Disciplined Children

Hebrews 12:4–7 KJV 1900

4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. 5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

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TEXTUAL

Title: The Discipline of a Loving Father

Introduction:

As children of God, we often face trials, challenges, and hardships in our lives. Sometimes, we may question why these things are happening to us. But as we delve into Gods Word, we see that these difficulties serve a purpose in our lives. In Hebrews 12:4-7, we are reminded of the discipline of a loving father and how it shapes us into being better followers of Christ.

Reading of the Text:

Hebrews 12:4-7 (KJV)

Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: for whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

Contextual Background:

The book of Hebrews was written to encourage the Jewish Christians who were facing persecution. They were reminded of the superiority of Christ and the importance of faith and endurance in their walk with God. In this passage, the author is addressing the idea of suffering and discipline in the lives of believers.

Explanation of the Text:

The author begins by reminding us that we have not yet reached the point of extreme suffering for our faith in Christ. This serves as a contrast to the suffering of Christ and those early believers who faced severe persecution for their faith. Then, he quotes from Proverbs 3:11-12, reminding us that when we are disciplined by the Lord, it should not be despised or taken lightly. This discipline is a sign that we are Gods children and it is done out of his great love for us.

Theological Significance:

Gods discipline is a sign of his love for us. Just as a loving father disciplines his children for their own good, God also disciplines us for our spiritual growth and development. As we face challenges and trials, we should not see them as punishment, but as an opportunity to grow closer to God and become more like Christ. This discipline also serves as a reminder that we are not of this world, and our ultimate goal should be to please God rather than men.

Practical Application:

We can apply this biblical truth in our lives by first recognizing that Gods discipline is a sign of his love for us. We should not resent or question it, but instead, embrace it and seek to learn and grow from it. We should also remember that our ultimate goal is to please God, not ourselves or others. And lastly, we must have endurance and faith in the midst of trials, trusting that God is working all things for our good (Romans 8:28).

Conclusion:

In conclusion, let us remember that the discipline of a loving father is a sign of his love and care for us. It is meant to shape us and mold us into becoming better followers of Christ. So, let us embrace challenges and trials with faith and endurance, knowing that God is using them to refine us and bring us closer to him.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for your unending love for us. Help us to see your discipline as a sign of your great love and care for us. Give us the faith and endurance to learn and grow from the challenges and trials we face. May we always seek to please you above all else. In Jesus name, Amen.

Footnotes:

1. The book of Hebrews was written by an unknown author, although some suggest it could be Paul, Apollos, or Barnabas.

2. The book was written to encourage Jewish Christians facing persecution and to remind them of the superiority of Christ.

3. The passage in Hebrews 12:4-7 draws from Proverbs 3:11-12.

4. Gods discipline is a sign of our adoption as his children and our ultimate goal should be to please him.

5. We should see trials and challenges as opportunities for growth and not resent or question them.

6. We must have faith and endurance in the midst of trials, trusting that God is working for our good.

Reference:

The Holy Bible, King James Version.

Traditional 3 point

Title: The Discipline of a Loving Father

Introduction:

Good morning brothers and sisters, today we will be reflecting on a passage from the book of Hebrews, chapter 12, verses 4 to 7. This section of scripture talks about the discipline of the Lord towards his children. As we study these verses, let us remember that Gods discipline is a reflection of his love for us and an integral part of our journey towards holiness.

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12:4-7 (KJV)

4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:

6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

Main Point 1: Gods Chastening as a Reflection of His Love

Explanation: In verse 4, the author of Hebrews reminds us that our struggle against sin has not yet led us to martyrdom. We may face challenges and temptations daily, but we have not yet reached a point of risking our lives for our faith. However, even in these moments of lesser struggles, we must not forget that our heavenly Father is watching over us with a loving eye.

Illustration: A loving father disciplines his child when they do something wrong, not to cause them harm but to guide them towards the right path. Similarly, Gods discipline is not meant to harm us but to lead us away from sin and towards holiness.

Application: As children of God, let us not despise his discipline or become discouraged when we are rebuked for our wrongdoings. Instead, let us see it as a sign of our Fathers love for us and a call to repentance.

Main Point 2: The Purpose of Gods Discipline

Explanation: Verse 6 reminds us that Gods discipline is a manifestation of his great love for us. Just as a parent disciplines their child because they love them, God also chastens us because he loves us. His goal is not to inflict pain but to bring us closer to him and transform us into his likeness.

Illustration: A potter uses a sharp tool to shape the clay into a beautiful vessel. Similarly, God uses discipline to shape us into the image of his son, Jesus Christ.

Application: Let us trust in Gods sovereignty and see his discipline as a means to mold us into the people he created us to be.

Main Point 3: Enduring Chastening as Sons of God

Explanation: In verse 7, the author reminds us that we are Gods children, and as such, we will face his discipline. However, if we endure it with the right attitude, we will experience the fruits of righteousness and be welcomed into Gods family as sons and daughters.

Illustration: A child who throws a tantrum when disciplined is only prolonging the process and delaying the peace that comes after. But a child who accepts the rebuke and correction of their parent will experience the joy and love that comes from a restored relationship.

Application: Let us endure Gods discipline with humility and obedience, knowing that it is for our good and a sign of his loving fatherhood.

Conclusion:

As we reflect on these verses, let us remember that Gods discipline is a reflection of his love for us. Let us not despise it or become discouraged, but embrace it as a means to grow in holiness and be transformed into the image of Christ. May we endure his discipline with a humble and obedient heart, knowing that it is for our good and a sign of our status as beloved children of God.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the reminder that your discipline is a reflection of your love for us. Help us to embrace it and endure it with humility and obedience. May we be transformed into the image of your Son, and may your love guide us towards holiness. In Jesus name, we pray, amen.

Reference:

Hebrews 12:4-7 (KJV)

Exegetical Sermon

Hebrews 12:4-7

Title: The Discipline of Gods Love

Introduction:

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12:4-7 (KJV)

4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:

6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

Historical and Cultural Context:

The book of Hebrews was written to encourage and strengthen Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and temptation to turn back to their old religious practices. The author emphasizes the superiority of Christ and the New Covenant over the Old Covenant, and encourages believers to persevere in their faith.

In the previous chapter, the writer of Hebrews highlights the faith of Old Testament heroes like Abraham and Moses, who endured great trials and temptations because of their trust in God. The writer then transitions to exhorting his readers to also endure trials and persevere in their faith in Christ.

Translation and Interpretation:

Verse 4- The author reminds his readers that they have not yet faced the extreme persecution and suffering that Jesus and the early apostles endured for the sake of the gospel. He encourages them to continue striving against sin, even if it means enduring hardships.

Verse 5- The exhortation of the Lord is quoted from Proverbs 3:11-12, showing that the discipline of God is an act of love towards His children. The phrase chastening of the Lord refers to Gods training and correction of His children.

Verse 6- The author emphasizes that Gods discipline is a sign of His love. Just as earthly fathers discipline their children out of love and concern for their well-being, God also disciplines His children to keep them on the right path.

Verse 7- The writer explains that if we endure discipline from God, it is a sign that we are His children. A loving father would not discipline a child that is not his own, and in the same way, Gods discipline is evidence of our relationship with Him.

Main Argument/Thesis:

The main argument of this passage is that Gods discipline is a sign of His love for His children, and it is meant to shape us into the image of Christ. As we endure trials and discipline, we should remember that it is for our good and ultimately leads to our spiritual growth.

Detailed Exegesis:

The word used for chastening in verse 5 is the Greek word “paideia,” which refers to the training, instruction, and discipline of children. This type of discipline involves correction, instruction, and guidance. It is not meant to harm or punish, but to shape and mold children into mature and responsible individuals.

The phrase nor faint in verse 5 can also be translated as “do not lose heart,” indicating that when we endure discipline from God, we may be tempted to give up or become discouraged. But the author reminds us not to lose sight of the bigger picture, which is the love of God and our growth in Christ.

In verse 6, the word loveth is agape, the highest form of love, which is sacrificial and unconditional. This shows that Gods discipline is not a means of punishment, but an act of love towards His children. We can trust that no matter what we face, Gods love and care for us is unchanging.

Verse 7 highlights the importance of enduring through discipline. Just as a loving father would not give up on their child, God does not give up on us. He continues to discipline us because He desires for us to grow and mature in our faith.

Application:

1. Embrace Gods discipline: As Christians, we should not despise or reject Gods discipline, but instead, embrace it as an act of love and guidance from our Heavenly Father. We must have a change of perspective and recognize that Gods discipline leads to our ultimate good and spiritual growth.

2. Remember Gods love: In times of trials and hardships, let us remember the love of God. It is His love that motivates His discipline, and it is His love that sustains us through the trials we face.

3. Endure through discipline: Just as athletes endure rigorous training for the sake of their goal, let us endure through discipline for the sake of our spiritual growth and the ultimate goal of becoming more like Christ.

Conclusion:

As we face trials and discipline in our Christian walk, let us remember the discipline of Gods love. He disciplines us because He loves us and desires for us to grow and mature in our faith. May we have a shift in perspective, embrace His discipline, and endure through it, knowing that it leads to our ultimate good.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for your discipline, which is an expression of your great love for us. Help us to embrace it and see it as a means of our growth in Christ. Strengthen us to endure and continue in our faith, knowing that your discipline leads us to the ultimate goal of becoming more like Jesus. In His name, we pray. Amen.

Reference:

1. ESV Study Bible. (2008). Wheaton, IL: Crossway.

2. Strong, J. (2001). Strongs Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers.

Expository

Title: Endurance in the Race of Faith

Introduction:

What does it mean to be a Christian? It means to have faith in Jesus Christ and follow Him, no matter the circumstances. We are called to run the race of faith, but it is not always an easy one. In this expository sermon, we will explore the book of Hebrews and discover how we can endure in the race of faith.

Passage: Hebrews 12:4-7

Purpose:

To encourage believers to endure in the race of faith by looking to Jesus as our ultimate example and source of strength.

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12:1-3

Historical and Cultural Context:

The book of Hebrews was written to a group of Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and temptation to turn back to their old Jewish traditions. This passage is part of the authors exhortation to persevere in their faith despite their struggles.

Exposition of the Scripture:

In Hebrews 12:1, the author references a great cloud of witnesses from the previous chapter, listing examples of Old Testament believers who endured in their faith. In verse 2, he points to Jesus as the ultimate example of endurance, who endured the cross and its shame for the joy set before Him. This sets the stage for our passage, where the author urges believers to endure in their faith, reminding them of the discipline of the Lord.

Verse 4 emphasizes the serious nature of endurance in the race of faith. The Greek word used for striving conveys the idea of an athletic competition, where one must give their all to win. As Christians, we must take the race of faith seriously, giving it our all.

Verse 5 reminds us that as children of God, we will face discipline from the Lord. Just as a loving father disciplines his child, God disciplines us for our own good. This includes trials and temptations, which are used to strengthen our faith and shape us into the image of Christ.

Verse 6 reaffirms Gods love for us, as He disciplines those He loves. Similar to the Proverbs 3:12, the author reminds us that discipline is a sign of a Fathers love for His children.

In verse 7, the author quotes Proverbs 3:11-12 again, emphasizing the importance of endurance in our faith. Enduring discipline may be unpleasant in the moment, but it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who are trained by it.

Main Argument/Thesis:

As believers, we are called to endure in the race of faith, just as Jesus and the faithful examples before us. This endurance may involve discipline from the Lord, but it is ultimately for our good and produces a harvest of righteousness and peace.

Application:

1. Keep our eyes fixed on Jesus - When we face trials and temptation, let us remember the ultimate example of endurance, Jesus Christ. He endured the cross and its shame for the joy set before Him. Let us also fix our eyes on Him and the joy that awaits us in eternity.

2. Embrace discipline - As children of God, we will face discipline from the Lord. Instead of resenting or avoiding it, let us embrace it as a sign of Gods love for us. Let us be trained by it and allow it to produce a harvest of righteousness in our lives.

3. Persevere in the race of faith - The Christian life is not always easy, but let us remember the great cloud of witnesses before us and endure in the race of faith. Let us strive with all our might to run this race well, knowing that the finish line is worth it all.

Conclusion:

Endurance in the race of faith is not optional, but essential for every believer. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, embrace discipline, and persevere in the race, knowing that it is ultimately for our good and leads to a harvest of righteousness. May we be encouraged and strengthened as we run this race together.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word and the encouragement it gives us to endure in the race of faith. Help us to fix our eyes on Jesus, embrace discipline, and persevere in the race, knowing that You are with us every step of the way. May we be strengthened and encouraged to run this race well, for Your glory. In Jesus name, Amen.

Footnotes:

1. The Greek word used here for striving is agonizomai, which has the connotation of intense struggle and striving in an athletic competition.

2. The author uses examples from the Old Testament in Hebrews 11 to show how faith leads to endurance and perseverance in the face of trials.

3. The audience of Hebrews faced persecution for their faith in Jesus and were being tempted to turn back to their old Jewish traditions.

4. The book of Proverbs was a well-known and respected book among the Jewish people, and the author of Hebrews references it multiple times in this passage.

5. Harvest of righteousness emphasizes the ultimate result of enduring in our faith and allowing discipline to shape and train us into the image of Christ.

6. Peace comes from knowing that we are in Gods will and living in righteousness.