Faith without religion.
Divine Discipline and Spiritual Growth in Hebrews 12
In a recent teaching, we delved into Hebrews 12, focusing on the theme of divine discipline and its purpose in our spiritual journey. The writer of Hebrews reminds us that God’s chastening is an expression of His love, intended for our growth and holiness. This discipline, though often painful, is likened to the correction we receive from our earthly fathers, yet it is far superior as it is for our eternal benefit.
The passage emphasizes that while earthly fathers discipline us for a short time and often for their own reasons, God’s discipline is always for our profit, aiming to make us partakers of His holiness. This process, though not joyous, yields the “peaceable fruit of righteousness” to those who are trained by it. The writer encourages us to submit to God’s will, suggesting that true obedience stems from a heart aligned with His purposes.
We explored the Greek term “Hoopo tasson,” which means to place orders under, highlighting the importance of subordinating our will to God’s. This submission is not about blind obedience but about trusting in God’s perfect plan for our lives. The ultimate question posed is to what extent we are willing to submit our will to God’s, recognizing that His discipline is a pathway to holiness and peace.
The teaching also touched on the paradox of obedience, where actions from a pure heart are deemed superior. Yet, the act of doing God’s will, even when it conflicts with our desires, is a profound expression of love and faith. The writer uses logic and reason to appeal to his audience, urging them to embrace God’s discipline as a means to partake in His divine nature.
In conclusion, the journey of faith involves embracing God’s discipline, understanding that it is a necessary part of our sanctification. As we submit to His will, we are transformed, producing the peaceable fruit of righteousness, which is of immeasurable value in this life and beyond.