Discipline - A Genuine Expression of Love

For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and chastises the son whom He receives. - Hebrews 12:6

-THIS SUNDAY'S TEXT-

The Heart Behind Discipline

If we are truthful with ourselves, we all need discipline. And the Scripture is clear that God disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6). As part of the family of God, joined together to one another in Christ, we will face many moments in the Christian life in which we need to be disciplined. So, what is the heart behind and purpose of discipline?

In preparation for Sunday’s message, the following passage will be very helpful:

Hebrews 12:1-17

Notice the instruction for us found in verses 1-3: · lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely… · run with endurance the race that is set before us… · (run the race) looking to Jesus · consider Him (Jesus) who endured…

These are instructions for us as disciples, but what happens when we fail to do so? We fail to lay aside weight and sin; we fail to run with endurance; we fail to run, looking to Jesus; we fail to keep our minds on Christ?

Verse 4 acknowledges that we will have a struggle against sin, and then the passage addresses our belonging to God as sons/daughters and His discipline in our lives.

In verses 6, 10, and 11, you will discover the purpose of God’s discipline in our lives. What are they?

Verse 12 makes a shift or transition back to instructing us as God’s children. What are the instructions given to us in verses 12-17? Don’t miss the kind warning in verses 16-17.

While this week, we will look at heart behind and the purposes of discipline within the church, the following week, we will look at the instructions that God gives in how to provide God honoring discipline for one another in our times of rebellion.

-CONSIDER & MEDITATE-

What is your attitude toward discipline? Why do you have such an attitude toward discipline? Why do we often fail to see churches exercise discipline in one another’s lives? What do believe happens when we fail to exercise and accept discipline from one another?

-PRAYER & THANKSGIVING-

Pray for God to develop in you an appreciation for your brothers and sisters in Christ.
Pray that God would develop a heart in you that would desire to be lovingly disciplined when you are rebellious and committed to sin.
Pray that God would give you a loving, compassionate heart to care for your brothers and sisters in Christ in providing God honoring discipline for others when needed.