God's Discipline - The Purpose of Discipline #2

God's Discipline (Part 2) Intro: Hebrews 12:7-11
Review: The discipline of the Lord is God's whip to those He loves; We must not take lightly or disdain it, for it could be very costly;

discipline is a token of God's love

Theme: What is the purpose of discipline? To make us share in God's

holiness. Remember the audience:suffering Jewish believers. This letter is a theological treatise to demomstrate the supremacy and superiortiy of Christ over all OT symbols and characters; and an appeal exhorting these Hebrews to persevere in Faith, warning them of the dire consequences of apostasy.

The Connection: Persevere under afflictions
Outline: Three Arguments that will help us endure under God's discipline
1.According to God's loving parenting in action v7-8
(a)There is no "if" in the original. It means motion forward not "earn" a condition in verse 7. The doctrinal problem of an " if" would be quite difficult.
(b)The passage is an affirmattion
(c)THe phrase contains an absolute statement
2.Comes from a Perfectly loving Father
(a)A contrasting comparison:Our earthly fathers
(b)The logical conclusion:should we not therefore revere the Father of Spirits and live? Illustration Hebrews 3:16-19
3.Has our ultimate Joy in View vs10"....but he disciplines us for our
good, that we may share his holiness."
What is God's Holiness?

Conclusion: a note of realism and encouragement in verse 11.

1. I do not pretend this will take away your grief, frustration and sadness
2. On the other hand, consider the end in view
3. God's discipline will wean from sin

The difference between a believer and one who is not under God's discipline. 1 John 1:7-9;2:1