Jump to: Topical • ISBE • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Concept Discipline in the biblical context refers to the practice of training oneself or others to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience. It is both a personal and communal practice that is essential for spiritual growth and maturity. Discipline is seen as a reflection of God's love and care for His people, guiding them towards righteousness and holiness. Biblical Foundation The concept of discipline is deeply rooted in Scripture, where it is often associated with wisdom, instruction, and correction. Proverbs 3:11-12 states, "My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD, and do not loathe His rebuke; for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights." This passage highlights the loving nature of divine discipline, likening it to a father's care for his child. Purpose of Discipline Discipline serves multiple purposes in the life of a believer. It is intended to correct, instruct, and train individuals in righteousness. Hebrews 12:10-11 explains, "Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it." This passage underscores the transformative power of discipline, leading to spiritual growth and peace. Discipline in the Family and Church In the family setting, discipline is a crucial aspect of parenting. Ephesians 6:4 instructs, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This verse emphasizes the responsibility of parents to guide their children in a manner that reflects God's principles. Within the church, discipline is necessary for maintaining order and purity. Matthew 18:15-17 outlines the process of church discipline, encouraging believers to address sin within the community with the goal of restoration. The passage advises, "If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church." God's Discipline God's discipline is an expression of His love and commitment to His people. It is not punitive but redemptive, aimed at drawing believers closer to Him. Revelation 3:19 affirms, "Those I love, I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent." This verse calls believers to respond to God's discipline with repentance and earnestness, recognizing it as a sign of His love. Self-Discipline Self-discipline is a vital aspect of the Christian life, enabling believers to live in accordance with God's will. 1 Corinthians 9:27 illustrates the apostle Paul's commitment to self-discipline: "No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified." This personal discipline is essential for maintaining integrity and effectiveness in ministry. Conclusion Discipline, both divine and self-imposed, is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith. It is a tool used by God to shape His people into the image of Christ, fostering spiritual growth and maturity. Through discipline, believers learn obedience, develop character, and experience the peace and righteousness that come from living in alignment with God's will. Topical Bible Verses Hebrews 12:11Now no chastening for the present seems to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to them which are exercised thereby. Topicalbible.org Hebrews 12:5-6 Hebrews 12:5-11 Proverbs 29:17 Proverbs 13:1 Proverbs 6:23 Ephesians 6:4 Proverbs 22:15 Proverbs 12:1 Proverbs 13:24 Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) Training for obedience, whether physical, mental, or moral.2. (n.) Training to act in accordance with established rules; accustoming to systematic and regular action; drill. 3. (n.) Subjection to rule; submissiveness to order and control; habit of obedience. 4. (n.) Severe training, corrective of faults; instruction by means of misfortune, suffering, punishment, etc. 5. (n.) Correction; chastisement; punishment inflicted by way of correction and training. 6. (n.) The subject matter of instruction; a branch of knowledge. 7. (n.) The enforcement of methods of correction against one guilty of ecclesiastical offenses; reformatory or penal action toward a church member. 8. (n.) Self-inflicted and voluntary corporal punishment, as penance, or otherwise; specifically, a penitential scourge. 9. (n.) A system of essential rules and duties; as, the Romish or Anglican discipline. 10. (v. t.) To educate; to develop by instruction and exercise; to train. 11. (v. t.) To accustom to regular and systematic action; to bring under control so as to act systematically; to train to act together under orders; to teach subordination to; to form a habit of obedience in; to drill. 12. (v. t.) To improve by corrective and penal methods; to chastise; to correct. 13. (v. t.) To inflict ecclesiastical censures and penalties upon. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia DISCIPLINEdis'-i-plin (mucar): In the King James Version only in Job 36:10, where it refers to moral discipline, the strenuous cultivation of the righteous life; the Revised Version (British and American) "instruction." the Revised Version (British and American) in 2 Timothy 1:7 has "discipline" for a Greek word (sophronismos) meaning "sobering"; in 2 Timothy 3:16 margin, for Greek paideia, "instruction." In classic Greek paideia means "education," mental culture. Through the influence of the Septuagint, which translates the Hebrew mucar by paideia, the meaning of "chastisement" accompanies paideia in the New Testament. Compare Hebrews 12:5, 7, 8, 11. Greek 3809. paideia -- the rearing of a child, training, discipline ... the rearing of a child, training, discipline. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: paideia Phonetic Spelling: (pahee-di'-ah) Short Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3809.htm - 7k 3811. paideuo -- to train children, to chasten, correct 4995. sophronismos -- self-control 1129. gumnasia -- exercise 4994. sophronizo -- to recall one to his senses, admonish 1128. gumnazo -- to exercise naked, to train 5299. hupopiazo -- to strike under the eye 5010. taxis -- an arranging, order 814. ataktos -- disorderly 1651. elegcho -- to expose, convict, reprove Strong's Hebrew 4148. musar -- discipline, chastening, correction... 4147, 4148. musar. 4149 . discipline, chastening, correction. Transliteration: musar Phonetic Spelling: (moo-sawr') Short Definition: instruction. ... /hebrew/4148.htm - 6k 3256. yasar -- to discipline, chasten, admonish 2596. chanak -- to train up, dedicate Library Discipline Discipline and Other Sermons Home-Discipline. Discipline Note on the Penitential Discipline of the Early Church. Church Discipline. The Order and Discipline of the Church... Of the Discipline of the Church, and Its Principal Use in Censures ... Of the Difference Between Discipline and Power, and of the Power ... Knox and the Book of Discipline Thesaurus Discipline (63 Occurrences)... 9. (n.) A system of essential rules and duties; as, the Romish or Anglican discipline. 10. ... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. DISCIPLINE. ... /d/discipline.htm - 25k Self-discipline (1 Occurrence) Disciplined (18 Occurrences) Exercise (35 Occurrences) Correction (26 Occurrences) Abstinence (2 Occurrences) Great (10383 Occurrences) Teach (172 Occurrences) Teaching (372 Occurrences) Treating (9 Occurrences) Resources How should Christians discipline their children? What does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about church discipline? | GotQuestions.org When, why, and how does the Lord God discipline us when we sin? | GotQuestions.org Discipline: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Discipline (63 Occurrences)1 Corinthians 9:27 2 Corinthians 6:9 Ephesians 6:4 Colossians 2:5 1 Timothy 1:20 1 Timothy 4:7 1 Timothy 4:8 2 Timothy 1:7 Hebrews 12:5 Hebrews 12:7 Hebrews 12:8 Hebrews 12:9 Revelation 3:19 Leviticus 26:23 Deuteronomy 4:36 Deuteronomy 11:2 Deuteronomy 21:18 1 Kings 12:11 1 Kings 12:14 2 Chronicles 10:11 2 Chronicles 10:14 Job 5:17 Job 36:10 Psalms 6:1 Psalms 38:1 Psalms 39:11 Psalms 50:17 Psalms 94:12 Psalms 105:22 Proverbs 1:2 Proverbs 1:3 Proverbs 1:7 Proverbs 3:11 Proverbs 5:12 Proverbs 5:23 Proverbs 6:23 Proverbs 7:22 Proverbs 10:17 Proverbs 12:1 Proverbs 13:1 Proverbs 13:18 Proverbs 13:24 Proverbs 15:5 Proverbs 15:10 Proverbs 15:32 Proverbs 15:33 Proverbs 16:22 Proverbs 19:18 Proverbs 19:20 Proverbs 19:27 Proverbs 22:15 Proverbs 23:12 Proverbs 23:13 Proverbs 23:23 Proverbs 29:17 Jeremiah 7:28 Jeremiah 10:8 Jeremiah 17:23 Jeremiah 30:11 Jeremiah 32:33 Jeremiah 46:28 Hosea 5:2 Habakkuk 3:9 Subtopics Discipline of Armies, for Disobedience of Orders Discipline of the Church is for Edification Discipline of the Church: Consists in Maintaining Sound Doctrine Discipline of the Church: Consists in Ordering Its Affairs Discipline of the Church: Consists in Rebuking offenders Discipline of the Church: Consists in Removing Obstinate offenders Discipline of the Church: Decency and Order, the Objects of Discipline of the Church: Exercise, in a Spirit of Charity Discipline of the Church: Ministers Authorised to Establish Discipline of the Church: Prohibits Women Preaching Discipline of the Church: should be Submitted To Related Terms Self-discipline (1 Occurrence) Self-controlled (9 Occurrences) |