What Is Biblical Discipline, and How Can We Grow This Virtue?

One of the biggest challenges many of us have is with self-control – the ability to stop yourself from indulging in something you should not, and to proactively do things that are beneficial. These things that are to be avoided or done well can be amoral, like food, exercise, or sleep. These are habits that require discipline to either sustain or keep in moderation, rather than over-indulgence. It can also be related to morality, such as the ability to keep you temper, to resist lying, or to practice a virtue like temperance or integrity.

Discipline is the virtue that allows a person to exercise self-control, which is a fruit of the spirit, and is a subject of the Bible. It is often related to the rearing of children, but more often the Bible refers to a believer’s ability to be conformed to the image and example of Jesus Christ. It is cultivated through sanctification by the Holy Spirit, and is part of how a Christian has a physically and spiritually healthy life.

What Is Discipline?

According to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, when used as a noun, discipline is, “control gained by enforcing obedience or order; orderly or prescribed conduct or pattern of behavior; self-control.” As a verb, it means, “to train or develop by instruction and exercise especially in self-control; to bring (a group) under control.” It can also mean to punish due to rule breaking. In the Bible it has two uses.

There are times – particularly in the wisdom book Proverbs – when discipline is mostly an exercise in well-being. One should have self-control with regards to food, to drink, to avoid lustful behavior, and to take care of important aspects of life. The woman in Proverbs 31, both a representation of a good wife and a metaphor for a wise life, exercises this kind of discipline:

“She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle” (Proverbs 31:15-19).

In the New Testament, these virtues and exercises in self-control are still important, but the emphasis switches to spiritual discipline. It is the capacity to grow in the fruits of the spirit, and to avoid sin. This concept is most succinctly explained by the Apostle Paul in a letter to the church in Galatia:

“But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:18-23).

While sin makes it difficult for people to turn away from the works of the flesh and grow more Christ-like, the Holy Spirit helps believers grow in discipline and in the characteristics of Jesus.

Verses about Discipline

Because it is a virtue, discipline is something the Bible frequently mentions, particularly in the wisdom books. Some of these verses include:

Job 5:17 - “Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves; therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty.”

Proverbs 12:1 - “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.”

Proverbs 25:28 - “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.”

Isaiah 1:19 - “If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land.”

Romans 7:18-20 - “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.”

1 Corinthians 9:27 - “But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”

Galatians 6:1 - “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.”

Ephesians 6:4 - “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

2 Timothy 1:7 - “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

2 Timothy 2:15 - “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”

Titus 1:8 - “But hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.”

Hebrews 12:11 - “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”

1 Peter 4:7 - “The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.”

Prayer for Discipline

Here is a prayer for Christians who want to grow in discipline.

Holy Father,

Thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to help me grow and be sanctified so that I can become more like Jesus Christ. I am thankful for the grace extended to me despite my sin, and for the ability to be changed. Lord, I ask that you help me to become more disciplined. I want to manage my life better, to be more developed in virtues, and to be stronger in my resistance to sin. I know that godly discipline will help me do this, and that through the Holy Spirit, it is possible.

Lord, please give me strength. Help me to be more like Jesus, who exercised discipline in His life on earth. I know the flesh is strong, and that I face temptation every day. I want to lead a life that is pleasing to you. Help me to do so by growing more disciplined in my habits and in my spiritual walk. Help me to read my Bible more, to pray more consistently for my friends and family, and to worship You regularly.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen.

Personal discipline is an important part of someone’s life, whether they are a Christian or not, since it contributes to overall health and well-being. For someone who has put their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation and eternal life and has the Holy Spirit indwelling, they can rely on God to help them grow in discipline in both personal and spiritual matters. As they grow closer to God, the Bible promises they will grow stronger in virtue and more like their Savior.

Sources

Barnett, John Dr., Discipline Yourself for Godliness. Tulsa: DTBM, 2007.

Sterk and Scazzero, Andrea and Peter. Christian Disciplines. Downers Grove: IVP Connect, 1999.

Whitney, Donald. Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. Carol Stream: NavPress, 2014.

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Traitov

Bethany Verrett is a freelance writer who uses her passion for God, reading, and writing to glorify God. She and her husband have lived all over the country serving their Lord and Savior in ministry. She has a blog on graceandgrowing.com.