"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. 4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”[a]7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 11:1-11
Parents who don't discipline their children are not loving them. God disciplines us because He loves us. Think about the discipline you have received in the past.
Who loves to be corrected? We can learn to love correction if we take it in the right Spirit -- the spirit it is given by God. it shows us His love. We need to discipline to run with endurance. If God didn't love us He wouldn't discipline us. Ask God to correct your path. Discipline is a blessing.
God's perfect love = God's perfect discipline.
"This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.[a] I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” Jeremiah 29:10-14
God told them what was going to happen and also gave them hope -- told them His plans for them. Yes, they would be taken captive, but they wouldn't stay in exile. He would bring them home.
Biblical discipline
"Whoever spares the rod hates their children,
but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them." Proverbs 13:24
"Discipline your children, and they will give you peace;
they will bring you the delights you desire." Proverbs 29:17
"Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,
but the rod of discipline will drive it far away." Proverbs 22:15
Discipline is love
"My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline,
and do not resent his rebuke,
12 because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
as a father the son he delights in.[a]
13 Blessed are those who find wisdom,
those who gain understanding,
14 for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold." Proverbs 3:11-14
We need to be mature, have discipline, have self-control in order to confront the evil of this world.
Discipline is something we should seek
Ask for it from God. Ask for training from Him.
"Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent." Revelation 3:19
"Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
but whoever hates correction is stupid." Proverbs 12:1
Confront through wisdom and the Holy Spirit
Go to God when you don't understand. Be bold. Don't quit. Be strong. Don't stop. Be louder but don't scream. People will shut you out when you scream. Confront wisely. If we love people, we will tell them they are wrong.
Self-discipline is a sign of maturity.
"Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
but whoever hates correction is stupid." Proverbs 25:28
"Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life,
but whoever ignores correction leads others astray." Proverbs 10:17
If we aren't self-disciplined, we will lead others astray. Personal behavior can destroy an entire ministry.
"No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." 1 Corinthians 9:27
Do not forsake wisdom
"My son, keep your father’s command
and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
21 Bind them always on your heart;
fasten them around your neck.
22 When you walk, they will guide you;
when you sleep, they will watch over you;
when you awake, they will speak to you.
23 For this command is a lamp,
this teaching is a light,
and correction and instruction
are the way to life," Proverbs 6:20-23
Go forth into the world as a child of God
"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7
"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15
If we want to be the powerful people of Jesus we need to be wise and studying the Worrd and acting on that Word.