DISCIPLINED TO EXCEL

Hebrews 12:7,11

As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father?

No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

A good child is a product of good parenthood, and good parenthood involves good discipline. 

When we say discipline it does not just mean punishment, NO, punishment comes from disobedience this is also part of discipline but the whole aim of discipline is to TRAIN. 

Hebrews 12:5-6

And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, 

“My child, don’t make light of the Lord's discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you.

Let's take a look at our own discipline while we grew up, the restrains we had to do, has it helped us to become better people? Yes. Though our parents being human might have overburdened us or even punished us in error, yet we endured it not hating them for it, the intention in most cases was for good. They are human. 

So good parents discipline their children. Parents, are we doing it right? 

Proverbs 13:24

Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. 

Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.

The Heavenly Father also disciplines His children and He does it out of love, to train us to become mature and thus fulfil good purpose. Unlike our earthly parents every discipline of the Lord is to make us better, and when we err He punishes us for it, we should be grateful, for we are given opportunity to get back in line. 

Hebrews 12:6&11

For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”

Is the discipline enjoyable, NO, but it is working out a right living for us after the training. 

Take an example of fasting, some of us resent this, but it is a very important training for the believer, it keeps the spirit above the body, which is important because the Lord relates with us through our spirit. Thus our spirit must rule over our body for us to succeed spiritually. Help us Lord. 

Hebrews 12:11

No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

Have you been trained, are you still being trained by the Lord? 

Christ Jesus gave us the best example. He allowed Himself to be trained as a mere man by the Father, to prove that we can all live the life of obedience:

Hebrews 5:8

Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered.

Was he disobedient, NO, but He offered himself to be mere man that the Father can rescue man and bring salvation to all who believe. 

So what was the result:

Hebrews 5:9

In this way, God qualified him as a perfect High Priest, and he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him.

The result of discipline is perfect obedience and this results in eternal reward, never resist discipline, it takes you to great heights. 

1 Timothy 4:8

“Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”

Titus 2:12-14

And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.

He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.

Remember that discipline is for our good, to make us the better person, to prepare us for exploits and make us worthy of the glory to come. Halleluyah. 

1 Corinthians 15:10

But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me—and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace.

God's discipline is out of love. (We should learn this too). It is for our good. 

Romans 8:28

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Thank you Dear Father, I am disciplined, trained by You. So I am that groomed child of yours. I am grateful. 

He calls us blessed. 

Love

@the watcher