Responding to God’s Correcting Voice
Hearing God’s Voice • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
0 ratings
· 9 viewsNotes
Transcript
TEXT: Hebrews 12:5-10
Hebrews 12:5–10 (NLT)
5 And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you.
6 For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”
7 As 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.
2 Corinthians 7:8-11
2 Corinthians 7:8–11 (NLT)
8 I am not sorry that I sent that severe letter to you, though I was sorry at first, for I know it was painful to you for a little while.
9 Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way.
10 For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.
11 Just see what this godly sorrow produced in you! Such earnestness, such concern to clear yourselves, such indignation, such alarm, such longing to see me, such zeal, and such a readiness to punish wrong. You showed that you have done everything necessary to make things right.
INTRODUCTION
I. RECOGNIZE THAT GOD’S DISCIPLINE IS DESIGNED FOR OUR GOOD. (Hebrews 12:5-10)
I. RECOGNIZE THAT GOD’S DISCIPLINE IS DESIGNED FOR OUR GOOD. (Hebrews 12:5-10)
Hebrews 12:5–10 (NLT)
Hebrews 12:5–10 (NLT)
5 And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you.
6 For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”
7 As 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.
A- We must learn to respond positively to God’s discipline. (Hebrews 12:5-9)
A- We must learn to respond positively to God’s discipline. (Hebrews 12:5-9)
1- Don’t respond disrespectfully. (Hebrews 12:5)
5 And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you.
2- Don’t get discouraged. (Hebrews 12:5)
5 And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you.
3- Do take his discipline as an expression of his love. (Hebrews 12:6-8)
6 For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”
7 As 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.
4- Do demonstrate your respect for Him as your Father, (Hebrews 12:9)
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?
B- We need to understand that God’s discipline is always for our good. (Hebrews 12:10)
B- We need to understand that God’s discipline is always for our good. (Hebrews 12:10)
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.
1- Earthly parents discipline out of imperfect natures.
2- God’s discipline is always for our good.
II- REALIZE THAT THERE IS ONLY ONE PROPER WAY TO RESPOND TO GOD’S DISCIPLINE. (2 Corinthians 7:9—10)
II- REALIZE THAT THERE IS ONLY ONE PROPER WAY TO RESPOND TO GOD’S DISCIPLINE. (2 Corinthians 7:9—10)
2 Corinthians 7:9–10 (NLT)
9 Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way.
10 For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.
A. Godly Sorrow - The proper response. (2 Cor. 7:9)
A. Godly Sorrow - The proper response. (2 Cor. 7:9)
9 Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way.
1. Godly sorrow begins with the realization of sin (2 Cor. 7:10 a)
10 For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.
a. The realization of sin begins with the conviction of the Holy Spirit.
(John 16:7-8)
7 But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you.
8 And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment.
1) When you, as a child of God, sin the Holy Spirit convicts you of the rebellion in your life.
a) If you can sin and not be convicted, you do not have the Holy Spirit within.
(Hebrews 12:8)
Hebrews 12:8 (NLT)
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.
b) In the youngest saved child, and the most wayward child of God... there is a sensitivity to sin... The wayward child of God cannot be happy living in rebellion against God!
c) when you sin, you will sense the broken fellowship with the Father. You may not know immediately what the sin is that broke the fellowship, but you will sense the conviction of the Spirit that something is wrong.
b. The realization of sin will lead to the pinpointing of the act of rebellion that is the problem.
1) God will always pinpoint the problem for us.
a) Sometimes through his messenger (2 Timothy 4:2)
2 Timothy 4:2 (NLT)
2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
(1) God used Paul to point out the rebellious acts of the Corinthians (I Corinthians)
*Open immorality and condoning of it.
*Cliques
*Insensitivity
*Doctrinal heresy
*Verbal attacks against God’s Messenger
2) God sometimes uses a verbal or written message to point out the sin problem.
a) Sometimes through meditation on His Word. (Joshua 1:8)
Joshua 1:8 (NLT)
8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.
1) God has used this method on me many times...
*Pointed out bad attitudes
*Pointed out lack of faith
*Pointed out failure to surrender some area of my life.
c) Sometimes during a searching time of Prayer. (Psalm 139:23)
Psalm 139:23 (NLT)
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
1) God will sometimes point out sin problems while we are earnestly seeking Him in prayer.
2. Repentance is the proper conclusion of Godly Sorrow
a. Godly Sorrow always leads us to repent of sin.
1.) The Corinthians experienced Godly sorrow (repentance).
a. The results was salvation for the church, and the redemption of their lives and testimonies.
b. The results individually was salvation (sanctification) of the lives of the believers.
*Repentance will always result in the growth of the believer, progressively being brought into the increasing likeness of Christ.
----Surrender of part after part of your life - growth in commitment to with Christ.
B. Worldly Sorrow- the wrong response. (2 Corinthians 7:10b)
B. Worldly Sorrow- the wrong response. (2 Corinthians 7:10b)
2 Corinthians 7:10b (NLT)
10 For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.
1. Worldly sorrow is only a mild sadness that ends without action.
a. If you are not sorry enough to follow through with repentance and change... it is worldly and not Godly sorrow.
2. Worldly sorrow results in a destroyed life
a. Life destroyed by guilt.
1.) guilt for sin not repented of.
*Sin is not forgiven until it is repented of...repentance is necessary.
(Luke 13:3)
Luke 13:3 (NLT)
3 Not at all! And you will perish, too, unless you repent of your sins and turn to God.
b. Life destroyed by bitterness. (Hebrews 12:15)
Hebrews 12:15 (NLT)
15 Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.
1.) Rebellion breeds bitterness.
a. Bitterness against the messenger of God...
*Because of conviction of the Holy Spirit, we are made uncomfortable.
*Because of the discomfort we don’t like what is said.
*Because we don’t like what is said, resentment and the resulting bitterness comes.
*Bitterness then quenches the Holy Spirit in our lives... and in Public worship. This destroys our own spiritual life and prevents the Spirit from moving in the hearts of others.
3. Worldly Sorrow ultimately results in Death (2 Corinthians 7:10a)
2 Corinthians 7:10a (NLT)
10 For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.
a. Continuing in sin and rebellion is dangerous! -
(1 John 5:16)
1 John 5:16 (NLT)
. But there is a sin that leads to death....
*Remember Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11 )
b. Some eve take their own lives through guilt for unrepentant sin.
*Peter’s Godly Sorrow vs. Judas’ Worldly Sorrow (Matthew 26, 27)
III. RESPOND TO GOD’S CORRECTION BY ACTIVELY ALLOWING REPENTANCE TO BRING CHANGE. (2 Corinthians 7:11)
III. RESPOND TO GOD’S CORRECTION BY ACTIVELY ALLOWING REPENTANCE TO BRING CHANGE. (2 Corinthians 7:11)
2 Corinthians 7:11 (NLT)
11 Just see what this godly sorrow produced in you! Such earnestness, such concern to clear yourselves, such indignation, such alarm, such longing to see me, such zeal, and such a readiness to punish wrong. You showed that you have done everything necessary to make things right.
A. Godly sorrow produces repentance. (2 Corinthians 7:10a)
A. Godly sorrow produces repentance. (2 Corinthians 7:10a)
2 Corinthians 7:10a (NLT)
10 For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.
1. Repentance is a change of heart, mind, and action
a. It literally means to change directions.
1) Repentance is part of the believer’s life.. .not just the unbeliever. (1 John 1:9)
1 John 1:9 (NLT)
9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.
...It leads to the progressive growth in surrender of your life to Christ.
B. Godly Sorrow eliminates indifference. (2 Corinthians 7:11).
B. Godly Sorrow eliminates indifference. (2 Corinthians 7:11).
2 Corinthians 7:11 (NLT)
11 Just see what this godly sorrow produced in you! Such earnestness, such concern to clear yourselves, such indignation, such alarm, such longing to see me, such zeal, and such a readiness to punish wrong. You showed that you have done everything necessary to make things right.
*Before Godly sorrow, they were careless and indifferent...afterward, definite changes took place. Notice:
1. CHANGES in Life (2 Corinthians 7:11a)
2 Corinthians 7:11a (NLT)
11 Just see what this godly sorrow produced in you! Such earnestness, such concern to clear yourselves, such indignation, such alarm, such longing to see me, such zeal, and such a readiness to punish wrong. You showed that you have done everything necessary to make things right.
a. When Godly sorrow does its work, we will become careful to be completely obedient to the Lord. We will desire to change.
b. When Godly sorrow does its work, confession and repentance will automatically follow.
1.) The Corinthians dealt with personal sin and sin within the camp. They were no longer tolerant of sin. They disciplined the unrepentant.
2. Indignant against Sin (2 Corinthians 7:11c)
2 Corinthians 7:11c (NLT)
11 Just see what this godly sorrow produced in you! Such earnestness, such concern to clear yourselves, such indignation, such alarm, such longing to see me, such zeal, and such a readiness to punish wrong. You showed that you have done everything necessary to make things right.
a. No longer was sin condoned. True Godly sorrow results in a hatred of sin... we will be repulsed by it.
3. Zeal in the Spirit (2 Corinthians 7:11f)
2 Corinthians 7:11f (NLT)
11 Just see what this godly sorrow produced in you! Such earnestness, such concern to clear yourselves, such indignation, such alarm, such longing to see me, such zeal, and such a readiness to punish wrong. You showed that you have done everything necessary to make things right.
a. When Godly sorrow does its work, in difference is replaced by zeal that is fueled by an intense love for Christ.
4. Accountability in the fellowship (2 Corinthians 7:11g)
a. Those who are unrepentant affect the life and testimony of the whole body of Christ...and cause unbelievers to blaspheme
(Romans 2:24)
Romans 2:24 (NLT)
24 No wonder the Scriptures say, “The Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of you.”
(I Corinthians 5:6)
1 Corinthians 5:6 (NLT)
6 Your boasting about this is terrible. Don’t you realize that this sin is like a little yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough?
b. Such are to be formally disciplined.
(2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15)
2 Thessalonians 3:6 (NLT)
6 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we give you this command in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: Stay away from all believers who live idle lives and don’t follow the tradition they received from us.
2 Thessalonians 3:14–15 (NLT)
14 Take note of those who refuse to obey what we say in this letter. Stay away from them so they will be ashamed.
15 Don’t think of them as enemies, but warn them as you would a brother or sister.
1) Godly sorrow in a church eliminates tolerance for rebellion!
5. Proven Lives (2 Corinthians 7:11 h )
2 Corinthians 7:11 (NLT)
11 Just see what this godly sorrow produced in you! Such earnestness, such concern to clear yourselves, such indignation, such alarm, such longing to see me, such zeal, and such a readiness to punish wrong. You showed that you have done everything necessary to make things right.
a. When the work of Godly sorrow is complete, a strong testimony will emerge.
*Beware of personal indifference and spiritual carelessness - it indicates a deeper problem!
Illustration: “Which needs help?” (KMB 544)
Self-righteous people know nothing of true repentance. A woman told her minister she would leave the church if a young woman who shared her pew wasn’t made to occupy another seat. Said the minister: “Madam, that girl was saved from a terrible life of sin. You say she sits and weeps quietly through the church services, and it annoys you, but it’s because her heart is so full of love to her Savior. Can’t you try to understand her?” “No, I can’t,” said the woman. “People who show emotion over their religion annoy me. I have always lived a good life. I don’t make any fuss.” “Well, madam,” said the minister, “have a talk with the girl; I believe she can help you.”
—As told by the minister
CONCLUSION
What about you? How sorry are you? Sorry enough to repent and allow Godly sorrow to do its complete work in your life?
Questions for Pondering:
What is the purpose of God's discipline according to Hebrews 12:5-10?
How should we respond when God disciplines us?
What distinction does the lesson make between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow?
In what ways does godly sorrow differ from simply feeling guilty?
What attitude should we have towards God's discipline as His children?
What evidence in a believer's life indicates that they are responding correctly to God's correction?
