The Father's Workshop

English Standard Version Chapter 12

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.

Introduction

Good morning, and Happy Father's Day to all the fathers and father figures present today! Today, we gather to celebrate and honor the invaluable role that fathers play in our lives. Fathers, much like the tools in a workshop, shape us, repair us, and help us build our futures. Whether it's teaching us how to ride a bike, fixing a leaky faucet, or offering a listening ear when we need it most, fathers are there, guiding and supporting us every step of the way.

In many homes, the workshop is a sacred space—a place where fathers work diligently, using their tools to create, repair, and build. Each tool in the workshop has a specific purpose, just as each lesson and act of discipline from our Heavenly Father has a specific role in our spiritual growth. Think about your own experiences with your dad or a father figure. Maybe it was watching him fix the car, building a treehouse together, or simply holding the flashlight while he worked. These moments, filled with patience, guidance, and sometimes correction, are reflective of the relationship we have with our Heavenly Father.

Our main scripture will be Hebrews 12:4-13 ESV, which speaks of the loving discipline of our Father in Heaven. As we explore these verses, we will see how God's discipline is not a sign of His displeasure, but of His deep love and commitment to our growth and well-being.

Summary of Hebrews 11

Before we dive into chapter 12, let's briefly look at Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "Faith Hall of Fame." This chapter provides a powerful definition of faith: "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1 ESV).

It recounts the stories of many who demonstrated immense faith—Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Moses, and others. These figures showed us that faith involves trusting God even when we cannot see the outcome. Their lives were marked by a steadfast assurance in God's promises, despite trials and uncertainties.

Synopsis of Hebrews 12

Hebrews 12 builds on this foundation of faith, urging us to run the race set before us with endurance, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.

It encourages us to discard every weight and sin that clings so closely. This chapter reminds us that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses and that discipline, though painful at the moment, yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

Connecting the Focus Scripture to the Workshop

Now, let’s connect our focus scripture, Hebrews 12:4-13, to the concept of a father's workshop. This passage talks about enduring God's discipline, emphasizing that it is a sign of His love and our legitimacy as His children.

Just as earthly fathers use various tools to build, repair, and maintain, our Heavenly Father uses spiritual tools to shape us into His likeness.

English Standard Version (Chapter 12)

6  For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,and chastises every son whom he receives.”

We find two important words in this text.

1. Discipline and 2. Chastise.

Discipline - Paideia (Greek) - Training.

Here, "chastise" signifies more than just punishment.

It involves the broader concept of loving correction and instruction intended to guide believers toward maturity and righteousness. Just as a loving father disciplines his children to teach them and help them grow, God uses discipline to shape our character, correct our missteps, and help us develop spiritually. This form of chastisement is an expression of God’s love and concern for our well-being, ensuring that we become more like Him in holiness and righteousness.

“Discipline should be regarded as evidence of sonship.” - Zane Hodges Commentary

Six Tools in the Father’s Workshop

Today, we will focus on six particular objects in the father’s workshop: the ladder, hammer, sander, tape measure, drill, and flashlight. Each of these tools represents a way in which God disciplines and guides us.

1. The Ladder: Trust and Faith

Object Lesson: Imagine a father using a ladder to reach high places for repairs or cleaning.

Message: A ladder helps us reach new heights, just as faith allows us to trust in God's plans and climb to spiritual heights. We must trust the ladder to hold us, just as we trust God to support us in our faith journey.

Biblical Connection: Proverbs 3:5-6 - “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Application: Fathers teach us to trust the tools we use, and we must trust in God's stability and guidance.

Transition: As we climb the ladder of faith, we also need strength and resilience to face life's challenges. This brings us to the next tool in our father's workshop: the hammer.

2. The Hammer: Strength and Discipline

Object Lesson: Picture a father using a hammer to build and repair around the house.

Message: A hammer symbolizes strength and precision. God uses the hammer of discipline to shape us, teaching us resilience and righteousness.

Biblical Connection: Hebrews 12:5-6 - “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”

Application: Just as a father uses a hammer to build and repair, God’s discipline builds our character and repairs our flaws.

Transition: While the hammer shapes us with strength, another tool smooths out our rough edges with care. Let's look at the sander.

3. The Sander: Refinement and Patience

Object Lesson: Envision a father using a sander to smooth rough edges on wood.

Message: A sander smooths rough edges, symbolizing the process of refinement. God uses trials to smooth our rough edges, teaching us patience and perseverance.

Biblical Connection: James 1:2-4 - “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

Application: Fathers demonstrate patience in their work, teaching us to embrace God's refining process for our spiritual growth.

Transition: Just as the sander refines, the tape measure ensures precision and standards in our lives. Let's explore the tape measure next.

4. The Tape Measure: Standards and Boundaries

Object Lesson: Think of a father using a tape measure to ensure things are built to the correct dimensions.

Message: A tape measure sets standards and boundaries. God's word provides the standards for our lives, ensuring we live according to His design.

Application: Fathers teach the importance of precision and standards, reflecting how we should adhere to God's measurements in our actions and decisions.

Transition: With precise measurements in place, we need the right tool to bring everything together perfectly. That tool is the drill.

5. The Drill: Precision and Guidance

Object Lesson: Picture a father using a drill to place screws with precision.

Message: A drill allows for precise work, much like how God provides specific guidance in our lives to help us fit into His plan perfectly.

Biblical Connection: Proverbs 16:9 - “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

Application: Fathers demonstrate careful guidance in their tasks, mirroring how God guides us precisely in our spiritual journey.

Transition: Finally, to see clearly in all our tasks, we need a tool that provides light and guidance. Let's consider the flashlight.

6. The Flashlight: Guidance and Illumination

Object Lesson: Imagine a father using a flashlight to see in dark places.

Biblical Connection: Psalm 119:105 - “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

Closing

On this fathers day, be reminded that your heavenly Father loves you.

His workshop and tools are for your growth.

His discipline is out of love.