Spiritual Discipline: of a Disciple – A module for DTC
Introduction
(I Cor.9:24-27) “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
Isthamus games: Apostle Paul and the Corinthians were well aware of the Isthamus games which are second only to the Olympics. He uses the word race of runners frequently in his letters. In his letters, (Phil. 3:14; 2 Tim.4:7-8 ) speak about such race. He compares himself to the racer. In a race, all runners run, but only one gets the prize (gold medal).
A Christian race: But in a Christian race, all will get the prize when they finish the race. All those who run are given even extra diet so as to complete the race. The prize indicates the rewards, not salvation and life. Paul points out that an athlete who expects to win must train diligently and put in extra hardship. The crown that we get in the Olympics or Isthmus will not lost long, but the crown and rewards we get from the Lord Jesus Christ are everlasting.
Follow rules: A Christian does not run in order to get to heaven, he is in the race because he has been saved through the blood of Jesus Christ. Further, Paul is saying, “he was not running aimlessly. He runs with strict discipline. However, the greatest runner may be, if he does not follow the rules, he would be disqualified. Paul goes under strict personal discipline.
Run with aim: Walking with God demands a personal sacrifice of pleasures and worldly pursuits. In this age of luxury, one must be a serious believer to run in the Christian race. While Paul going through strict discipline, he gave up his rights, and his authority in order to win as many as possible. He knew many were called but only some were qualified to finish the race. That’s why he says, “I do not run aimlessly and I do not want to get disqualified.”
Disqualified runners: In the Isthmus games just like the Olympics, a herald would announce those who were disqualified and the cities from where they come from. The disqualified Greeks did not lose their citizenship, but they still compete in the next games. Similarly for a Christian who is running in a race, when we face stiff challenges or fall down in our fights, God in His grace provides opportunities for us rise up and complete the task given to us.
Paul was not disqualified any time. That’s why he could boldly say in (2 Tim. 4:7-8), “I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race…” This is a great motivation for all believers. Our God is a gracious God, He will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear (1 Cor.10:13-14).
All will get prize: Although in a race only one runner wins and gets the prize, but in this Christian race, every believer can win an incorruptible crown. This crown is given to those who discipline themselves for the sake of serving Christ and winning lost souls. They keep their bodies under control and keep their eyes on the goal. This calls for our personal devotion, sacrifice, priorities, time management and commitment to the service of God. Paul emphasizes eternal rewards and in no way he wanted to miss them. Beware! You who call yourself a Christian.
Some of the points of THE SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES
There is no consensus list of spiritual disciplines. The Bible does not include a setlist.
I believe 12 primary spiritual disciplines were practised by Jesus and prescribed for all believers in the Bible:
Study, prayer, fasting, confession, worship, fellowship,
rest, celebration, service, generosity, chastity and disciple-making.