There’s no better way to start the week than by filling up with God’s Word. So each Monday morning join me here to take a brief, but reflective look into a passage of Scripture.
Discipline is one of the primary responsibilities of a parent. We’ve all seen children whose parents have obviously shirked that responsibility. They are not doing their children – or the rest of humanity – any favors! Discipline is necessary for a child to grow into a fully functioning, law-abiding, productive adult. God also disciplines His children.
7As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? 8 If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. 9 Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?
10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. 11 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 12:7-11, NLT
According to verse 7-8, what does the presence of God’s discipline in your life prove?
The Greek word paideia translated as “discipline” in this passage, means “correcting or chastening” and “education or training.” God’s discipline in the lives of His children corrects wrong behavior and equips us for the road ahead.
What is the purpose of God’s discipline in your life?
Even though God cares about every detail of our lives, He is most concerned about our spiritual condition. God allows difficulties and persecution into our lives so He can use them as tools to refine our faith and shape our character to look like Christ’s.
God does not discipline us to cause us pain. He is working to train us, to make us holy, and to produce righteousness and peace in our lives.
I would love to hear how God has used or is using His discipline to do just that in your life!
Titus Bible Study
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