Discipline towards Development

The purpose of discipline

When we hear the word discipline we immediately think of punishment. We assume that discipline is the byproduct of miss behavior. Even in the english language thats a very limited way to use the term. The english definition talks about “the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience.”

This week I read through 2,000 years of how the greek word is used to try and understand how the author of Hebrews might have used the term, and its very similar or english definition with the exception that the goal is not adherence to rules specifically but the molding of a child. It includes training and correction to be sure. & its different than classical education, it focuses on instruction and practice.

Discipline

Hebrews 12:7 ESV

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?

Draws the correlation between discipline and endurance. Discipline only shows up in this chapter but endurance is a common topic through the last half of Hebrews.

Hebrews 10:36 ESV

For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.

Question of Suffering 4 being a Christian

The suffering the Hebrews describes is not suffering in general. It is speaking to the suffering that one endures because of their faith. As we live in this fallen world and sin tries to snuff out our faith.

Adversity demands endurance which is for discipline.

Challenge: Why should I endure such adversity?

Hebrews 12:20 ESV

For they could not endure the order that was given, “If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.”

Hebrews 12:24 ESV

and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

By His blood Jesus has opened the way so that we can endure.

Accessibility: How can I endure such adversity?

community support

Hebrews 12:1 ESV

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Christ’s footsteps

Hebrews 12:2 ESV

looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Parents to children

Proverbs 1:7 ESV

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 6:20–23 ESV

My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching. Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck. When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you. For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life,