AS A FATHER DISCIPLINES HIS CHILDREN

Passage: Hebrews 12:1-13

Key verse: 11

NIV

12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run(A) with perseverance(B) the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus,(C) the pioneer(D) and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross,(E) scorning its shame,(F) and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.(G) 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary(H) and lose heart.

God Disciplines His Children

4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.(I) 5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,

“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,
    and do not lose heart(J) when he rebukes you,
6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,(K)
    and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”[a](L)

7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children.(M) For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline(N)—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, 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 spirits(O) and live!(P) 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.(Q) 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace(R) for those who have been trained by it.

12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.(S) 13 “Make level paths for your feet,”[b](T) so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.(U)

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Footnotes
  1. Hebrews 12:6 Prov. 3:11,12 (see Septuagint)
  2. Hebrews 12:13 Prov. 4:26
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ESV

Jesus, Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith

12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and (A)sin which clings so closely, and (B)let us run (C)with endurance the race that is (D)set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, (E)who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising (F)the shame, and (G)is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Do Not Grow Weary

3 (H)Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or (I)fainthearted. 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?

(J)“My son, (K)do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
    nor be weary when reproved by him.
6 For (L)the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
    and chastises every son whom he receives.”

7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. (M)God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, (N)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 (O)the Father of spirits (P)and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, (Q)that we may share his holiness. 11 (R)For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields (S)the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

12 Therefore (T)lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and (U)make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint (V)but rather be healed.

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The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

We have been reminded of forefathers who lived by faith in chapter 11. They pleased God and saw the great work of God as they were part of it by faith. Now, Jesus is the greatest example among them all, who bore the cross and shame. As Jesus willingly obeyed God, he became a great example of not being discouraged by the persecution of the world (2).

If God is in control, why should we suffer? The author reminds us that God lets us go through hardship as discipline (5). A father disciplines his children with all his wisdom to raise them to be competent adults. God also disciplines his children (7). No discipline feels pleasant at the moment. But through discipline, we come to understand God’s heart and share in his holiness (1

). We come to realize our hope in the kingdom of God better and come to trust in God's love fully. The purpose of discipline is not to hurt the child but to help him become stronger (13).

Prayer: Father, thank you for reminding me of your discipline of love. I often feel discouraged when I see your people go through hardship. Please help me to have spiritual eyes to pray for them and encourage them to fight the good fight in your name. Help me to take your discipline with the attitude of a trusting child being taught by his father to grow spiritual muscle and be useful in your work.

One Word: God's discipline helps us grow