This is the 12th post in my study of Dr. Sinclair Ferguson's text "Children of the Living God". Buy this book from Amazon.
So far, we have learned many amazing privileges of being a child of God. But here is a question...does God discipline his children?
Certainly the natural father, if he loves his children, will discipline them. So too, it seems, is the case with our heavenly Father.
Here is Hebrews 12:5-13 to make this point very clear:
"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.
For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives."
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? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed."
Let continue on our journey with Dr. Sinclair Ferguson and peek from his vantage point...
Notes from Dr. Ferguson's "Children of the Living God", chapter , "Fatherly Discipline":
The Nature of God's Discipline
First of all, God disciplines us with his holy Word. II Timothy 3:16 - "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,..." God also rebukes us through the teachers of his holy Word. II Timothy 4:2 - "preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching." As Christians, we must be willing to put ourselves under the ministry of God's word. Then, by our individual reading, and our pastor's exhortations, the Holy Spirit begins his work of molding us to be more like Christ. This is generally not an overnight process, but can literally take years. In our instant age, this is very difficult for some to bare the patience to endure, but this is God's plan. We best heed it.
Secondly, the hand of the Father applies discipline. I have a little of the Apostle Peter in me. In exploring our Father's discipline, Dr. Ferguson points us to Peter and the crowing cock. Jesus told Peter that he was going to deny him. Peter vehemently deny this possibility. Then, when he did it, it struck him to the core. This deep pain, his denial of Christ, changed his life forever. Only when Jesus found him on the beach, demonstrated his love and forgiveness, and refocused his life, did Peter's life find its firm foundation. This was clearly a life changing form of the Father's discipline in Peter's life.
Our Father has other forms of discipline that he uses in our lives:
Sickness - 1 Corinthians 11:30-32, Psalm 102
Pain - 2 Corinthians 12:10
Tribulation - Romans 5:3-4
Satan & Evil - John 15:2, this one is difficult for some. Here is how Martin Luther commented on this verse. Martin Luther sees the Father, speaking to the devil and saying, "Devil, you are indeed a murderer and an evildoer; but I will use you for my purpose. You shall be My hoe; the world and your following shall be My manure for the fertilization of My vineyard."
The Bible is full of stories where our Father has used various disciplines to his glory. Consider the apostles in the fierce storm on the Sea of Galilee, or Joseph being sold into slavery, Moses put in a raft by his mother. Many of these situations caused great pain, but when viewed from God's holy perspective, we can see incredible mercy.
The Function of God's Discipline
The true Christian, desires above all things, to be like Christ. Our journey of sanctification results ultimately in our inheritance, glorification, and eternal life with God our Father. In this vein then we must view God's discipline from a different vantage point. Not, "Why did this happen to me", but, "For what purpose is the Lord now working in my life?"
A year ago, this truth would have made no sense to me. I must admit, it is still foggy to me, but I can see it. My flesh screams at me, "David, you can't believe this crap, can you? If God loves you, why would he allow evil, pain, and tribulation?"
For now, I proclaim, "Holy Spirit teach me, Father I trust you, please send your angels to protect me, and my family, as you fashion me to your will."
Frankly, I have asked myself more than once, "why God was so lenient to me during all those years of money worship?"
Abba,
I am so grateful for your tender mercies! I am here, standing in your presence, desiring simply to be more like Christ. I see your beauty Father. I desire you above all. Without you Father, without Christ, then heaven is nothing. I submit my will, my life, and my entire being to you. Thank you for choosing me. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for the kind and loving hand of your discipline.
Your son, David
