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It is because of such discipline that you will continue to endure.1 You approach The God as though you were sons.2 For what son is not disciplined by a father?3
| 1 | It is because of such discipline that you will continue to endure: Or, WEY: the sufferings that you are enduring are for your discipline; BEC: what you endure is to correct you; RHM: for the sake of discipline persevere; WMS: you must submit to discipline. The Christian must expect, endure, and rejoice in God’s discipline. [1 Corinthians 11:32; 2 Corinthians 6:9; 1 Timothy 1:20; Revelation 3:19] This discipline is a form of testing and shaping a future temple stone in the Celestial Habitat. Compare Solomon’s temple stones at the quarry in contrast to the Temple site. [1 Chronicles 22:2; 1 Kings 5:17; 1 Kings 6:7; 1 Peter 2:5] |
| 2 | You approach The God as though you were sons: Or, WEY: God is dealing with you as sons; WMS: God is treating you as sons. This is the relationship between God and His worshippers – He views them as sons or children in need of discipline, even scourging, to perfect them for their future assignment. [John 1:12; Romans 8:14; Hebrews 2:10] |
| 3 | For what son is not disciplined by a father: Compare Proverbs 13:24 and elsewhere on fatherly discipline. [Ephesians 6:1] Hebrew fathers were taught by God to use corporal punishment in their discipline. [Proverbs 20:30; 23:13] |
Dear Friends of the Nazarene,
We choose Hebrews 12:7 as the theme verse of chapter twelve – Disciplined Runners. With so many examples of faith Christians need to run with endurance. [1-3] Paul writes to keep one’s eye on the Arch-Leader Jesus. He endured his execution because of his joyful hope. He references his favorite Bible verse again – Psalm 110:1. By carefully considering the example of Jesus Christians will “never get tired and give up.”
All of God’s sons are disciplined. [4-6] Paul quotes Proverbs 3:11, 12 showing that discipline proves God’s love for us. Discipline will help us to “continue to endure.” [7-11] Only the illegitimate are without the Father’s discipline. We must submit to our Spiritual Father and His discipline. This will allow us to “partake of His holiness.” The reward will only be gained if we endure discipline.
Paul writes about how to make a straight course. [12-17] He quotes Isaiah 35:3 so that what is lame will not lead to dislocation. Christians ought to be peaceful with everyone. In language similar to that in Hebrews chapter 3 and 6 Paul warns of the danger of falling short of God’s grace. He particularly mentions sexual immorality and irreverence. He quotes several verses from Moses.
Christians have approached a heavenly city not something earthly. [18-24] Paul describes the Israelites before Mount Sinai referencing several verses from Moses. Unlike the failed Hebrews Christians have approached Heavenly Jerusalem. He describes the final inhabitants of the heavenly Mount Zion – God the Judge, Jesus the mediator of the New Covenant, the Church of the Firstborn, and hundreds of thousands of angels. . He warns them not to beg off from hearing the Voice of the One now speaking, reflecting back to Hebrews 1:1, 2. He then assures them of a future Kingdom that will never be removed no matter the seismic events which occur in heaven and earth. [25-29]
Abba our Father bless His disciplined children.
[23 August 2002]
If you are called on to suffer, it shows that God is treating you as his children.
