DIVINE DISCIPLINE IS PARENTAL TRAINING

Hebrews 12: 5-11

The writer contrasts human fathers’ temporary discipline with God’s eternal purpose. Verses 5–11 form one extended argument: divine chastening is not punitive wrath but loving training aimed at a specific outcome, participation in God’s own holiness. (Heb 12:10)

THE PURPOSE OF DISCIPLINE:

Divine discipline is parental training, shaping us to resemble Gods character. It guards against sin’s corrosive power (Hebrews 12:1) and refines faith like gold in fire (I Peter 1:6-7). The pain is temporary; the product, holiness is eternal.

Discipline to share in God's holiness refers to the practice of cultivating a lifestyle that aligns with divine principles and values. This concept emphasizes the importance of spiritual discipline in achieving a closer relationship with God and embodying His holiness in daily life. Here are some key aspects:

SPIRITUAL GROWTH:

Engaging in regular prayer, meditation, and study of scripture helps believers grow in their understanding of God's nature and holiness.

MORAL CONDUCT:

Living a life that reflects God's holiness involves adhering to moral and ethical standards, promoting love, kindness, and integrity.

COMMUNITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY:

Being part of the body of Christ encourages mutual support and accountability, fostering an environment where individuals can encourage one another in their spiritual journeys.

TRANSFORMATION:

The discipline of sharing in God's holiness leads to personal transformation, enabling us to reflect His character in our actions and relationships. Gods discipline is an often ignored fact of life. The Bible teaches that, as God disciplines us His discipline is not doubtful; it is assured (Hebrews 12:5-6; Proverbs 3:11-12). God’s “discipline” and “rebuke” come to “everyone.” His correction is, in fact, a sign of His love for us, and we are to “not lose heart” when we experience it.

Fathers have a responsibility to train their children and part of that training is to administer discipline. Just as fathers wisely discipline their children, so does God (Hebrews 12:7-8). As we undergo God’s discipline, we can rejoice in at least one fact: God is treating us as his children (Deuteronomy 8:5)!

Discipline is not the same as condemnation. God disciplines His children, but He does not condemn them.  Romans 8:1 makes this clear: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”. Discipline has to do with training and growth; condemnation has to do with punishment and guilt.

WHEN DOES GOD DISCIPLINE US? 

Discipline is training, and that training involves both positive and negative aspects. Part of discipline is simply guiding someone to follow certain rules or to observe certain behaviors. Another part of discipline involves reproof to correct disobedience. Both aspects of discipline can be harsh. The trials Job endured were not a punishment for sin (Job 1:8), but they were training in righteousness (Job 42:3, 6), and Job emerged from his trial a better man.

God’s discipline begins when we are born into His family. We immediately begin to learn and understand the Word of God and adjust our lives accordingly. This is a blessing in our lives (Psalm 94:12-13).This type of discipline is more preventative than corrective.

God’s discipline also comes when we sin. In such cases, the chastisement is meant to be corrective. David, in one of his penitential psalms, expresses his desire that God moderate the severity of the punishment (Psalm 38:1-4). In this psalm, David admits his guilt and thus acknowledges that God’s punishment is just; at the same time, the sharp and crushing nature of the discipline seems more than he can bear, and he asks for help.

HOW DOES GOD DISCIPLINE US? 

God can and does use various methods of discipline. He may use trouble at work, hardship at home or difficulties in life. God may allow us to experience loss, as David did (II Samuel 12:13-18). God may send physical ailments or even death. Often, God will simply allow the natural consequences of our sin to run their course. We are forgiven, but we are corrected “so that we will not be finally condemned with the world” (I Corinthians 11:32).

WHY DOES GOD DISCIPLINE US? 

He is our heavenly Father who wants what’s the best for us children. Humanly speaking, no child will reach his or her full potential without training and discipline. The great athlete would never have excelled in any sport without discipline. Here are some reasons that we experience God’s discipline:

1. God disciplines us because He loves us.
2. God disciplines us to mature us.
3. God disciplines us to increase our capacity for virtue.
4. God disciplines us to keep us on the right path.
5. God disciplines us to grow our faith.
6. God disciplines us to purify us from sin.

The result of God’s discipline is holiness and maturity (James 1:2-4). The Lord continues to work with us, as a potter does the clay, and His discipline is for our good and His glory.

GOD WANTS US TO SHARE IN HIS HOLINESS: (Heb. 12:7-1)

The writer makes the point that God “disciplines us for our good.” When we sin against him, the consequences of those actions are designed to drive us forward into deeper devotion and deeper service to Him. It is interesting, however, that the writer clarifies what he means by, “for our good.” He goes on to say, “That we may share in His holiness.” There is a purpose to God’s discipline. It isn’t disciple just because God likes to tell us we are wrong and to punish us, rather, it is God creating a people who share His holiness.