Definition:

1. discipline and training of oneself, usually for improvement: 

   1. Acquiring the habit of promptness requires self-discipline.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. NLT

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. KJV

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control]. AMP

Devotional:

Self-discipline is normally referred to when speaking about exercising or eating healthy. It more often than not is in context to our physical being and having self-discipline over our bodies. However, in 2 Timothy 1:7 Paul is putting the emphasis on the emotions and thoughts, in other words our minds. I encourage you to read all of 2 Timothy, Paul is writing to Timothy and the letter has a clear tone of affection and care throughout. Paul clearly cares about Timothy. Paul wrote this letter with thoughtful intention, the topics addressed and words used were chosen with the same affection he clearly had for the recipient, Timothy. 

That being said, the Greek word used here is not found anywhere else in the Bible. Your interest peaked? The Greek word used for self-discipline in 2 Timothy 1:7 is, sōphronismos. It means discipline, self-control, soundness of mind and moderation. The root word for sōphronismos is phrēn which means; the mind, the feelings or sensitive nature, the faculty of perceiving and judging. A lot of times we are concerned about what we should do with our bodies but Paul here is trying to highlight that if we discipline or control our minds, the body will always follow.

Regardless if one is a Christian or not, you will hear the phrase, “Have faith.”  That statement doesn’t inspire an action, it inspires a thought. The scripture 2 Timothy 1:7 holds a special place in my life. It is one of the verses that has held me up through hard times and continues to do so on a daily basis. Why has it helped me through hard times? This scripture lets me know that if I keep my mind on the Word of God everything else will turn out okay. A lot of times when life’s situations are out of your control, you can still control or discipline your mind. 

How are you going to discipline your mind today? What are you struggling with today? Find a scripture that speaks to that struggle. Discipline your mind by coming into agreement with the truth of that scripture. Meditate on that scripture. Read it everyday, every hour...as much as it takes. Watch your worry disappear. Watch yourself be restored to your heavenly senses. Watch yourself remain sober in times of adversity. Watch as your mind is protected from the enemy by disciplining your mind to agree with the Word of God!

Confession:

I have a sound mind. 

I operate in self-discipline. 

I restore my senses and curb my worldly impulses and desires. 

I remain sober to save myself from danger or destruction. 

God did not give me a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but He has given me a spirit of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline. 

I have the ability to remain calm, have a well-balanced mind and self-control. 

Additional Scriptures: This is the only place in the Bible where I could find this Greek word used. 

Here are some scriptures on the topic of self-discipline: Galatians 5:22-23, Romans 7:18, 1 Corinthians 7:5, Titus 2:11-12, 2 Peter 1:5-8 and James 1:19-20

Make sure you take time to reflect on what self-discipline means to you.