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We all crave a life guided by purpose and intentionality, yet sometimes the gap between aspiration and our reality feels too large to attain. This is where biblical self-discipline strategies come in, not as restrictive rules, but as liberating tools to help us bridge that gap.
But what does biblical self-discipline truly mean? It’s not about rigid legalism or striving for perfection.
It’s actually about aligning our hearts and actions with God’s will. This allows His strength to empower us and by harnessing these biblical self-discipline strategies we can grow closer to the version of ourselves that God wants to be.
Let’s dive into what biblical self-discipline really means and how we can apply it to our lives to become better men of faith!
Understanding Biblical Self-Discipline
There’s often a misconception about self-discipline within Christian circles. It’s as if we should be able to achieve spiritual maturity solely through our own willpower.
The truth is, true biblical discipline isn’t a grit-your-teeth-and-tough-it-out endeavor like worldly discipline is.
This kind of thinking aligns more with the teachings of Pelagius, a theologian who believed humans could achieve salvation through their own efforts. This view was deemed heretical by the Council of Carthage.
Biblical self-discipline strategies recognize our limitations as fallen humans. These strategies begin with understanding we don’t have an innate capacity for lasting self-control on our own. Just as Jesus said, “…apart from Me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
Embracing Grace, Not Legalism
The doctrines of grace are central to this approach. We understand that, as believers, we are saved by grace, not works (Ephesians 2:8-9).
This doesn’t mean we become passive though.
Instead, it’s in recognizing our need for God’s grace that true discipline takes root. Think of it like this: even when we fail, and we all do (Romans 3:9-20), there’s no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). We are then given strength to get back up.
We can rely not on our own willpower, but on God’s strength, to move forward.
This understanding becomes a source of hope, freeing us from cycles of shame and defeat that often come with our attempts of self-transformation through sheer willpower.
Practical Biblical Self-Discipline Strategies
Now let’s look at the self-discipline strategies that follow a biblical approach.
1) Start with the Word
Bible study and holding God’s Word in our hearts are key spiritual disciplines. If we are going to train ourselves for godliness, we must saturate our minds with God’s truth regularly.
I get up early almost every single day and start off by reading Scripture. It sets the tone for the day and fills me with God’s truth.
Psalm 119:105 articulates this well: “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path”.
When we internalize Scripture, it acts as our compass. This guides us toward righteous choices and illuminates the path away from temptation while engraining the Truth within us.
I personally use this study Bible for accurate Bible study and refer to the study notes and easy-to-understand index of biblical doctrine.
2) Pray for Discipline
It might seem counterintuitive to pray for discipline as if it’s a gift. But after just looking at it in more detail we know that we need God’s strength to bear the fruits of the Spirit.
We understand that every good and perfect gift is from above (James 1:17). That includes the ability to exercise self-control which is the last fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23.
Proverbs 3:11-12 tells us, “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.”
We are reminded that discipline is born out of God’s love for us.
3) Rely on the Holy Spirit
As believers, we’ve been given an extraordinary gift: the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 14:16). This isn’t merely a theological concept but a practical reality that transforms our approach to self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7 states, “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.”
Relying on the Holy Spirit is less about being a “strategy” and more about putting your complete faith in Christ to begin with. The Spirit is not a tool anyone can use, it is given to those who believe in and follow Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:5-28 has a lot to say about the Holy Spirit including “For those who are in accord with the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are in accord with the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.“
4) Training for Godliness
Spiritual growth is a process. Like any training, it requires effort and intentionality. Just as athletes push their physical limits to improve their performance, we’re called to train in godliness (1 Timothy 4:7-10).
Think about how Paul describes it. “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training…” (1 Corinthians 9:25). Paul reminds us, “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:8).
5) Focusing on Our Thoughts
When tempted to indulge in unhealthy habits or neglect our spiritual disciplines, it’s in these moments our thought life becomes a crucial battleground. The enemy knows how powerful our thoughts are and how influential they are over our actions.
We’re instructed to take every thought captive. “We are destroying arguments and all arrogance raised against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).
I don’t think that means suppressing every negative thought.
I think it means recognizing them and evaluating their validity through the lens of Scripture so we can destroy erroneous views effectively. Then we can actively choose to replace them with thoughts that are true and pure in our spiritual lives.
6) Seeking Wisdom
Many times, the hardest part of self-discipline isn’t simply “trying harder.” It’s knowing where to focus our energy and how to effectively navigate the challenges we face.
That’s where seeking wisdom comes in. We learned in our Characteristics of A Godly Man study that God is the source of all wisdom. Thankfully, he promises to generously give wisdom to those who ask (Proverbs 2:6).
Think of these biblical self-discipline strategies as a roadmap. The Holy Spirit is the guide that produces self-discipline. Wisdom is the discernment needed to stay the course.
Read More: 11 Characteristics of a Godly Man: True Biblical Manhood
Wrapping Up Our Biblical Self-Discipline Strategies
Biblical self-discipline strategies aren’t about living in a constant state of striving or achieving perfection through our efforts in Christian life. Instead, it’s a continual process of surrendering to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
We tap into His strength and grow in our understanding of God’s word. We can lean on Him for wisdom to make choices that lead to true freedom. We are then equipped to fulfill the callings God has placed upon our lives.
Feel like you’re struggling?
Even Paul admitted to struggling (Romans 7:15) but like we said we can keep pressing on.
The question is, are you ready to step up and become the disciplined warrior God’s calling you to be? Start with one area this week. Whether it’s your prayer life or your gym routine, pick your battlefield and show the enemy what you’re made of. Who’s with me? Let’s do this, for His glory!
