SCRIPTURE: HEBREWS 12
BIBLE VERSES:
“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 with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2_
“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” (Hebrews 12:5-6)
“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. No 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.” (Hebrews 12:10-11)
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” (Hebrews 12:14-15)
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.”(Hebrews 12:28-29)
GOD DISCIPLINES HIS SONS (vs. 1-13)
HOW TO BE A DISCIPLINED PERSON:
- Throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles (v. 1a)
- Run with perseverance the race marked out for us (v. 1b)
- Fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (v. 2)
- Consider how Jesus endured oppositions from sinful men (v. 3a)
- Do not grow weary and lose heart (v. 3b)
- Do not make light the Lord’s discipline. (v. 5a)
- Do not lose heart when he rebukes you (v. 5b)
- Endure hardship (v. 7)
WRONG AGAINST REFUSING GOD (vs. 14-29)
CHRISTIAN LIVING:
- Live at peace with all men and be holy (v. 14)
- Do not miss the grace of God and allow bitter root to grow up and cause trouble defiling many. (v. 15)
- Do not be sexually immoral (v. 16)
- Do not be godless like Esau who sold his inheritance right for a meal (vs. 16-17)
- Do not turn away from Him (v. 25)
- Be thankful and worship God with reverence and awe (v. 28)
THOUGHTS:
ENCOURAGEMENTS OF PAUL FOR CHRISTIANS TO ENDURE AND GROW (By Warren Wiersbe)
- God’s Example (vs. 1-4) – Jesus went through many trials on earth. His battle against sin took him to the cross and cost Him His life. When we encounter difficult circumstances, get our eyes on Christ alone. For He is the author and finisher of truth. He is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. He alone can lead us to victory.
- God’s Love (vs. 5-13) – Suffering of Christians is not punishment but chastening. Chastening” means child training or discipline. Chastening is given out as a proof of love for the betterment of the child. God’s chastening is meant to help us grow and not to beat us down. The correct attitude is for us to endure by faith and allow God to work out His perfect plan. Chastening is for our profit that we might share His holiness and our submission brings glory to His name.
- God’s Grace (vs. 14-29) – Jesus is the a Mediator of the new Covenant. Christ’s blood on the cross was his grace for our salvation. Let us receive His grace by faith. Let us serve God with reverence. Let us heed and listen to His Word, for in His Word is the grace and life that we need.
CONCLUSION:
HOW DO PEOPLE RESPOND TO GOD’S DISCIPLINE?
- Accept it with resignation
- Accept it with self-pity
- Angry and resentful towards God
- Accept it gratefully.
May we learn to accept God’s discipline gratefully because His discipline is a sign of his deep love for us as His child. He is trying to teach as into maturity. Follow Christ and draw on His strength.
Christian life involves hard work. It requires us to give up anything that endangers our relationship with God. We need to run patiently and struggle against sin with the power of the Holy Spirit. Our eyes should be fixed on Him so that we may not stumble. We should continue to run the race until we reach the final victory..
Suffering is the training ground for Christian maturity. It develops our patience and strengthen our faith in Christ. When we face hardships and discouragement, remember that we are not alone. God is always ready and willing to help us.
Bitterness is dangerous. Do not allow “bitter roots” to grow up. Bitterness causes resentment and disappointment. When we nurse grudges on past hurts, it brings with it jealousy, dissension and hatred which will destroy our deepest Christian relationship.