The Four Eleven Foundation: 1 Thessalonians

9.5. ENDURING FAITH FORESEES AND ESTEEMS GOD'S CHASTENING (Hebrews 12:4-17)

9.5.1. GOD'S PEOPLE SUFFER PERSECUTION AND LOSS OF POSSESSIONS, EVEN DEATH FOR THE FAITH (Hebrews 12:4-9)

Hebrews 12:4 "Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin." (KJV)

These Hebrew Christians had already been subjected to severe persecution (Hebrews 10:32-33 ), as yet none of them had been martyred for their faith. Suffering afflictions is the history of the heroes of faith. "Consider Jesus", He suffered hostility from sinners, should we be surprised that persecution comes to us?

Hardship And Opposition Is Used By God To Discipline Sons He Is Bringing To Glory

Hebrews 12:5 "And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: "My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, ..." (NKJV)

(Proverbs 3:11 ). Like the Hebrews we tend to forget this exhortation - that behind all the adversity and difficulty is the wise and loving Father heart that uses it all for our development.

Both Verbal And Physical Punishment Is Stated To Be Used In Correction

Hebrews 12:6 "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth." (KJV)

To chasten is a form of discipline. The Greek word 'paideuo' means to bring up a child, or to train, and in this sense means to discipline. To scourge means "to whip" Greek 'mastigoo'. The physical punishment would only be administered by the parent when rebuke needed to be unforgettable.

God Is Faithful As A Father Towards Those Who Are His Genuine Children

Hebrews 12:7, 8 "If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? ... without chastening, ... you are illegitimate and not sons." (NKJV)

Loving discipline is to be seen as evidence that we are true members of His family.

God's Discipline Is Expressed In Love, Not Anger, CAring For Our Spiritual Wellbeing

Hebrews 12:9 "Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live?" (NKJV)

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

Should the church or you be surprised that persecution comes, and that there are those who die for the faith (Hebrews 12:4 )?
What should be your attitude towards discipline allowed by God (Hebrews 12:5 )?
Do you see discipline as evidence that you are a true member of God's family (Hebrews 12:7 )?