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Edwards: “Resolved, that I will live so, as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.”

 Introduction[1]

For most of us, there is a vast wilderness between “wanting to” and “getting it done”.  The question is how do you structure your life so that you don’t kills yourself, and yet get stuff done.

 Theological Affirmations about Time

1.      There is a direct connection between godliness and discipline.

1 Timothy 4:7 – “Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness, of while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.  The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance.  For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the savior of all people, especially of those who believe.” 1 Timothy 4:7

Notice the point:  Discipline lead to godliness; therefore a lack of discipline leads to ungodliness.  In order to pursue godliness a person must develop a disciplined life. 

2.      While physical discipline is beneficial, discipline in your walk with Jesus must take precedence.

 “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize?  So run that you may obtain it.  Every athlete exercises self-control in all things.  They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.  So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.  But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others, I myself should be disqualified.”  1 Cor. 9:24-27

3.      Time is short; therefore, precious.

“You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” James 4:14

4.      You are accountable for how you invest your time.

Romans 14:12 – “so then, each one of us will give an account of himself to God.”

5.      A disciplined life is attainable.

Never complain about having too much to do (see Jesus and Paul)

“And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.” Mark 1:35

6.      Discipline is a mental activity before it becomes a physical activity.

“Set you minds on things above.” Col. 3:2

Without the conscious, active, disciplined setting of the direction of our thoughts, they will be unproductive at best, evil at worst.  As Os Guinness says, “we often have fit bodies and fat minds.”

            7.      Effective time use requires effort and focus.

“If the iron is blunt and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one succeed.” 

Ecc. 10:10

8.      The nature of this world fights against the disciplined use of time.

“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.” Eph. 5:15-16

9.      Time can be redeemed.

Eph. 5:16 – “redeem the time”

10.   Discipline is not an end, in and of itself, but it is a means to the end of glorifying God in all things.

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Reading List

Compiled by Matt A. Rogers

Anthropology[1]

*                             “Feminine Appeal” by Carolyn Mahaney

**                           “Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood” by John Piper and Wayne Gruedem

**                           “Evangelical Feminism and Biblical Truth” by Wayne Gruedem

**                           “50 Critical Questions about Manhood and Womanhood” by Piper and Gruedem

**                           “Created in God’s Image” by Anthony Hoekema

Apologetics

*                             “The Case for Faith” by Lee Strobel

*                             “The Case for Christ” by Lee Strobel

**                           “Reasonable Faith” by William Lane Craig

**                           “Mere Christianity” by CS Lewis

**                           “Darwin on Trial” by Phillip Johnson

***                        “The Defense of the Faith” by Cornelius Van Til

Comparative Religions

**                           “Jesus Among Other Gods” by Ravi Zacharias

Culture Critiques

*                             “Amusing Ourselves to Death” by Neil Postman

**                           “The Courage to be Protestant” by David Wells

**                           “God in the Wasteland” by David Wells

**                           “Above All Earthly Powers” by David Wells

**                           “No Place for Truth” by David Wells

**                           “Culture Wars: The Struggle to Dive America” by James Davison Hunter

**                           “The Wages of Spin” by Carl R. Trueman

**                           “Minority Report” by Carl R. Trueman 

**                           “Christ and Culture Revisited” by DA Carson

***                        “Christ and Culture” by H. Richard Niebuhr

***                        “Christianity in Culture” by Charles H. Kraft

***                        “The Gagging of God” by DA Carson

***                        “The Fourth Turning” by William Struass and Neil Howe

***                        “The City of God” by Saint Augustine

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The words are so familiar: 

“Jesus Loves me this I know

For the Bible tells me so..”

What are some examples of ferret breeding that you see in your life and in the church? 

What things do people and churches tend to substitute for the gospel?

Leave your comments below.