So if Paul commands us to train ourselves to be godly, what are the disciplines of godliness we need to train ourselves in?
Firstly, we need to get rid of every association, habit and tendency that impedes godliness. The writer of Hebrews talks about shedding of hinderances saying, “let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles”. In her book Disciplines of a Godly Woman, Barbara Hughes shares this example, “I used to be unable to begin my day before I read the morning news. I finally noticed that I consistently headed for the front porch for the newspaper before I reached for God’s word. It seems like a simple thing, a newspaper, but I found I had to cancel my subscription in order to pursue a better habit”.
What is weight you down today? Those things will have to go. We need to be disciplined in removing any obstacles. It might be a habit, something we watch or read, a part of our daily routine or a person. We need to think like Greek athletes who laid aside even their clothing to avoid encumbrances. Whatever the cost, if it hinders our godliness, we must get rid of it.
What is weight you down today? Those things will have to go. We need to be disciplined in removing any obstacles. It might be a habit, something we watch or read, a part of our daily routine or a person. We need to think like Greek athletes who laid aside even their clothing to avoid encumbrances. Whatever the cost, if it hinders our godliness, we must get rid of it.
Secondly, as we rid ourselves of hinderances, we need to cultivate godly habits in their place. In future brunches we look at how we can disciplined in our character, actions, thoughts and speech. However, I think there are some foundational godly habits we need to cultivate first. Without these, we won't grow in godliness at all. These areas are; knowing the gospel, living in submission and living a life fuelled by prayer. We will consider each on in turn but as we work through them we will see each one is closely intwined with the other.
To start let's look at being disciplined in knowing the gospel. In some ways this feels a little like it goes without saying but if we don’t get this then we have no hope moving forward. The gospel is unrelenting in seeking to convert every area of our hearts and lives. It is all-encompassing. It must be the foundation and centre of our lives.
What is the gospel? It is what Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15v1-4, “Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” Paul keeps it simple: Jesus Christ died for our sins and was resurrected from the dead. That is it. Nothing more, nothing less. If we believe anything other than this, we believe in vain.
So why we must be disciplined in knowing the gospel? The gospel shapes everything about us. It firstly defines us. It tells us who we are. It tells us that we are made in the image of God and we are made distinct as women. It tells us that we are of great value to God. The gospel brings dignity and value to our humanity and it brings purpose and meaning. We learn that we are sinners but we can become children of God and members of his family. Secondly, it motivates us. The gospel gives us purpose in life, “whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3v17). It shows us where we fit into God’s plan for the world and detail what we are to do with our lives. It gives meaning to whatever we do, because we are doing it all in the name of Christ. It is the foundation for every single thing you are and do. Finally, it satisfies us. Do not doubt the simple gospel is everything you need and more.
How do we become disciplined in knowing the gospel? Ultimately we need to preach it to ourselves everyday. If the gospel is what defines us, motivates us, satisfies and spurs us on to godliness we should create ways to immerse ourselves in the truths of it everyday. In the midst of busy lives with the demands of work and family how do we do this? I’m going to highlight five simple ways which C.J.Mahaney shares in his book, “Living the Cross Centred Life”.
- Memorise the gospel - what a better way to preach the gospel daily than to have to readily at hand in our memory. We want to have the truths of the gospel stored in our hearts so that no matter where we are or what we are doing we can pull them out and be strengthened.
- Pray the gospel - To pray the gospel simply begin by thanking God for the forgiveness of our sins, made possible through Jesus. Thank him you’ll never be separated from his love. Thank him for the cross.
- Sing the gospel - Where you find it, make cross centred worship a regular part of your daily routine. What a wonderful idea as a way to start your day.
- Review how the gospel has changed you - one of the best ways we can draw near to cross is to remember we have been saved from and how God is changing your life for His glory.
- Study the gospel - Spending time in God’s word increasing our understanding of the gospel.
