Discipline Yourself for the Purpose of Godliness‍

Discipline Yourself for the Purpose of Godliness
By Ryan Fontenot – R.A.G.E. Ministries

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“Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.” — 1 Timothy 4:7 (NASB)

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We live in a world that celebrates talent, but often overlooks discipline. Everyone wants to win—but few want to train. Every athlete knows the truth: discipline is the difference between those who dream about it and those who do it.

The same is true in our walk with Christ. Paul’s charge to Timothy is clear: “Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.” Godliness doesn’t happen by accident. It’s developed through intentional habits that train our hearts toward Him.

The Athlete Analogy

Professional athletes don’t just show up on game day and hope for the best. They practice, prepare, and push through pain. They sacrifice comfort for growth. They know that success is built long before the spotlight hits.

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Boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk put it bluntly. “I don’t have motivation. I have discipline. Motivation is temporary … motivation is needed only for amateur sportsmen.

That line could easily apply to Christians. Too many believers live off spiritual “motivation”—a good sermon, a moving song, an emotional camp moment—but motivation fades. Discipline is what keeps you going when feelings don’t

‍Legendary coach Vince Lombardi once said, “Mental toughness is essential to success. It’s combined with a perfectly disciplined will that refuses to give in.

And Olympian Michelle Carter added, “Through faith and sports, I’ve learned discipline and self-control … you have to put your pride aside and let God’s plan come through.”

If athletes will go to such lengths for a trophy that fades, how much more should we train our hearts for the eternal prize of godliness?‍

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The 5 W’s of Spiritual Discipline‍

If we want to grow in godliness, we need a plan.

At R.A.G.E. Ministries, I call it the 5 W’s—five spiritual disciplines that help every believer strengthen their walk with God.

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1. WORD — Read Your Bible

Scripture: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105

Athletes study film. They review the playbook. They learn the strategy. For followers of Jesus, the Bible is our playbook for life.

You can’t live for God if you don’t listen to God.

‍Start here: Set aside time daily to read a passage, write down one truth, and apply it. Even 10 minutes can change the trajectory of your day.

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2. WORDS — Pray Continually

Scripture: “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” — Colossians 4:2

Prayer is your conversation with the Coach. It’s how you align your heart with His. Every athlete checks in with their coach for instruction, correction, and encouragement. Prayer is our daily check-in with God.‍

Start here: Pray at three moments each day—when you wake up, mid-day, and before bed. Talk honestly, thank God specifically, and listen quietly.‍‍

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3. WORSHIP — Live a Life of Praise

Scripture: “Through Him let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God.” — Hebrews 13:15

Worship isn’t just singing on Sunday—it’s the posture of your heart every day. An athlete gives glory to the team; believers give glory to God. Every breath, every blessing, every battle is a reason to worship.‍

Start here: Begin each day with a simple declaration: “God, You are worthy.” Thank Him for three things and turn your gratitude into praise.

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4.WITNESS — Tell Others About Jesus

Scripture: “You will be My witnesses … to the ends of the earth.” — Acts 1:8

Great players don’t keep their skills to themselves—they pass the ball. Our faith is meant to be shared. God didn’t save you to sit on the sidelines; He saved you to step into the game and share His story.‍

Start here: Ask God for one opportunity this week to talk about Jesus—at school, work, or online. Then take it. Someone’s eternity may change because you did.‍

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5. WALK — Obey God Daily

Scripture: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” — James 1:22

Training means taking what you’ve learned and putting it into practice. Athletes know that skills don’t matter if they aren’t applied on the field. God calls us not just to know His truth, but to live it—every decision, every step, every day.‍

Start here: Identify one area where God is asking for obedience—maybe forgiveness, generosity, or purity—and take that next step this week.‍

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Training for the Ultimate Prize‍

Spiritual discipline isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress.

It’s the daily, ordinary practices that produce extraordinary godliness over time.

Paul reminds us, “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” — 1 Timothy 4:8

Discipline may be difficult, but it’s always worth it. The spiritual habits you build today will shape the person you become tomorrow. So, just like an athlete trains for the game—train your soul for godliness.

When others give up, keep showing up. When your motivation fades, let discipline carry you through.‍

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Take the 28-Day Challenge‍

If you’re ready to build godly habits that last, join the 28-Day Spiritual Discipline Challenge at rageministries.com/28.

Pick a discipline you want to work on and for the next 28 days, we’ll will send you an email devotional each day on that topic. Every day you’ll grow a little stronger, a little closer, a little more like Jesus. Because discipline isn’t just about doing more—it’s about becoming more like Him.‍

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Prayer‍

Lord, help me train my heart toward You. Strengthen my faith when I’m tired, sharpen my focus when I’m distracted, and shape my life through Your Word, prayer, worship, witness, and walk. I want to run this race with endurance—for Your glory alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.