Sometimes we have a tendency to view ourselves as autonomous or self-governing. We're old enough to make our own decisions and no one is going to tell us what to do. However, for those of us who are in Christ, this kind of thinking will not fly. Not only is it inconsistent with the commitment we've made to Him, He won't let it happen.
God disciplines those He loves. This passage makes that clear. Isn't that reassuring? If you find yourself being punished by God, rejoice. That means you're one of His kids and he loves you. When we were kids, my dad would always tell us he loved us after he spanked us. At the time I'm sure I thought, "Well that's a funny way of showing it." Looking back I understand (and even then I think) that the discipline was for my own good. It kept me from careening down a path of disobedience. Aren't you thankful our heavenly Father does the same for us.
Hebrews 12:1-13
1Therefore, 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 with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
4In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:
"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 6because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."[a]
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.
12Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13"Make level paths for your feet,"[b] so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.
Questions
1. What do you like in this passage?
2. What is difficult about this passage?
3. What did you learn about God?
4. What is He leading you to do?
5. What part will you take with you and think about today?
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