10 Disciplines from Paul’s life and ministry

10 Disciplines from Paul’s life and ministry (extracted from a message by C.B. Samuel-former EFICOR director]

Discipline is that you do consistently in spite of your situations, positions,challenges.

1. Discipline of prayer and study Bible: secret of your power directly proportional to your prayer life. If we study the life of Paul he was always consistent in his prayer life irrespective of his situation. We see Paul praying @ the prison when his arms were locked with chain, while travelling in the ship, etc. Acts 16:13 -And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to a riverside, where we were supposing that there would be a place of prayer. Psalms 119:164 psalmist says seven times a day i praise you Lord.
2. Discipline of doing requirement of the law: Acts 17:2-it says as was Paul custom, he went to the synagogue service on Sabbath day. Once Dr. Bill graham confessed that he never missed any Sundays.
3.  Discipline of learning: if we read and learn we can meaningfully share the gospel. Acts 17:22-26 when Paul addressing to people @ Athens he knew very well about them and their culture.
4. Discipline of hard work: Acts 18:3, 20:35, 1 Thessalonians 2:9 these scripture shows that how Paul works hard for the gospel even worked himself to earn livelihood.
5. Discipline of accountability: 2 Corinthians 8:20, 21- Paul was accountable to the church the graciously send gift for them- an offering for Jerusalem
6. Discipline your body: 1 Corinthians 9:27-Paul says i practice what i preach. Let your progress seen by others. Beat your body/mind/ thoughts obedient to Christ
7. Discipline of making and keeping promises: Acts 18: 18
8. Discipline of using gift appropriately: Rom1:11- imparting the gift, 1 Corinthians 14:18, 19 Use your gift to make a difference
9.  Discipline of giving: 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 Tithe-responsibility
10.  Discipline of reflection (Evaluation): 2 Corinthians 13:5- examine yourselves/ test your faith, “1 Timothy 4:16- keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you”.

Refining Silver

He will sit like a refiner of silver, burning away the dross. He will purify the Levites, refining them like gold and silver, so that they may once again offer acceptable sacrifices to the LORD Malachi 3:3


For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver.Psalm 66:10


Some time ago, a few ladies met in a certain city to read the scriptures, and make them the subject of conversation. While reading the third chapter of Malachi they came upon a remarkable expression in the third verse: “And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.” One lady’s opinion was that is was intended to convey the view of the sanctifying influence of the grace of Christ. Then she proposed to visit a silversmith and report to them what he said on the subject.

She went accordingly and without telling the object of her errand, begged to know the process of refining silver, which he fully described to her. “But Sir” she said, “do you sit while the work of refining is going on?” “Oh, yes, madam,” replied the silversmith; “I must sit with my eye steadily fixed on the furnace, for if the time necessary for refining be exceeded in the slightest degree, the silver will be injured.”

The lady at once saw the beauty, and comfort too, of the expression, “He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.” Christ sees it needful to put His children into a furnace; His eye is steadily intent on the work of purifying, and His wisdom and love are both engaged in the best manner for them. Their trials do not come at random; “the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”

As the lady was leaving the shop, the silversmith called her back, and said he had forgotten to mention that the only way that he knows when the process of purifying is complete when he sees his own image reflected in the silver….

Author Unknown