“For the time being no discipline brings joy but seems sad and painful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness right standing with God and a lifestyle and attitude that seeks conformity to God’s will and purpose.” Hebrews 12:11 AMP

Our verse today is a reminder that we are involved in the process of sanctification. The twelfth chapter of this book is an exposition and call to endurance. The flow of the text actually begins in verse four and continues to verse twelve. 

“You have not yet struggled to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin; 5and you have forgotten the divine word of encouragement which is addressed to you as sons,” Hebrews 12:4-5 AMP

Strong words of conviction for sure! The writer is asking us to face the reality of our lack of discipline in resisting sin. How many of us have chosen death over the convenience of sin? He then recalls the words of Proverbs chapter three.

“My son, do not reject or take lightly the discipline of the LORD [learn from your mistakes and the testing that comes from His correction through discipline]; Nor despise His rebuke, 12 For those whom the LORD loves He corrects, Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.” Proverbs 3: 11-12 AMP

Scripture reminds us that the Lord’s discipline proves we are His children. Earthly fathers correct for a short time; our heavenly Father trains for holiness and lasting good. Though painful at the moment, discipline later yields peaceful righteousness. We should remember that the purpose of disciple is correction, instruction, and practice, not meaningless punishment! God’s purpose in discipline is training in holiness. Remember the verse in Leviticus?

“Say to all the congregation of the children of Israel, ‘You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.” Leviticus 19:2 AMP

It is interesting to note that the word “discipline” is the Greek word “chastise.” It referred to the process of training on to resist the in-born physical desires of distraction; sexual appetite, gluttony, and greed. It was thought that gymnastics, music, language, and writing were essential to fashion the ethos of the soul and endowed one with skills of moderation and decorum. The goal was “a good man.” The teacher was the guide and example of successful self-control. While the teacher of the day had great respect, the father was expected to be the ultimate authority in the child’s life for it was grounded in blood relationship and parental concern. We now have a Father who is a “blood relative” and has a parental duty and concern to bring us to a place self-control and success!

Notice that the goal of God’s program is to bring us to “right standing with God and a lifestyle and attitude that seeks conformity to God’s will and purpose.” That means a breaking of the wild side and the control sin had over us! In the past, a tutor was chosen from the best available. Today we have the “best available” tutor, the Holy Spirit. Jesus said,

“But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth [full and complete truth]. For He will not speak on His own initiative, but He will speak whatever He hears [from the Father—the message regarding the Son], and He will disclose to you what is to come [in the future].” John 16:13 AMP

Have you been spending time with the tutor? Have you been skipping out on some of your lessons? The goal of the process is to be more like He is! As we surrender and are conformed to His image, those around us will give glory to Him! Disciple isn’t fun. It’s not supposed to be. It is however the path to freedom and the peace of Christ! Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken