The Attitude of Self Discipline

The Attitude of Self Discipline Series: “Things That Accompany Salvation”

Series Text: Hebrews 6:9 (AV)

9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.

Text: Proverbs 25:28 (AV)

28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

Introduction:

* Years ago when I was a young man in Bible college, one of my teachers made a statement that I have never forgotten.

* This statement was the result of man years in the ministry, observing the people that God uses in a great way.

* This man said that “No matter what people say, the bottom line is that people always do what they WANT to do. It’s just human nature.”

* People will say, “I would come to church preacher, but I just don’t have the money for gas”, but somehow they seem to have enough money to do all the other things they want to do.

* People say, “I would come to church preacher, but this sciatica preacher, it bothers me something terrible! I just can’t sit that long, but they seem to do just fine riding in a car for the same amount of time. They don’t seem to have any problem sitting and watching TV for hours on end.

* The bottom line is that “People do exactly what they WANT to do!

* It’s all about attitude! Or subject this morning is the Attitude of self-discipline.

* Our text this morning from is from Proverbs, the “book of wisdom.”

Proverbs 25:28 (AV)

28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

* I want you to notice first of all from our text that God intends for a man to RULE his own spirit.

* An attitude of Self-discipline does not come naturally. The sinful fallen nature of the natural man is wild and untamed.

Jeremiah 17:9 (AV)

9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Job 5:6–7 (AV)

6 Although affliction cometh not forth of the dust, neither doth trouble spring out of the ground; 7 Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.

* If the spirit of a man is allowed to rule it’s self, that man will become like the city in our text verse,

broken down, and without walls.

* We see people every day who have not learned to rule over their own spirit. We call them names like alcoholics, crack-heads, thieves, sex offenders, deadbeats, lazy people, gossips, junkies, habitual liars, whores, pimps, sluts, players, winos, drunkards, and the list goes on and on.

* The people who I just mentioned are like the city in our text verse, they are “broken down.”

* Have you ever looked at a photo of a crack-head?

* Have you ever saw a drunk laying on the side of the street wallowing in his own vomit?

* Have you ever tried to help someone who is foolish with money and debt?

* Have you ever tried to council with someone who has destroyed their life by sleeping around and jumping into one relationship after another?

* These are all examples of what happens when we fail to RULE the spirit that is within us.

* We become broken down! In the end we become helpless like the drug addict, who can’t stop. He is now controlled by his spirit instead of ruling his own spirit.

* God intends for you and I to step in and take charge of our spirit!

* We are supposed to train our spirit, to RULE our spirit.

* To rule your spirit means to put your spirit under your subjection.

* For the child of God this also means we are to put our spirit under the subjection of the Word of God.

* This battle to rule our sprit is what we call “spiritual warfare.”

* Spiritual warfare is not as much about “fighting the Devil and demons, as it is fighting and warring with your very own spirit!

* We are constantly in an all out war with “natural man”, or fallen nature, the nature of sin that is within us!

* The spiritual battle field is not our here in the physical world- it is in the MINDS and HEARTS of men!

* Listen to what the Bible has to say about real spiritual warfare and our weapons that we use to battle our spirit:

2 Corinthians 10:3–5 (AV)

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

* A strong hold is a mental habit. A strong hold is a fort that your spirit has build in mind that keeps you from submitting your spirit to God.

* According to the Word of God, real spiritual warfare consists of “capturing every thought that exalts it’s self against the knowledge of God, and taking it captive!

* In other words, you rule your own spirit by forcibly taking over your mind and RULING your own spirit!

* For a man to RULE his own spirit, this means he must first control his WILL.

* The apostle Paul describes the role the Will plays in spiritual warfare in Romans 7:

Romans 7:14–8:39 (AV)

14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.

17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing:

for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

* In Romans 7 Paul says that there is something in our body that is at war with our mind!

* This is that “sprit” that we must fight and capture and control!

* Disobedience and rebellions comes from the fallen human WILL.

* Satan said “I Will”.

Isaiah 14:12–16 (AV)

12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. 15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

* We were born with the fallen nature of our father the Devil that says I WILL! I Will!

* You can see the fallen nature of the human will revealed in the very nature of the infant.

*Without being taught, the infant pitches the temper tantrum and screams I want this daddy! Daddy says not, but the child screams the louder BUT I WANT IT!

* This spirit of rebellion must be tamed; it must be put under subjection of the will of the parent!

* Even so our adult will must be tamed and forced under subjection to our mind.

* The spirit within us says “My will! My will! But when we take on the attitude of the mind of Christ we be begin to pray like Jesus “nevertheless, not My will, but Thy will be done!”

* What we refer to as the Lord’s Prayer, says “Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.”

* How is God’s will done in Heaven?

* God’s will is done in Heaven immediately, and without question.

* Let me give you some real tools that we use to control our will, or our spirit, and make it obey us.

5 Tools the help you rule your spirit:

1). Determination- Make a decision.

* Write it down! This is the first step in training your mind, will and spirit. I guarantee you will not remember this decision if you don’t write it down!

* This involves the decision making process of your mind. You “make up your mind” that you are going to do something.

* When you “make up your mind,” you are telling your spirit what to do. You are “ruling” your own spirit.

* The best example of this is waking up in the morning. When you learn how to rule your spirit, you will no longer have trouble getting up in the mornings.

* The prophet Daniel was able to overcome all the excuses he may have had not to eat the things that were unlawful for him to eat.

* The bible says that he had “Purposed in this heart.”Daniel had his mind made up!

* This morning there are some things that every Christian should have his or her mind made up about!

* Reading your Bible, having a definite regular time to pray, using your money wisely so that you pay your bills on time, protecting your mind from the temptations of sin, and the list goes on.

* Excuses are the attempt of your spirit within you to fight back and argue with you about these things you have determined to do!

* The nature of our spirit is to be lazy, or as the Bible words it, slothful.

* Since the spirit that is within us is naturally lazy, our spirit will give the mind all kinds of excuses when we exercise rule over it.

* Once, I became so tired of my youngest son’s making excuses every time Debbie and would give him instructions, that I posted the following verses on his bedroom door!

* Listen to what the Bible says about excuses:

Proverbs 26:12–16 (AV)

12 Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

13 The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.

14 As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.

15 The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.

16 The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.

* It is not natural to be prudent, (the opposite of lazy). But the benefits far outweigh the results of laziness of the mind.

Proverbs 14:8 (AV)

8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.

Proverbs 16:16 (AV)

16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

Proverbs 8:17–21 (AV)

17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. 18 Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. 19 My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. 20 I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: 21 That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.

2). Setting Goals- Set your goals

* What is it that needs to change in your life? Sit down with a pencil and paper and write it down. Make a list of the changes that need to be made in your life.

* These are now your “GOALS.”

* When I first became you pastor, I sat down and asked myself the question; “what is it that this church needs?”

* My answer was, that this church needs, more than anything else, is to know the Bible, the Word of God.

* I then gave to the copies of written plans that would guide us to reaching the goal of everyone in this church reading the Bible completely thru this past year.

3). Protect your “PRIORITIES.”

* Goals are the tools that help you choose you’re “PRIORITIES” in life.

4). Write down a “PLAN” to get you to your goals.

* Now, for every goal on our list, make a Plan as to how to arrive at each goal.

* The written bible reading plans were the “Plan” to get folks at Blue Spring Baptist Church to read the Bible.

* You plan should take you toward your goal in small, achievable, steps.

* Did you know that is exactly how God causes us to be conformed to His will?

* God will not give you any more light, if you have not obeyed the light that He has already given you. (Rom.1)

* As you step through your plan for each goal, you will be effectively “training”, or Ruling, your spirit.

5) Self evaluation.

* Keep your list for future reference.

* You must train yourself to continually monitor your list and check your progress.

* There is an old say that goes “You cannot EXPEXCT what you do not INSPECT.”

Lesson 2 How failing to rule our spirit effects our society

1).The result of a Lack of self-discipline is laziness.

Proverbs 24:30–34 (AV)

30 I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; 31 And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. 32 Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction. 33 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: 34 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.

Proverbs 6:6–11 (AV)

6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: 7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, 8 Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest. 9 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? 10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: 11 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.

Proverbs 10:26 (AV)

26 As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.

Proverbs 13:4 (AV)

4 The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

Proverbs 20:4 (AV)

4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.

Proverbs 26:16 (AV)

16 The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.

* God created a perfect 24 hour day. God has built in the time to do His will.

2). The result of a lack of self-discipline is spiritual drunkenness.

Ephesians 5:17–18 (AV)

17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

1 Peter 1:13 (AV)

13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

Titus 2:1–12 (AV)

1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: 2 That the aged men be sober,

grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. 3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. 7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. 9 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; 10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts,

we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

3). Lack of self-discipline is destroying our nation.

* We used to be a nation of men known for our self-discipline.

* One of the greatest thing that the draft did for this country was train young man by the masses the basic principle of self discipline.

* In the 60’s this country began a downhill slide toward a lack of self-discipline that threatens to destroy us as a nation.

* We now have become a nation of spoiled brats that is ruled, not by a sound mind and determination, but by our wants and desires.

* Materialism and an attitude of entitlement have replaced the virtues of self control and the principle that hard work earns the right to prosperity.

* After all this nation had learned of the social evils of socialism and communism, this generation of Americans have decided that they now know more that the great leaders of the past.

* This present generation of Americans are now protesting against the very principles that made this country great!

* The principles that built this great country were good principles, Biblical principles.

* Principles of capitalism, free enterprise, and limited government. The right for a man to govern his own life! The freedom to express religion without government censorship! Not the freedom from religion!

Illustration:

They sent my Tax Return back! AGAIN!!!

In response to the question: "List all dependents?" I replied –

"12 million illegal immigrants;"3 million crack heads;"42 million unemployable people on food stamps,"2 million people in over 243 prisons;"Half of Mexico ; and,"535 fools in the U.S. House and Senate."Apparently, this was NOT an acceptable answer.

4). Lack of self-discipline is destroying our churches.

* People do not draw near to God because they have no self-discipline.

* God cannot use a person who has no self -discipline.

* The disciplined mind will bring balance to the Christian life.

Richard Shelley Taylor writes, “Disciplined character belongs to the person who achieves balance by bringing all his faculties and powers under control….

He resolutely faces his duty. He is governed by a sense of responsibility. He has inward resources and personal reserves which are the wonder of weaker souls. He brings adversity under tribute, and compels it to serve him.”

* ‎‎The Lord uses only the disciplined mind to think clearly, understand His Word, and present its truth effectively to the world.

* This is why we are commanded to be "Sober Minded."

* Only the disciplined Christian is a good testimony, within the church and before the world.

* The undisciplined Christian who attempts to lead other Christians will say and do silly and foolish things.

* Only the disciplined mind can discerns truth from error.

* The Word of God cannot be comprehended without a disciplined mind.

* When a person tires to get up and teach the Word of God to others, without first developing the self-discipline to study, and prayerfully agonize over the meaning of the Scriptures, they will make foolish statements that will mislead weaker believers.

* Lazy Sunday school teachers and preachers will cause the young Christians under them to develop a wrong theology.

* The undisciplined Christian who attempts to teach others will cause shame on the church, and the Word of God.

* There is a certain sub-culture in the church that think it is a sign of "Spirituality" to be ignorant.

* "Bless God, I just get up and open my mouth and God will fill it” is their mentality.

* The Word of God cannot be comprehended without a disciplined mind.

* When undisciplined men attempt to teach the Word of God to others, they will make foolish statements that will cause the younger Christians listening them develop a wrong understanding of the Bible.

* Paul says to follow after virtue and knowledge- in other word a Christian should seek to develop a good moral life, but ALSO embrace learning.

Lesson three: Self-discipline involves the following:

I. Self-denial.

A. The call to Self-Denial.

Luke 9:23–24 (AV)

23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

B. The Example of Self-Denial.

* The world would tell us today that the main goal in life is to seek our own happiness.

* This is completely the opposite of the teaching of the Bible.

* The “pursuit of happiness” has become our national religion!

* The Word of God teaches us that we are not to seek our own happiness, but the ultimate goal of man is to glorify God!

* Jesus taught, that rather than spend all or time and effort seeking the things that make us happy, like house, clothes, and food, we should instead, seek what is important to God and what makes Him happy!

Matthew 6:33 (AV)

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

* Satan is a counterfeiter.

* Satan whispers “I can give you the same thing Jesus offers. It’s as good as the real thing! And it does not cost you near as much!

* You can be religions and practice the religion of “Self-fulfillment,” and not have to do any of this “Self-denial stuff.”

* Satan whispered to Eve in the garden, “God doesn’t want you to REALLY, do without anything!

* Go ahead, eat that fruit, God wants you to be happy! You happiness is what really matters!

* My friend I want you to understand that a religion without self-denial, a belief without taking up your cross daily, is a counterfeit! And it will lead you down that broad path straight to HELL!

John 10:1 (AV)

1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

* My friend it will cost you something to follow Jesus.

* Jesus said:

Luke 9:57–62 (AV)

57 And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. 58 And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. 59 And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. 60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. 61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.

62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

* Another time Jesus said:

Mark 10:17–31 (AV)

17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? 18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. 19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. 20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. 21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. 22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.

23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? 27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

28 Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. 29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, 30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

31 But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.

* The example of our savior.

Philippians 2:5–8 (AV)

5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

* The example of the 3 Hebrew children.

* The example of Moses.

Hebrews 11:23–27 (AV)

23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment. 24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; 25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. 27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

* The example of the apostle Paul.

Philippians 3:4–8 (AV)

4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: 5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. 7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

III. The Call to Self-sacrifice.

Romans 12:1–3 (AV)

1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,

holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

II. The Exercise of Self -Examination.

* Not only is it necessary for the Christian take control or “rule” his spirit, but he must continually work and train his mind in the areas of self-Discipline.

1 Timothy 4:7–8 (AV)

7 But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. 8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

Hebrews 5:12–14 (AV)

12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Acts 24:16 (AV)

16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.

Philippians 2:12–13 (AV)

12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

* One of the “Exercises of the Christian Faith is the process of self-evaluation.

1 Corinthians 11:27–32 (AV)

27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself,

and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.

30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged

32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

* After we evaluate ourselves, then God expects us to repair the damage.

James 1:22–27 (AV)

22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. 26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. 27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Hebrews 12:3–15 (AV)

3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. 5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. 9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? 10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. 11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; 13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed

. 14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: 15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;

Conclusion:

1). Let us this day determine that we will rule our spirits instead of our spirit ruling us.

2). Let us repent of our spiritual laziness in the past, and turn from our laziness. Let’s go home this week and literally evaluate our lives, find where we unworthy, and “make straight paths for our feet.”

Hebrews 12:12-13 (AV)

12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; 13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.