The same grace that brings salvation also disciplines, which seems like an oxymoron. There is a lot of teaching involved in discipline that is more than just imparting knowledge. The Greek word used has the meaning of rearing children, which involves instruction, admonition, reproof, and punishment administered in love. Eph. 6:4
"Used in a spiritual sense, discipline includes all instruction, all reproof and correction, and all providentially directed hardships in our lives that are aimed at cultivating spiritual growth and godly character."
As Christians, we remain under LORD's discipline our whole lives. God's grace trains us to live lives pleasing to God, and training us in that lifestyle is because of His care for our souls. We can be performance oriented in our relationship with God. There can be a legalistic vs. grace oriented mindset. It's important that our response to God's discipline needs to be focused on God dealing with us in grace. All teaching needs to be grounded in grace so as not to create an attitude of performance. Basically, don't put the gospel on the shelf.
Salvation and discipline are inseperable. Titus 2:11-12.
"God never saves people and leaves them alone to continue in their immaturity and sinful lifestyle."
Phil. 1:6 is both encouraging and sobering. Spiritual growth is not left to our initiative and not dependent on our wisdom. God is in charge. God can use others, His Word, and circumstances to continue that growth. We need to trust and obey. Heb. 13:21.
There are many whose lives are no different today than when they professed Christ as savior. Heb. 12:8, Matt. 7:2. It is a sobering truth. As a result, do not pursue the evidence of God's discipline to attain salvation, which becomes works based. God's discipline and our own desire to pursue holiness is evidence of salvation.
Say no to ungodliness and worldly lusts. Wickedness is defined as, immoral, dishonest, cruel, evil, debased Rom. 1:18-32. Ungodliness is the lack of fear and reverence for God, which means that a person could still be highly moral and benevolent. Worldly lusts are possessions, presitge, pleasure, power, which is opposite 1 Cor. 7:31.
New believers bring a habit of ungodliness to the Christian walk. The training of renouncing former attitudes and actions doesn't happen all at once. There needs to be a decisive break, Rom. 8:13, 1 Pet. 2:11, Eph. 4:22, James 1:14.
What we say yes to are things like the fruit of Spirit, Gal. 5:22. Putting off old man and putting on new man. Eph. 4:22-24, which is a dual purpose that needs equal attention. A self-controlled, upright, and godly character, which applies to one's self, one's neighbor, and to God.
"...self-control expresses the self-restraint we need to practice toward the good and legitimate things of life, as well as the outright denial of things clearly sinful."
"Upright or righteous conduct refers to just and right actions toward other people, doing to them what we would have them do to us (Matt. 7:12)."
"Godliness is having a regard for God's glory and God's will in every aspect of our lives, doing everything out of reverence and love for Him."
The practical application of these things is beautifully described in Titus 2:1-3:2. There is a break down of older men and women, younger women and men, slaves, Titus and then all believers. However, do remember that there are Christian virtues in each section that apply to all of us, regardless of age or gender.
This is the biggest Christian testimony before unbelievers. Seeing such a godly, upright walk is an incredible way to profess the faith, and possibly be used as a tool by God to bring them to Him. Basically, live life in such a way unbelievers are attracted to it.
"Everything bad they [the ungodly] can sieze hold of in our life is twisted maliciously against Christ and His teaching. The result is that by our fault God's sacred name is exposed to insult. The more closely we see ourselves being watched by our enemies, the more intent we should be to avoid their slanders, so that their ill-will strengthens us in the desire to do well."
Putting of and putting on is more than just merely stopping a bad habit. Paul contrasts generocity with stealing in Eph. 4:20-32. It's a heart issue: not only stop stealing, but develop a heart of generocity as well. The attitude to put on is, "What's mine is God's; I will share it." To put off unwholesome talk includes criticism, complaining, gossip, etc. Put on a talk that builds up the individual. Put off negative emotions, put on kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. A believer's speech marked by Thanksgiving to God, 1 Thes. 5:18.
Grace teaches us and enables us. Grace disciplines us through its principles and administration, the forgiveness of sins and unconditional acceptance of our persons, and the deliverance from dominion of sin and enabling power of the Holy Spirit.
All teaching, training and discipline are administered in love for our spiritual welfare. However, God can be grieved by sins.
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