Hebrews 12 (3)

Introduction
In the Christian life, we distinguish between active disciplines and passive disciplines. Active disciplines are those exercises, practices, and routines we take up and which fill the time of our lives to prepare and ready us for Kingdom living. Passive disciplines are those God brings to bear against us as our loving Father, because we in some way have drifted from His path and need some “encouragement” to return. 

Read Psalm 94.12-15.

Read Hebrews 12.6-11.

Think it through.
1.  Why should our loving heavenly Father ever need to chasten us? How can we know when we have come under the chastening of the Lord? Was the writer of Hebrews being used of God to chasten his first readers? Explain. How does chastening make us feel? What is the goal of chastening (v. 9)? How should true believers respond to the Lord’s chastening (v. 7)?

2.  God’s intention in chastening us is not so much to punish as to transform. God wants us to “be partakers” (Greek: μεταλαβεῖν, “have a share in”) His holiness. What does this suggest about holiness as a priority for Christian life (cf. 2 Cor. 7.1)? What is holiness (Rom. 7.12)? Growing in holiness doesn’t come easy, and when God intervenes – because we are drifting – chastening can be downright unpleasant (v. 11). What does it take to endure (v. 7) chastening and thus to respect (v. 9) God and His will? If you are able to endure, what should you expect as the outcome (v. 11)? How does chastening – and how do all disciplines – train (Greek: γεγυμνασμένοις, “strengthen by exercise”) us (v. 11)?

Meditate.
“For this is genuine love, and love in reality, when we are beloved though we be of no use to the one who loves us—not so that one may receive but so that one may impart. God chastens, God does everything, God uses all diligence, that we may become capable of receiving God’s benefits.” John Chrysostom (344-407 AD)

Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Corinthians 7.1

Let me not despise discipline, Father; but when it comes, when my drifting brings Your loving correction, help me to…

Pray Psalm 47.8, 9.
As you pray, pause to meditate on all the ways God rules your life. Consider His blessings, His counsel and guidance, and His chastening, and give Him thanks and praise. 

Psalm 47.7-9 (Truro: Shout, for the Blessed Jesus Reigns)
God is the King of all the earth,
Sing praise to Him with glorious psalms!
He rules the nations by His worth,
And on His throne receives their alms.

Princes of peoples gather all
To Abraham and to our God.
Exalt the Lord, and on Him call – 
The earth is His, so praise our God!

T. M Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006.