Step Up! Discipline – Proverbs 4:1b

Step Up!

Discipline – Proverbs 4:1b
Sunday, June 28, 2026
Pastor Mike Bailey

Introduction

Step Up! explores the timeless wisdom of Proverbs 4 that’s rooted in a father’s wisdom to his children. In a world full of distractions, confusion, and competing voices, we will uncover what it means to live with purpose, lead with wisdom, and walk in godly character. Through practical and biblical truth, we’ll wrestle with the importance of discipline, discernment, instruction, gentleness, and love—qualities that shape strong fathers, faithful believers, healthy families, and purposeful lives. Step Up! offers a challenge for us all to grow, mature, and take the next step God is calling us to.

June 21 – Be Purposeful – Proverbs 4:1a

June 28 – Discipline – Proverbs 4:1b

July 5 – Discern – Proverbs 4:1c

July 12 – Instruct – Proverbs 4:2

July 19 – Be Gentle – Proverbs 4:3a

July 26 – Be Loving – Proverbs 4:3b

IMPACT Church 101 E. First Ave. Parkesburg, PA 19365
(610) 857-3887 [email protected]

Discipline

Proverbs 4:1b

…corrects you…

My father taught me, Proverbs 4:4a

1. The for discipline.

⁵ “Think about it: Just as a parent disciplines a child, the Lord your God disciplines you for your own good. ⁶ So obey the commands of the Lord your God by walking in his ways and fearing him.” Deuteronomy 8:5-6

I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:27

Notes:

2. The for discipline.

The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother. Proverbs 29:15 (ESV)

³ Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. ⁴ Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. ⁵ And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. 2 Timothy 2:3-5

Notes:

3. The for discipline.

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid. Proverbs 12:1 (ESV)

Notes:

4. The of discipline.

No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. Hebrews 12:11

Yet when we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned along with the world. 1 Corinthians 11:32

Notes:

Challenge:

How have you been denying or avoiding God’s discipline in your life?

It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Isaiah 59:2a

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Romans 3:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

Growth Challenge:

Seek correction and direction from God this week.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Psalm 139:23

Reread Proverbs 4 in preparation for next week’s message.

All Bible verses are from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.