God's Fatherly Discipline

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Discipline – Discipline is training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character.

Hebrews 12:5-11
"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son." (Proverbs 3:11,12) 7Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

A. Two Incorrect Responses to Discipline

1. Making Light of it
2. Being Crushed by it
   
   Both responses to discipline show a fragile inner spirit man.

The lack of understanding the loving and accepting heart of the discipliner is the cause for both extreme responses.

As the discipliner we need to communicate our love and acceptance for our children in a way that communicates to them.

5 Ways we can show love and acceptance to our children.

1. Words of affirmation.
2. Acts of service.
3. Quality time.
4. Gifts.
5. Physical touch.

1. Words of Affirmation
Saying, I love you and other encouraging words will build a strong inner person
Saying good job
You look pretty
You are smart
Etc.

2. Acts of Service
Coming along side someone and helping them with whatever they are interested in says, “I Love you and accept you.”
For some people this is the way they understand love.

3. Quality Time
Sometimes our loved ones just need some hang out time. I’ve noticed if we’re going to watch a family movie together, it’s not good enough for me to be in the same room sitting on the couch next to my children while I work on the computer. I have to shut down the computer and pay attention to the movie even though nobody is going to say anything, just laughing together is important.

Sometimes going places together and paying attention to each other is a great way to spend quality time. I’ve noticed that things that aren’t that important can vie for that quality time. Make it a priority to spend quality time with your loved ones.

4. Gifts
God sent his one and only Son Jesus Christ as a gift for us. While we were still sinners Christ died for us. Nothing says I love you like a gift. Some children receive a gift and feel loved and accepted. Especially a well thought out gift.

5. Physical Touch
I believe it’s important for us as parents to touch our children in proper affectionate ways. I like to wrestle with my kids and I think they like it more than I do. It’s one way I say, “I love you.” With a body slam on the bed!
Hugs and kisses, holding hands also. Back scratches and rubs are also good ways to say, “I love you.”

B. The Lords Discipline comes as hardships

I believe the majority of the hardships that come our way are the direct result of cause and effect relationships that are already laws of sowing and reaping.
Every hardship is not necessarily a discipline from the Lord.
God is not standing over you meting out hardships. Your choices, when they are out of God’s will, can bring these hardships due to the laws of sowing and reaping.

Sowing and Reaping
Galatians 6:8
The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
The Discerning and Foolish
Proverbs 17:10
10 A rebuke impresses a man of discernment
more than a hundred lashes a fool.
How we respond to the Holy Spirit determines how he disciplines us.

C. God Cares about us so He Disciplines his True Sons
From verse 8 we know that fathers discipline legitimate children. If he didn’t it would mean he didn’t care about their outcome. As it is, God deeply cares about us and desires a relationship with us where we develop into his image and likeness.

True Sons of God
Matthew 5:9
peacemakers will be called sons of God.
Romans 8:14
those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
Galatians 3:26
You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus,

Romans 8:19
The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed.


D. The Purpose for God's Discipline

God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness.
Hebrews 12:14
Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

E. The Results of God’s Discipline

It produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

In conclusion
Our prayer should be, “Lord Soften My Heart so I can respond to your voice.” If I can hear your voice and obey you I can avoid your discipline.
Dad’s our prayer should be, “Make me the father or grandfather you want me to be.” Help me discipline my children and grand children skillfully and lovingly.

Jubilee Family Church