The Chastening of The Lord Hebrews 12:1-13

Introduction Context of Hebrews Chastening and suffering Not all suffering due to sin Chastening for members only

Proper Regard (vv. 1-6) Danger of apostasy (vv. 1-4) –Look to the faithful and to Jesus –His suffering (v. 3) –Suffering is worthwhile (2 Corinthians 4:17, 18) –Glory to be revealed (Romans 8:18)

Proper Regard (vv. 1-6) Chastening produces endurance –Same word as “nurture” (Ephesians 6:4) –Job’s friends were wrong (Job 5:17) –Israel’s chastening (Deuteronomy 4:36; 8:5)

Proper Regard (vv. 1-6) Painful lessons of life –Spare our children? –“Hurts me more than does you” –Rob them of means to endurance –Increase of faith and trust (2 Corinthians 12:1-9) –God allows us to suffer

Sign of Belonging (vv. 7-11) Chasten our children only –Evidence of love (v. 6) –Involves teaching, praise, and correction (2 Timothy 3;16, 17) –God only helped Israel in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 8:1-5) –To teach them trust

Sign of Belonging (vv. 7-11) Leads to respect –True for earthly fathers (v. 9) –For our good –With a view to holiness (1 Peter 1:14-16) –Fruit of righteousness (v. 11) –Pain of striving for victory

Strength (vv. 12, 13) Like tribulation –B–B–B–Builds endurance (Romans 5:3-5) –E–E–E–Endurance leads to virtue –V–V–V–Virtue leads to hope

Brings spiritual healing –God helps us (1 Corinthians 10:13) –Joseph (Genesis 50:20) –Philemon (Philemon 16) –Wants us to be holy, not comfortable (Matthew 10:34-37)

Conclusion Appreciate God’s chastening Are you a child of God?