The call to disciplined godliness...

13 "Therefore, with your minds ready for action, be sober-minded and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 "As obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires of your former ignorance. 15 "But as the one who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct; 16 "for it is written, Be holy, because I am holy.” ()

God’s vision of discipleship, requires recognition of the war that rages within the believer

as indwelling sin fights to

maintain the dominance it once enjoyed prior to conversion.

Therefore, we must recognize that the transformation targeted discipleship aims to accomplish involves:

involves

the renewing of the mind by the Word of truth (Rom. 12:2)

the repenting of inner desires by the Spirit’s power(Rom. 8:13)

the replacing of sinful habits by the practice of godliness (Eph. 4:21-24)

In a nutshell, a return to the apostolic pattern of maintaining a connection between sound doctrine and the discipline of godly living is indispensable to the ongoing process of sanctification.

There are no easy short cuts to holiness. Let’s look of the following and see what this process of “change” is described as...

7 "But have nothing to do with pointless and silly myths. Rather, train [exercise] yourself in godliness.” ()

"For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge,” () "Therefore, brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election, because if you do these things you will never stumble.” ()

"“Make every effort [strive] to enter through the narrow door, because I tell you, many will try to enter and won’t be able” ()

"Flee [English word for fugitive, on the run] from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” ()

"Therefore, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, so now, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” ()

Counsel One Another: A Theology of Personal Discipleship Chapter 4: The Call to Disciplined Godliness

Instead of passive slogans, the Bible uses words like “discipline,” “strive,” “flee,” and “pursue.” In other words, the Christian life is a call to a disciplined warfare against sin—a struggle to resist temptation and simultaneously apply God’s practical righteousness—a battle that will last until the day of the Lord Jesus, when “we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is” (1 John 3:2).

Instead of passive slogans, the Bible uses words like “discipline,” “strive,” “flee,” and “pursue.”

In other words, the Christian life is a call to a disciplined warfare against sin—

a struggle to resist temptation and

simultaneously apply God’s practical righteousness—

a battle that will last until the day of the Lord Jesus, when “we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is” ().

Discipline the thoughts of the mind ()

In order to grow in godliness, we must understand the importance of renewing our minds by the Word of God.

We need to be mentally prepared, alert, and hopeful for the return of Jesus Christ.

"Therefore, with your minds ready for action, be sober-minded and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” ()

Be ready

Be alert