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Sermon Introduction

The author explained that God disciplines His children whom He loves. Thus, believers should interpret God’s discipline as an expression of His love. But many speak of His love, but they do not include His discipline. No one should separate His love and His discipline. The Lord’s discipline reflects both chastisement and training. Chastisement so one may learn overcome sin and training to grow in holiness. Therefore, if a believer experiences God’s chastisement for a wrongdoing, the believer should welcome the correction. Moreover, if one goes through challenges and difficulties, the believer must assume that God is training us.

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

Hebrews 12:9-13 NASB

9 Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. 11 For the moment, all discipline seems not to be pleasant, but painful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

12 Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is impaired may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.

Notes

The author explained that God disciplines His children whom He loves. Thus, believers should interpret God’s discipline as an expression of His love. But many speak of His love, but they do not include His discipline. No one should separate His love and His discipline. The Lord’s discipline reflects both chastisement and training. Chastisement so one may learn overcome sin and training to grow in holiness. Therefore, if a believer experiences God’s chastisement for a wrongdoing, the believer should welcome the correction. Moreover, if one goes through challenges and difficulties, the believer must assume that God is training us.

1. The author argued that if one respected earthly fathers, how much more should one submit to God the Father. Therefore, God disciplines so that we may share in His holiness (12:9-10).

2. The author explained that all discipline seems unpleasant and painful. But discipline produces a peaceful fruit of righteousness for all trained by it (12:11). Thus, a believer must welcome the discipline of God.

3. The author then encouraged the readers to strengthen themselves and straighten their paths. Finally, the author instructed to pursue peace with all men and sanctification, which no one will see the Lord (12:12-14).

Application

1. God disciplines through the Spirit and the Word. Therefore, let us submit to the Father by submitting to His Word. God is more worthy than our imperfect earthly fathers.

2. Expect God’s discipline to be part of our lives, that is, if we are His children. For God disciplines those whom He loves. As seen in the text, God’s discipline involves both chastisement and training.

3. By faith, let us strengthen ourselves and set ourselves on fulfilling God’s plan to sanctify us. Moreover, let us set ourselves to fulfill the mandate to proclaim the gospel and make disciples

Discussion / Reflection

1. Why should we respect God’s discipline?

2. How should we treat God’s discipline, which is unpleasant and sometimes painful?

3. Explain the connection between discipline and righteousness.