God’s Discipline
For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11 ESV
Just as a loving parent disciplines their child, so too does God discipline his children. God’s discipline is hard and painful, but it is pain with a purpose. God disciplines us to make us more like Himself, more Christlike.
Our response to the Lord’s discipline can be one of two choices. We can submit to it and reap the benefits, or we can resist it. If we try to run from it, God will raise up new opportunities to teach us the lessons He intends. He loves His children too much to let them go undisciplined.
- God disciplines all His children because He loves them. What do the following verses say about God’s discipline? — Job 5:17-18; Psalm 119:65-68; Proverbs 3:11-12
- God’s discipline is designed to build Christlike character into our lives. What do the following verses say about the results of God’s discipline? — John 15:1-2; Hebrews 12:10-11; 1 Peter 1:6-7
Question to ponder: Is there an area of disobedience in your life that is bringing God’s discipline?
Passages for further reflection: Deuteronomy 8:1-5; Job 23:10
Developing Kingdom Leaders - Tom Yeakley 