Under My Father's Hand

Under My Father’s Hand

Hebrews 12:7-11 (NIV)

7Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

I.       Introduction:

II.    Be Encouraged Under The Father’s Discipline: Discipline Identifies Children (vv. 7-8)

A.    Enduring Hardship as Discipline

B.     Recognizing the Source as the Father

C.     Proving Legitimacy as Sons

III. Be Submissive to The Father’s Discipline: Discipline Inspires Respect  (vv. 9-10)

A.    Discipline From Our Human Fathers

1.      Discipline That Deserves Respect

2.      Discipline For a Short While

3.      Discipline As They Think Best

B.     Discipline From Our Heavenly Father

1.      Submitting to the Father of our Spirits

2.      Receiving the Gift of Life

3.      Sharing in the Holiness of God

IV. Be Grateful for the Father’s Discipline: Discipline Initiates Change (v. 11)

A.    Even Though it is Not Pleasant

B.     Because it Promises A Great Reward

1.      Discipline as Training

2.      Discipline as Treasure

a)      The Treasure of Righteousness

b)      The Treasure of Peace

V.    Conclusion: