August 7, 2011
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Becoming Stronger Through Discipline Hebrews 12:1-13
A. Struggling against sin (1-4)
1) Fixing our eyes on Jesus and running the race set before us (1, 2)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (1,2)
2) By remaining weak, we become weary and lose heart (3, 4)
Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. (3,4)
B. God help us grow strong through discipline (5-10)
1) Because we are children of God (5-8)
And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son." Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. (5-8)
2) Beyond our human fathers (9, 10)
Moreover, 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! Our 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. (9,10)
C. Strength gained through tough discipline (11-13)
No 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. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. "Make level paths for your feet," [13] so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. (11-13)
Summary
Our lives are, in one sense, an endless battle against sin. No one has the ability to overcome sin on their own. God has a plan of victory that he wants all of us to know. Christians believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord, and by following him, they are able to be victorious. Sin continues to pose challenges. Other people can be encouraged by your victory over sin and begin their own journeys of conquering sin. We can serve as guides and examples on that journey. God disciplines us so we can become stronger. Discipline is often difficult and involves suffering, but those who persevere will bear good fruit.
For Discussion
1) What kinds of battles do Christians fight?
2) Why does God discipline us?
A. Struggling against sin (1-4)
1) Fixing our eyes on Jesus and running the race set before us (1, 2)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (1,2)
2) By remaining weak, we become weary and lose heart (3, 4)
Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. (3,4)
B. God help us grow strong through discipline (5-10)
1) Because we are children of God (5-8)
And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son." Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. (5-8)
2) Beyond our human fathers (9, 10)
Moreover, 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! Our 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. (9,10)
C. Strength gained through tough discipline (11-13)
No 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. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. "Make level paths for your feet," [13] so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. (11-13)
Summary
Our lives are, in one sense, an endless battle against sin. No one has the ability to overcome sin on their own. God has a plan of victory that he wants all of us to know. Christians believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord, and by following him, they are able to be victorious. Sin continues to pose challenges. Other people can be encouraged by your victory over sin and begin their own journeys of conquering sin. We can serve as guides and examples on that journey. God disciplines us so we can become stronger. Discipline is often difficult and involves suffering, but those who persevere will bear good fruit.
For Discussion
1) What kinds of battles do Christians fight?
2) Why does God discipline us?