Being Conformed thru Discipline part 2

Now striking the above balance can prove tricky as there are some Pit Falls in the Disciplines such as:

1. Reliance on “Willpower” and “Human Determination” to overcome sin

Colossians 2:20-3:4 Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: "Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"? These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence. Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

2. Self-Righteousness -righteousness is a gift from God, through His grace alone;

Ephesians 2:8-10 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Romans 5:17 For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.

Galatians 6:8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

3. Turning the Spiritual Disciplines into Legalistic Requirements

Matthew 5:20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 23:4 They tie up heavy loads and put them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.

2 Corinthians 3:6 He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant--not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

And when we do that they become External, Manipulative, Judgmental and result in Fear and Pride

4. Comparisons with Others (always leads to one of the two extremes-either I praise myself by patting myself on the back or I belittle myself and kick myself in the butt... comparisons are seldom good for us)

Some of the benefits of Discipline include what Dallas Willard calls“The Law of Indirect Preparedness” it;s good to be ready, we never know what’s coming around life’s next bend.  And finally let me suggest that Holy Habits become our Character (we begin to smell like Jesus)

2 Corinthians 2:15 For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.

Sow a thought and you reap an action;

Sow an act and you reap a habit;

Sow a habit and you reap a character;

Sow a character and you reap a destiny