Belong 101: Being Discipled

MONDAY

The Greek word paideias or one of its derivatives is used seven times in Heb 12:1-11. This word is not found exclusively in the N.T.; it also was common among the Greeks in reference to the treatment of children, including in its meaning both educational and corporal punishment. NKJV translators have rendered it most often as some form of "chasten" (vv. 5-8, 10, 11), and once as "correct" (v. 9), but it is better translated "discipline." The divine purpose of this loving discipline is unquestionably to bring man into the privilege and responsibility of sonship. If you do not allow Him to discipline (disciple) you, what do you become? What does the Lord’s discipline bring about? Is discipline something we enjoy? Write 1 Corinthians 11:32 on an index card, learn it, and realize the implications of rejecting the Lord’s discipline. Call a sister/brother tonight and share with them how the Lord has disciplined you and what were the results of you heeding His discipline.

TUESDAY

The Lord’s discipline works through several agents, four of which we will discuss this week. Read carefully 2 Tim. 3:16,17. What is it that corrects and rebukes us? Where does the Word come from? Who is ultimately doing the correcting and rebuking? Notice the last thing mentioned in this verse: “Training in righteousness”. The Greek word paideias was translated as “training”. So, in essence, we are disciplined in righteousness. Write 1 Co. 2:13 on an index card and meditate on it throughout the day.

WEDNESDAY

If we all speak the truth to each other in love (Eph 4:13), we will encourage and admonish each other, creating an atmosphere where striving toward and reliance on God is stressed. That is exactly the purpose of the assembly; the church. Study Hebrews 10:23-25. What is our responsibility to each other? What is the purpose of encouraging each other? Look up encourage in a good dictionary. Can you encourage and be encouraged if you “give up meeting together”? Check out 1 Thess. 5:14-15. Look up admonish in a good dictionary. What is your job amongst the brethren? Are all these things being done to you when in the presence of brothers? Are you doing these things in the presence of brothers? Write Colossians 3:16 on an index card and memorize it. Does it not bring about a new meaning to singing??

THURSDAY

Even with all the encouragement that you receive from the brethren, there are some brothers/sisters that have special impact upon you. Among them may be the brother/sisters that first reached out to you with the saving gospel of Jesus. Read carefully Hebrews 13:7, 17. Who are you to remember? What are you to consider? What are you asked to imitate, considering the result of their conduct? (See also 3 John 11) Why should we submit to our leaders in the faith? Aren’t you ultimately submitting out of reverence for Christ? (Eph 5:21) Carefully consider Ezekiel 3:18-21. What are you held accountable for? No wonder the Hebrew writer encourages you to make the job of your leaders joyful by submitting to them. They keep watch over you and are accountable to God! Write Proverbs 10:17 on an index card and commit to it in your heart. Don’t hold back your love for the brethren! Be gentle and abide in mercy.

FRIDAY

Study 1 Timothy 4:7,8. None of the discipling agents that God gives you will work unless you train yourself to be godly. What is this kind of training profitable for? God has even equipped you to be able to undergo self-discipline! Check out 2 Timothy 1:7. What kind of Spirit is living in you right now, which you have acquired when you obeyed the gospel and were baptized in Jesus’ name? Do any of us have an excuse? Write 1 Timothy 4:16 on an index card and memorize it. See to it that you are meeting with your discipler at least once a week, that you may be fully trained.

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