I’ve been thinking a lot about discipline lately. Not so much as it relates to punishment but more in light of “preparation”. The writer of Hebrews says about the lack of discipline in 12:8 (ESV)
“If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.”
The word “discipline” is Greek word “paideia” which refers to the rearing of a child, training, discipline.Its Usage: discipline; training and education of children, hence: instruction; chastisement, correction. Its focus is instruction that trains someone to reach full development (maturity).
Even Jesus, the perfect son of God had to learn obedience through suffering. He could only be brought to emotional and spiritual maturity by making correct choices in the face of great temptation. The Scripture says that Jesus was tempted in every way we’re tempted yet without sin; Hebrews 4:15 (ESV)
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
So discipline is important for us to become mature sons especially in this age. Lets look at Hebrews 12:8 in its complete context; Hebrews 12:1-7 (ESV)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?
“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
nor be weary when reproved by him.
6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives.”7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?
This discipline is in complete contrast to the lawlessness in the world today. Lawlessness means no structure, no parameters. We live life according to what feels and what blesses me instead of embracing the pain of scourging which must happen if we are to live by our spirit and not our flesh. Jesus says in Matthew 7 that those who live in such a display of lawlessness will be cast from His presence forever. (Matt 7).
According to the scriptures, lawlessness causes love to grow cold but discipline brings obedience and love increases. I have enjoyed watching the races during the Olympics. Every Olympian has experienced the rigors of difficult training and discipline in each particular sport. However, only one can win the gold. When one is victorious, all the other competitors gather around and love on and congratulate the one who one. Why? Because each one has gone through the disciplines to make each person an Olympian. Only they know the cost of running the race,
When things get tough, stick to the discipline of your training. Live a life of continual love, thanksgiving and praise. Most of all, persevere in what you know is right. You will eventually overcome and gain the prize which is spiritual maturity. I close with this exhortation from Jesus’ earthly brother James. James 1:2-8 (ESV)
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
The road to spiritual maturity has many that have faltered and lay alongside its path. We are close to breakthrough beloved in every way. Let us press toward the mark of the high calling of Jesus Christ – to be mature sons of the Kingdom.