The Theology of Spiritual Discipline

“Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.”

 ~ 1 Timothy 4:7 [New International Version]

As the Apostle Paul took great interest in the development of his son, Timothy, as both a man and as a Gospel preacher, he reminded Timothy to not let anyone look down on him because of his youth and be an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity (1 Timothy 4: 12). 

However, Paul also instructed Timothy to have the resilience to preach the Gospel at both the opportune time and times which were not convenient as a time would come when people would replace sound teaching with personal imagination. For this reason, Paul reiterated the calling on Timothy to do the work of an evangelist with a sober mind, fulfilling the ministry (2 Timothy 4:2-5). Given the daunting task set before Timothy, Paul understood that the only road to Christian maturity and godliness was through spiritual discipline. To understand the conceptual framework of spiritual discipline, Paul spoke these words to Timothy, “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly (1 Timothy 4:7, NIV). In short, godliness emanates from training in spiritual discipline. Everything related to the believer’s godliness is connected to spiritual discipline. As Paul encouraged and shaped Timothy as an evangelist, he connected Timothy’s godliness to spiritual discipline. Paul told Timothy that, for Timothy to be pleasing to God, he would have to do his best through the study of Scripture and the thoughtful, accurate exegesis of the Word of God (2 Timothy 2:15-16). This act of spiritual discipline would not only lead to personal growth but also facilitate his ability to refrain from bad habits that lead to ungodliness. Additionally, Paul explained that spiritual discipline would equip Timothy for the work of an evangelist as Scripture equips the man of God towards all good works (2 Timothy 3:17). Paul was reminding Timothy that the discipline of exploring Scripture would facilitate pursuing the purpose of godliness.

As Paul established Scripture as the primary source of spiritual formation and transformative discipline, an important question needs to be answered:

What is spiritual discipline?

In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, the Apostle Paul provided a vivid metaphor of a runner competing in an athletic competition to explain the concept of spiritual discipline. In examining the runner’s journey, Paul highlighted two factors that affected the runner’s motivation. First, the runner was participating in a race. The race consisted of a prescribed path from which the runner could not veer. If the runner did not compete according to the race’s prescribed path and parameters, they could be disqualified. Secondly, the race was not simply for exercise.  The objective of participating in the race was to be victorious, and the victory consisted of a visible recognition of victory, the prize. Paul used the race and the prize to illustrate the culmination of the Christian journey and the crown of victory (2 Timothy 4:8). However, spiritual discipline is not about the path or even the prize. Spiritual discipline describes the preparation. Paul explained how the runner could run the race and receive the prize, “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 Corinthians 9:26-27, ESV). The Apostle Paul is defining spiritual discipline. Spiritual discipline is about purposeful, intentional participation in the Christian race, with the full understanding that the objective is victory and the prize that comes with it. Spiritual discipline provides the preparation platform for the race, disciplining the spiritual mind and keeping it in total submission to the calling God has on the life of a believer. Without this spiritual discipline, the prize is unattainable because the runner is not even qualified to be in the race.

In summary, the Apostle Paul urged the Church at Ephesus to walk worthy of the calling wherewith they were called (Ephesians 4:1). Walking worthy entails a life of discipleship, shaped by a foundation of love and humility, and marked by continued fellowship in the word of God. However, walking worthy neither occurs by accident nor aligns with the fleshly nature. It is only through the deliberate practice of spiritual discipline that the believer can walk in the spirit and not fulfill the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16-17).  

Written By:

Dr. Quincy Byrdsong, is the Minister of Education at the Simpson Street Church of Christ in Atlanta, Georgia. He holds a Doctor of Education degree from Tennessee State University and a Master of Arts degree in Biblical Exposition from Liberty University where he is currently a Doctor of Ministry candidate in Theology and Apologetics.

drbyrdsong@yahoo.com