How a Father Disciples His Children

How a Father Disciples His Children

September 8, 2015 Year B

Hebrews 12:3-13

Do you remember how your father disciplined you? Was it out of love? Did it feel loving? I can remember that my father taught me (instructed me as good discipline) and then corrected me (painful discipline). His role was to teach me how to be a better contributing person in society.

The same is true with God. He wants to take me from being a sinner to being a servant. We all struggle with sin (Hebrews 12:3-4). God’s role as our Heavenly Father is to teach us not to sin through correction (Hebrews 12:5-8). If you don’t endure God’s discipline – if you reject it – you are saying you don’t want to be one of God’s children (Hebrews 12:8).

The writer of Hebrews compares God’s discipline to a natural father’s discipline and says that we respected that form of discipline (Hebrews 12:9-10). If we endured that and still respected our natural fathers, then we should be willing to endure God’s discipline and still respect Him.

Discipline is not enjoyable but it yields results (Hebrews 12:11). Then the writer concludes with an illustration from physical exercise. Spiritual exercise is like physical exercise – it strengthens us. So discipline is not punishment but exercise. An exercise in respect and in obedience (Hebrews 12:12-13).

Prayer: God, please help me stay disciplined as I obey You. Help me instill that discipline to my children so that they may be better servants for Your kingdom.