Hebrews 12:5-13 And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: My son, do not take the Lord’s discipline lightly or lose heart when you are reproved by him, for the Lord disciplines the one he loves and punishes every son he receives. Endure suffering as discipline: God is dealing with you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline—which all receive—then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Furthermore, we had human fathers discipline us, and we respected them. Shouldn’t we submit even more to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time based on what seemed good to them, but he does it for our benefit, so that we can share his holiness. No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your tired hands and weakened knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed instead. Big Idea: God's discipline shapes us into the people He created us to be. Hebrews 12:5–6 And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: My son, do not take the Lord’s discipline lightly or lose heart when you are reproved by him, for the Lord disciplines the one he loves and punishes every son he receives. Discipline: training to act in accordance with rules; an activity, exercise, or regimen that develops or improves a skill; punishment inflicted by way of correction and training. (God's) discipline is a privilege because it is an evidence of our sonship. Alistair Begg Hebrews 12:7–8 Endure suffering as discipline: God is dealing with you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline—which all receive—then you are illegitimate children and not sons. paideuo - παιδεύω - discipline to train, to educate, to shape behavior and character. didasko - διδάσκω - teach To teach or instruct with words. Hebrews 12:7 For what son is there that a father does not discipline? Proverbs 22:6 Start a youth out on his way; even when he grows old he will not depart from it. Hebrews 12:9–10 Furthermore, we had human fathers discipline us, and we respected them. Shouldn’t we submit even more to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time based on what seemed good to them, but he does it for our benefit, so that we can share his holiness. God brings problems and struggles into our lives so that we will not stray from the main road. He is not angry with us but disciplines us so that we can mature spiritually. Erwin W. Lutzer Philippians 1:29 For it has been granted to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him… Hebrews 12:11 No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Proverbs 12:1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but one who hates correction is stupid. Psalm 14:1–2 The fool says in his heart, “There’s no God.” They are corrupt; they do vile deeds. There is no one who does good. The Lord looks down from heaven on the human race to see if there is one who is wise, one who seeks God. Romans 1:21–23 For though they knew God, they did not glorify him as God or show gratitude. Instead, their thinking became worthless, and their senseless hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man, birds, four-footed animals, and reptiles. 1 Corinthians 9:24–27 Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize. Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable crown. So I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air. Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified. I learned that personal discipline is the indispensable key for accomplishing anything in this life. I have since come to understand even more that it is, in fact, the mother and handmaiden of what we call genius. Kent Hughes, Disciplines of a Godly Man Hebrews 12:12–13 Therefore, strengthen your tired hands and weakened knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed instead. Isaiah 35:3–4 Strengthen the weak hands, steady the shaking knees! Say to the cowardly: “Be strong; do not fear! Here is your God; vengeance is coming. God’s retribution is coming; he will save you.” Look to Jesus as your strength to endure! Today is the day to stop running and start submitting. God's discipline is not punishment — it is fatherly love at work. Next Step: I will repent and submit my life to Jesus