Our Motivation for Daily Disciplines

We all know what daily disciplines we are expected to have in our lives.

Bible Reading

Prayer

Family Devotions

Evangelism

Learning

Self-control

However, it can be hard to be motivated sometimes in our discipline. Discipline, unfortunately, is not easy. It is work and perserverance. It is forcing you to do things even when it is hard or you do not feel like.

My first thought when asked to teach this topic was you better find someone else, probably anyone else. However, I am not the example to follow, neither is any other man. We are to follow Christ, imitate Christ as we grow in sanctification.

So what is your motivation for daily discipline and growth?

Philippians 2:12-18 Not in my presence but because Christ is with you

Because it is working whether we notice it or not (God is at work in you) 13

We cannot grow without food

Just like a meal, it does not have to be the greatest ever, it just has to get us to the next one

Some days/books/passages will be life-changing but most will be daily nourishment

Psalms 1 in season, not always

But we must be planted by the waters

Daily intake of the good water provided by God

We are to have hope in the Word of God with patience

Romans 15:4 patience and comfort in the work of God through his word

Because we have a responsibility to be different (shine as lights in the world) 14-15

We are called to be blameless and harmless, sons of God

A called out people whose priorities and desires are different

2 Corinthians 4:7-11 in the world, but not of the world

We can use our circumstances to show people Christ

1 Peter 3:15-16 we must be ready always

Because our Labor is not in Vain (not run in vain) 16

God hears and sees all that we do

This is why we pray with confidence

This is why we can take our families across the world, away from family, away from safety

1 Corinthians 15:58 Always abounding in the work

Hebrews 6:10 he speaks harsh but then encourages us as we continue to place our hope in him

Because the mission needs you (I be offered) 17-18

We must live as a sacrifice for other believers

My wife’s growth depends on mine

My children’s growth depends on mine

My disciple’s growth depends on mine

My church’s growth depends on mine

These can be my great motivation

By exhorting others in their christian walk we are actually protecting ourselves from great failure

Hebrews 3:12-13 Israelites fell by unbelief, we must labor to enter. And it is the Word of God that is exposing and convicting us (Hebrews 4:11-13)