Chosen, Therefore Chastised

I. (2:4-3:8) God chastises those whom He loves
Chastisement comes to us as a BENEFIT of the New Covenant in Christ (esp. in Hebrews) whereas it comes as part of the CURSES of the Old Covenant (though not exclusively). It came to them as a nation and it comes to us through Christ to the church, with a particular emphasis on the individuals in it. The Old Covenant could not produce the intended effect from these acts of discipline; it was never complete and an end itself. Only in the New Covenant does it begin to produce its effect (on account of the Spirit).

II. (3:9-4:5) God opposes His people's self-sufficiency

III. (4:6-13) God's fierce love can often appear frightening