As Children of God we are disciplined
Fathers always discipline their children. When parents discipline a child, they allow or introduce a milder form of pain in order to teach or mature the child away from behaviour that will lead to far greater pain later.
Hebrews 12:9-13 (NLT) “Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? 10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. 11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. 12 So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. 13 Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.
While earthly parents may try to teach their children obedience, kindness and other important character-forming attributes, the Lord’s discipline brings a rich and fruitful harvest of spiritual graces… peace and patience, faith and submission, goodness and grace – righteousness and love, for they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but the Lord disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness.
To respond properly to the Father’s discipline, submit to it and grow in holiness through it.
True life comes from complete self-surrender.” The author of Hebrews gives us three reasons why we should submit to God’s loving discipline:
We should submit to the Father’s discipline because it is an essential aspect of the father-son relationship
- Hebrews 12:7 (NLT) “As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children.”
A true child of God submits to the Father’s discipline, because such discipline is an essential part of the father-son relationship.
We should submit to the Father’s discipline because it is for our eternal good
Every earthly father falls short in his knowledge of his children and in wisdom as to how to train and discipline them. But our heavenly Father knows each of us thoroughly and perfectly, including all our thoughts and motives. He deals with us in perfect wisdom. The important thing regarding God’s discipline is the spirit in which we respond. If we resist and harden our hearts, we will miss the purpose of the discipline. God’s intention is that we respectfully submit to it.
We should submit to the Father’s discipline because it produces the fruit of righteousness
The key is, during the trials to focus the peaceful fruit of righteousness. If we keep in mind what God is doing considering eternity, then we can endure with inner joy and peace, while at the same time admitting the pain and sorrow.
Rom. 8:28-36 (NET) “And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose,”