The word disciple is taken from the word discipline. This definition is very fitting for the disciples who walked with Jesus and learned first hand what the righteous and unrighteous acts should be if they wanted to enter heaven. As a disciple we see Paul didn’t hesitate to tell El’-y-mas the sorcerer his acts against the deputy were evil and that he was perverting the Lords right way! (Acts 13:8-12) But El’-y-mas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. Then Saul,(who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, And said, O full of all subtily(deceit) and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.

 The Christian is on guard daily to the devices of satan even though we are not ignorant of his devices. He tries his best to offset the good we are doing for the Lord, while others are taken captive at his will. (2 Timothy 2:25,26) In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. Lest satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. (2 Corinthians 2:11).

Discipline is not a bad thing in the eyes of God as he does chasten and discipline His children, after all we are to be conformed to the image of His Son whom He loved very much (Romans 8:29) For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed  to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Always remember the disciples of Jesus day are no different than those instructed today in the work of the Lord. This work is the most worthy of all to serve the one who has called you to teach His word and bring many to Christ! (1 Corinthians 15:57,58) But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

And he said to them all,, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it (Luke 9:23,24).