Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  8000 The life of the believer  »  8400 The tasks of the believer  »  8476 self-discipline

The dedicated training, through the study of Scripture, prayer and self-control, which enables Christians to be more effective witnesses to the gospel, to lead lives more pleasing to God, and to win the crown that awaits those who are victorious over sin.

Self-discipline is training oneself to be godly

1 Timothy 4:7 See also Romans 13:14; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Ephesians 4:23-24; Philippians 3:12-14; Colossians 3:12; 2 Timothy 1:7; Hebrews 5:14; Hebrews 12:1

Self-discipline and the study of Scripture

Psalm 119:9-11; 2 Timothy 3:16-17 See also Deuteronomy 29:29

Self-discipline involves learning through experience

Titus 2:12 See also Romans 5:3-5

Self-discipline should transform the whole person

A Christian's thoughts should be disciplined

2 Corinthians 10:5 See also Romans 12:3

Renewal of the mind a prerequisite:

Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:23 1 Peter 4:7

A Christian's speech should be disciplined

Psalm 141:3 See also James 3:2-12

A Christian's behaviour should be disciplined

Romans 14:20-21

A Christian's body should be disciplined

1 Corinthians 9:27 See also Romans 6:12-13; Romans 8:13; Ephesians 4:22; Colossians 3:5; James 3:2

Self-discipline prevents God's discipline

1 Corinthians 11:31-32

Physical self-discipline is of some value, but only in this life

1 Timothy 4:8 See also 1 Corinthians 9:25

An elder should be self-disciplined

Titus 1:8

Examples of those who exercised self-discipline

See also

Genesis 22:9-14 Abraham; Genesis 39:8-12 Joseph; 2 Samuel 11:11-13 Uriah

Daniel:

Daniel 1:8,11-13 Matthew 4:4 Jesus Christ; 1 Corinthians 8:13 Paul

Self-discipline strengthens believers when faced with temptation

Matthew 5:29 pp Mark 9:47; Romans 8:13; Galatians 5:24

The reward for self-discipline is a crown and a prize

1 Corinthians 9:25 See also 1 Corinthians 9:24,27; Philippians 3:14; Colossians 2:18; 1 Thessalonians 2:19; 2 Timothy 4:8; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 2:10; Revelation 3:11

See also

1610  Scripture
5280  crown
5596  victory
5771  abstinence
5853  experience of life
6744  sanctification
8114  discipleship
8140  prize
8230  discipline
8339  self-control
8475  self-denial
8674  study