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THE DISCIPLINES OF GODLY PEOPLE–PART 4

Introduction

Thus far over the past three messages we have taken a look at 11 of the disciplines that we need to have in our lives if we are to be a Godly people.

We’ve said that:

I.            WE NEED THE DISCIPLINE OF THE GOSPEL!

               The Gospel is the very source of godliness in our lives!

To be Godly, we must not only know what this Gospel is, but we must accept it personally and believe it with all our heart, embrace it, and make it the very center of our life!

II.           WE NEED THE DISCIPLINE OF SUBMISSION!

Bringing our lives into submission to God’s will in everything is the key to being a godly person! And it is the key to joy and the abundant life!

III.          WE NEED THE DISCIPLINE OF PRAYER!

IV.          WE NEED THE DISCIPLINE OF WORSHIP!

V.           WE NEED THE DISCIPLINE OF OUR HEARTS AND MINDS! 

We need the mind of Christ so we will think like a Christian rather than like the world. That only comes from a constant dwelling in the Holy Scriptures, training our hearts and minds by the Word of God!

VI.          WE NEED THE DISCIPLINE OF CONTENTMENT!

VII.         WE NEED THE DISCIPLINE OF VIRTUE OR INTEGRITY!

VIII.       WE NEED THE DISCIPLINE OF PURITY.

IX.          WE NEED THE DISCIPLINE OF GOOD BEHAVIOR! 

Good behavior means acting in a way worthy of the Gospel.

X.           WE NEED THE DISCIPLINE OF PROPER RELATIONSHIPS.

XI.          WE NEED THE DISCIPLINE OF PERSEVERANCE!

XII.        WE NEED THE DISCIPLINE OF GOOD WORKS!

               (Ephesians 2:8-10)

               Jesus talked about it in terms of letting our light shine!

Matthew 5:16–“16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

We need the discipline of good works in our lives, not to gain our salvation, but rather because of our salvation.

Examples:   

Tabitha (Dorcus) -- Acts 9:36  "This woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did."

Lydia -- Acts 16:15  "Come into in my house and abide there"

The Philippian Jailor -- Acts 16:33-34  Washed Paul and Silas's stripes and fed them.

For those of us who are saved, good deeds should be our heart’s response of gratitude for the gift of God’s grace.

1 Peter 2:12–“Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.”

We who are saved must determine to develop the discipline of good works. Look at what Paul says in Galatians 6:10:

Galatians 6:10–“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”

The time that God has given to us on this earth as Christians is to be filled with good deeds.

               It doesn’t matter that some folks will be ungrateful.

               (Example: The Ten lepers)

               It doesn’t matter that some folks will look to take advantage of us.

1 Corinthians 15:10–“But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.”

There is no contradiction between grace and hard work. As we make the effort to do God’s will, He always gives more grace!

               WE NEED THE DISCIPLINE OF PERSEVERANCE!

WE NEED THE DISCIPLINE OF GOOD WORKS!

XIII.      WE NEED THE DISCIPLINE OF GIVING!

               Materialism has a power over many Christians. It’s sad, but it’s true.

(i.e. Many are more interested in getting more things, bigger things, and better things than what they have, than they are in serving God.)

               This attitude of materialism shows itself in lives that are lived selfishly.

We know that materialism is a big part of our culture, So, how can we who are saved escape the power or draw of materialism?

               By giving from a heart overflowing with God’s grace.

               Example:         The believers in Macedonia in 2 Corinthians 8:5

               Grace giving begins with first giving ourselves to the Lord.

If we think about it, it just makes sense. If God has us, then He has everything about us.

               Giving disarms the power of money in our lives.

               How should we give:

               A.         The Bible Calls On Us To Give Regularly–The Tithe!

Malachi 3:10–“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”

1 Corinthians 16:2–“Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.”

               B.         The Bible Calls On Us To Give Responsively–From The Heart! (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)

Acts 20:35–“35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

XIV.      WE NEED THE DISCIPLINE OF FAITHFUL CHURCH ATTENDANCE! 

Hebrews 10:24-25–“24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

You don’t have to go to Church to be a Christian, but then you don’t have to go home to be married either.

But in either case you are going to have a very poor relationship with the one you are supposed to love.

We will never be what we ought to be for God and our families will never become spiritually mature without a commitment to be faithful to the local Church.

God wants us to find a good Church, join it, and then commit ourselves wholeheartedly to it.

Our participation should include giving of our time, our talents (which includes our expertise and creativity), and our treasure to the glory of God!

XV.        WE NEED THE DISCIPLINE OF BEING A FAITHFUL WITNESS FOR CHRIST!

Matthew 28:19-20–“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

Mark 16:15–“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

Acts 1:8–“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

Conclusion

As we come to the close of this series of messages, we need to see that these fifteen disciplines that we’ve covered need to be in our lives if we are going to live lives pleasing to the Lord.

May I remind you that it all begins with having the Discipline of the Gospel in your life!

Have you submitted yourself to the righteousness of God or are you going about trying to establish your own righteousness?

The righteousness of God is the Lord Jesus Christ and He gave His life and shed His blood for our sins!

But you must first repent of your sins and submit yourself to Him.

If you do that, He promises to give you eternal life and abundant life.

That abundant life is found as God brings these other disciplines into your life so that you can live Godly.

Today we’ve talked about the disciplines of good works, giving, faithful Church attendance, being a faithful witness.

Are there some areas you need to work on?

What has the Holy Spirit of God pricked your heart with today?

Be obedient to Him today!

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NOTICE:   THESE SERMONS ARE FREE TO BE USED BUT ARE NOT TO BE SOLD!