Welcome to our first post as we read through Disciplines of a Godly Man by R. Kent Hughes. The first chapter is largely an introduction to the topic of spiritual discipline and making a case for how important it is. Kent starts by giving examples of men who were great in their field because of discipline. The same is true of our spiritual walks. None of us can coast because “we are all equally disadvantaged.” None of us naturally seek God, so by His grace, we must work on spiritual discipline. Coasting sure sounds easier, it just doesn’t work! 1 Tim 4:7-8 says, “Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for 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.”
Kent goes on to describe that discipline takes work – hard work. He asks if we are man enough to put in to practice Heb 12:1. Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. This verse describes the process of intentionally getting rid of every weight or sin that is holding us back and focusing all our energy on godliness. How hard have we worked to focus all our energy on godliness? I liked the quote, “No manliness no maturity! No discipline no discipleship! No sweat no sainthood!” Do we want to grow? Then we need to step up and be disciplined men. There are no shortcuts.
In his final sections, Kent gives two reasons to focus on spiritual disciplines as men.
1. Disciplined Christian lives are the exception, not the rule.
2. Men are so much less spiritually inclined and spiritually disciplined than women.
Both of these challenge us that the practice of spiritual disciplines is fading or has faded in our culture and it is not something we will come by naturally. I definitely agree with his first point and am still thinking through the second. I am challenged that men have given up their role as leaders and men by not stepping up to lead in our spiritual walks. He ends this section with a statement that I pray draws us to read this book together. “The Church in America needs real men, and we are the men!”
He ends with these paragraphs.
“Do we have the sweat in us? Will we enter the gynasium of divine discipline? Will we strip away the things that hold us back? Will we discipline ourselves through the power of the Holy Spirit?
I invite you into God’s Gym in the following chapters – to some sanctifying sweat – to some pain and great gain.
God is looking for a few good men!”
As you read the chapter, I exhort you to add some of your thoughts to the comments. What challenged you in the chapter? Or what did you think was important? This first chapter may not have as many specifics, but let’s enter the conversation together. I’ve put a few questions below from the end of the chapter. Think about them, chew on them, and possibly answer them. This is one of those chapters that fires us up, challenges us, and gets us ready to take the hill! May God use our time reading and discussing to further refine us. Thank you men.
- What can a lack of spiritual discipline do to your life?
- What do you think it means practically to train yourself to be godly?
- Is there a cost to spiritual discipline? What cost?
Next Week: Chapter 2 – Discipline of Purity
No maniless no maturity! No discipline no discipleship! No sweat no sainthood!
I liked it when he simply states “legalism is self-centered; discipline is God-centered.
The legalistic heart says “I will do this thing to gain merit with God.” The discipline heart says, “I will do this thing because I love God and want to please Him.”
I’m ready to join God’s gym.
What a powerful challenge issued in the first chapter. I was challenged that Christian discipline is not easily attained; it’s not osmosis! All too often, I want whatever’s easiest, not whatever will actually benefit me the most. What did others of you see in this first chapter?
I need to get a copy of this book. I like the comparison in your post to physical training. I think about how much time running takes, or sometimes the physical pain I have to push through. But it’s for my future benefit. I can handle stress better, I keep myself healthier, and it even makes the next workout easier. It builds, just like Godly discipline training would. The more effort put in, the more likely we are to stay on the right path.