader, or any of a thousand other dedicated professions, you will see those who excel lead a life that includes determination and discipline. No other “profession” comes close to the privilege of bearing the name of Christ, and we must take up the challenge of discipline so that we can live for Christ with excellence.

Study Notes
The Discipline of Christlikeness

1. Christlike Discipline
  • Discipline will enable Christlikeness to happen in your life. As the writer of Hebrews reminded us, God works discipline in our life to move us towards the marvelous plans He has for us. Our own exercise of discipline, led by the Holy Spirit, also keeps us on the right track. That discipline will look different for different people. Some of us will think that God is exercising that work in us pretty strong, and it looks like God is "going easy on that other believer". Well, for you and me, it may well be that we need a stronger hand of discipline.

  • What is "discipline"? Not the discipline that a parent exercises to correct the errant actions of a child. But the discipline that is "self-control", that leads to strength and excellence. Perhaps you could write your own definition. Try these thoughts: training that corrects and perfects our mental faculties, molds our moral character – control gained by chosen obedience – deliberate cultivation of inner order.

  • Paul encouraged Timothy about discipline in 1 Timothy 4:6-16--
    Spiritual nourishment, 6:6
    Spiritual discipline, 6:8-10
    Spiritual actions, 6:12
    Spiritual ministry, 6:14
    Spiritual determination, 6:16

2. Relationship Comes First

  • Why would we want to go through this discipline exercise?
    -- Can you list some reasons?
    -- Some ideas: Because we know Him, we understand what He has done for us -- now keep going!

  • So, once we have started to be acquainted with Him, we begin to know what He is like, and we want that character in us.

  • What happens when you develop a relationship with a close friend? Familiarity, shared personal experience... what else?

  • Ever find yourself at the grocery trying to pick just the right fruit to buy? What characteristics do you look for, like that "thunk" when you tap it with your finger. So what kind of "thunk" are we supposed to have when the world taps us??
    - a humble, surrendered spirit: Galatians 2:20; 1 Corinthians 15:31
    - discerning: Philippians 1:8-10
    - sensitivity: John 7:28-29, 44-46
    - a sense of holiness, distinctively set apart: 1 Peter 2:4-10
    - wisdom: James 1:5

3. The Discipline of Deep Relationship

Chuck Swindoll's book, So You Want to Be Like Christ?, is a great place to start the process (hint hint... you really need to read that book). He deals carefully and deeply with the subject, guiding us to commit to a lifestyle that will enable Christlikeness. Some of the thoughts here are from this book.

  • Note 1 Timothy 4:7, "Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness." It's interesting to see how much Paul refers to godliness in his letters to Timothy -- use your concordance or use studylight.org to find them all, and spend some time in those verses. Do you suppose Paul felt at ease talking with Tim about godliness because it was a familiar subject to both, or perhaps because Paul was it as concerned about Tim needing more of it? hmmm...

  • Swindoll points to certain fundamental disciplines, encouraging us to develop habit patterns that move use toward Christlikeness.
  • Discipline is the indispensable enabling factor. We have to get to the place where we understand that this mindset of discipline is a fundamental aspect of our Christian walk. Go with the "big D's" - determined, deliberate, definable. Swindoll gives presents us with 8 disciplines essential to Christlike discipline.

  • Intimacy - The goal of this endeavor is a deep, rich closeness to God, "seeking to live life as Christ intended", increasing through discipline the "capacity to enjoy all the goodness God offers." Philippians 3:10, that I may know Him.
  • Simplicity: unclutter our mind
    -- find where the clutter is and deal with it; things, busyness, unfinished work, debt, technology overload, ego-rich pursuits
    -- this clutter doesn't leave room for holiness, devotion, meditation

  • Silence & Solitude: slowing our pace

  • Surrender: releasing our grip

  • Prayer: calling out

  • Humility: bowing low

  • Self-control: holding back

  • Sacrifice: giving over

You are hopefully intrigued by these disciplines -- they are very right, and my hope is that you will go get the book and dig in.


4. The Journey Continues


From here, we send on in your journey. Learning Christ and expressing His likeness in our own lives is a life-long habit. Our prayer together is that we would be faithful to His design in us, allowing Him to do His good work in us.