As a Father Disciplines His Children

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

As a Father Disciplines His Children

Date: Jul. 21, 2022

Passage

Hebrews 12:1-13 (ESV)

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?

  “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
    nor be weary when reproved by him.
6   For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
    and chastises every son whom he receives.”

7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 12:11

For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

We have been reminded of forefathers who lived by faith in chapter 11. They pleased God and saw the great work of God as they were part of it by faith. Now, Jesus is the greatest example among them all, who bore the cross and shame. As Jesus willingly obeyed God, he became a great example of not being discouraged by the persecution of the world (2).

If God is in control, why should we suffer? The author reminds us that God lets us go through hardship as discipline (5). A father disciplines his children with all his wisdom to raise them to be competent adults. God also disciplines his children (7). No discipline feels pleasant at the moment. But through discipline, we come to understand God’s heart and share in his holiness (10). We come to realize our hope in the kingdom of God better and come to trust in God's love fully. The purpose of discipline is not to hurt the child but to help him become stronger (13).

Prayer: Prayer: Father, thank you for reminding me of your discipline of love. I often feel discouraged when I see your people go through hardship. Please help me to have spiritual eyes to pray for them and encourage them to fight the good fight in your name. Hel

One Word: One Word: God's discipline helps us grow

“he Has Risen!”

Mark 16:1-20

Key Verse: 16:6

Today's Question

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