Discipline is the bridge between potential and purpose. Without it, prayer alone cannot produce the life God intends for us. God uses prepared, trained, and disciplined vessels.
“We will not become anything in life or in God if we don’t have the right discipline and training.”
What Is Discipline?
In Scripture, discipline does not mean punishment — it means training.
The Greek root word paideia refers to the education or training of a child until they become what they are meant to be.
(See Hebrews 12:5–11)
God’s discipline molds us into vessels fit for His purpose. It is deliberate, consistent, and necessary for spiritual growth.
Why Discipline Matters
- Discipline reveals readiness. Every man or woman God used in Scripture was trained none were careless.
- Grace provides the gift, but discipline shapes the vessel.
- Prayer activates discipline, and discipline positions us for destiny.
Examples:
- Joseph learned leadership in Potiphar’s house and prison before leading a nation.
- David practiced with his sling for years before facing Goliath.
- Jesus trained His disciples for three years before sending them out.
“Training brings you to a point where you are prepared and fit for the Master’s use.”
(2 Timothy 2:21)
Discipline in Practice
Everything we become is what we are trained to do.
- Consistent lateness? A lack of training.
- Consistent excellence? A fruit of discipline.
Daily habits even those that seem small build the foundation for the day of opportunity.
“Whatever we fail to discipline today will disqualify us tomorrow.”
The Discipline of Submission
This week’s focus was on submission — one of the highest forms of discipline.
What Does Submission Mean?
Submission is a military term, meaning to arrange under authority or to align yourself voluntarily under a leader’s command.
It is not forced it is voluntary.
Biblical Types of Submission:
- Submission to God – James 4:7
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” - Submission to Scripture – 2 Timothy 3:16
We submit by doing what the Word says without rationalizing it. - Submission to Parents and Authority – Luke 2:51
Even Jesus learned submission to His earthly parents before demonstrating it toward God. - Mutual Submission among Believers – Ephesians 5:21
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
Lessons on Submission
1. Submission is Divine Protection, Not Restriction.
When we obey God’s instructions, we walk in safety.
Like a child who stops at “red light,” our obedience protects us from unseen danger.
“His commandments are not grievous — they are for our protection.” (1 John 5:3)
2. Submission Is Rooted in Love, Not Oppression.
True submission is built on trust — trust that God’s will is better than ours.
In marriage, leadership and submission both flow out of love, never manipulation. (Ephesians 5:21–25)
3. Submission Is an Act of Trust.
To submit means to believe God knows better — His wisdom, foresight, and timing are perfect.
Rebellion stems from self-reliance; submission stems from trust.
4. Submission Doesn’t Cancel Reasoning.
Jesus, in Gethsemane, acknowledged His struggle but still chose God’s will.
“Not my will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)
🔹 Submission Must Be Learned
Submission is not automatic — it’s trained.
Even Jesus “learned obedience through the things He suffered” (Hebrews 5:8).
Children are trained to listen and obey; believers must also be trained to obey God instantly and joyfully.
“Whatever God says, we just do it — whether we understand it or not.”
🔹 Practical Challenge for the Week
This week’s spiritual exercise: Just do it.
- If Scripture says it, do it.
- If the Holy Spirit prompts you, obey immediately.
- When your alarm goes off get up!
- When God says pray, pray.
Small acts of obedience train the heart to submit to God’s larger instructions.
Submission requires dying to self and choosing God’s way daily.
“If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Mark 8:34)
True submission says:
“When I feel like it or not, when I understand it or not — I follow God’s voice.”
🔹 Prayer Points
- Lord, train me to obey You instantly.
- I submit my thoughts, will, and plans to You.
- Teach me the discipline of submission — to You, to Your Word, and to godly authority.
Let my obedience position me as a vessel of honor, fit for Your use.
