Discipline, divine (2)

The nature of God’s discipline

It is a sign of God’s love

Hebrews 12:6 KJV 1900

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

See also Pr 3:12; Ps 119:75; Re 3:19

It is a sign of belonging to God’s family

Hebrews 12:6 KJV 1900

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

See also Pr 3:12; Dt 8:5; 2 Sa 7:14; Heb 12:7

It trains God’s people

Hebrews 12:11 KJV 1900

Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

The means of God’s discipline

The use of Scripture

2 Timothy 3:16 KJV 1900

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

See also Dt 4:36; Dt 29:29; Is 8:11

The knowledge of God’s grace

Titus 2:11–12 KJV 1900

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

Instructive experiences

See also Dt 8:1–5; Dt 11:2–7; Ps 90:12; Is 48:17

Painful experiences

Hebrews 12:7 KJV 1900

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

See also 2 Co 12:7–10; Heb 12:5; Heb 12:11; 1 Pe 1:6–7

Punishment

Hebrews 12:6 KJV 1900

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

See also Pr 3:12; Le 26:18; Le 26:21; Le 26:23–24; Le 26:27–28; 2 Sa 7:14; Ps 73:14; Je 32:19; Ho 5:2; Ho 7:15–16; 1 Co 11:32

God disciplines all and only his children

Hebrews 12:8 KJV 1900

But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

See also Heb 12:6

The goals of God’s discipline

Respectful submission to God

Hebrews 12:9 KJV 1900

Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

The good of God’s people

Hebrews 12:10 KJV 1900

For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

See also Job 5:17–18; Ps 94:12; Ps 119:67; Ps 119:71; Ps 119:75

Spiritual growth

Hebrews 12:11 KJV 1900

Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

See also Pr 1:2–3

Preparation for heaven

2 Corinthians 4:17–18 KJV 1900

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

See also Ro 8:18; Jas 1:12

Believers should not despise God’s discipline

Job 5:17 KJV 1900

Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: Therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty:

See also Heb 12:5; Pr 3:11

Divine discipline in the church

By reproof

2 Co 7:8; 2 Co 13:2; 2 Th 3:15

For the benefit of sinners

Mt 18:15; 1 Co 5:1–7; 2 Th 3:14

As a warning to others

1 Timothy 5:20 KJV 1900

Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

To be exercised with kindness

2 Co 2:6; Ga 6:1

The role of witnesses

Mt 18:16; 1 Ti 5:19