Proverbs #7: Discipline

January 1st, 1975
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Summary

In recent weeks, we have been exploring the Book of Proverbs, focusing on the concept of wisdom, which we identify as our Lord Jesus. He is building His church on seven pillars that represent His character. We have discussed five pillars: righteousness, diligence, love, lowliness, and graciousness. Today, we delve into the sixth pillar: discipline. Proverbs emphasizes the importance of instruction and correction, highlighting that discipline is essential for spiritual growth and maturity. It purges us of impurities and foolishness, guiding us toward abundant life and wisdom. Discipline is not merely self-control; it is the Holy Spirit's work in us, requiring our cooperation. We must commit our lives to the Lord, deny ourselves, and remain open to the Holy Spirit's guidance. Discipline is often painful but ultimately leads to sharing in God's divine nature. It is crucial for building the church and for our personal growth. We must not despise reproof but embrace it as a means of becoming more like Christ. In conclusion, we pray for the Lord to discipline us so we may grow and be built together for His glory.

Outline of Main Points

  1. Introduction to the Book of Proverbs and the concept of wisdom.
  2. Seven pillars representing the character of Jesus.
  3. Discussion of the first five pillars: righteousness, diligence, love, lowliness, graciousness.
  4. Introduction of the sixth pillar: discipline.
  5. Importance of discipline for spiritual growth and maturity.
  6. Role of the Holy Spirit in administering discipline.
  7. Steps to achieve a disciplined life: commitment, self-denial, openness to the Holy Spirit.
  8. Conclusion emphasizing the necessity of discipline for building the church and personal growth.
Scriptures Referenced
Proverbs 23:17-18

17 Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long. 18 For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.

Proverbs 23:13

13 Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.

Proverbs 22:6

6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 20:30

30 The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.

Proverbs 17:10

10 A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.

Proverbs 15:33

33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

Proverbs 15:31

31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.

Proverbs 15:5

5 A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.

Proverbs 14:27

27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

Proverbs 13:24

24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

Proverbs 13:3

3 He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

Proverbs 13:1

1 A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.

Proverbs 11:13

13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

Proverbs 10:17

17 He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.

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