7 truths about God’s discipline

Here’s a truth I didn’t understand when I was new in faith – “The Lord disciplines those He loves” (Psalm 103:13; Proverbs 3:12; Hebrews 12:6). I am still learning about this truth.

I think it would benefit all new believers to be taught about God’s discipline.

Let’s first widen the lens on discipline.

Discipline is part of life. Without it, we easily slide into habits that defeat us. Discipline is essential to those who desire to live well and be effective in all areas of life. 

Discipline challenges natural tendencies toward laziness, carelessness, lack of focus, and even defeat. Most of us would admit to needing more discipline. But we know it doesn’t come easily.

Discipline Defined

Discipline carries a range of meanings and functions from teaching to punishment. It includes educating, training, coaching, correcting, and chastising.

The overall aim of discipline is to develop the moral, mental and physical character of an individual; to foster skills, abilities, character traits, and behavior patterns whether personal or social.

Discipline can be self-imposed or gained through outside forces and influences. Typically, the later leads to the former. Common spheres of discipline include, home, school, law enforcement, military, athletics and Church.

The disciplinarian should understand that discipline, when properly understood, is something we do for people rather than merely to them.

God’s Discipline

It should not surprise us that God emphasizes the value and need of discipline. In a variety of ways, God reminds his people that he disciplines those he loves (see: Deuteronomy 8:5; Psalm 103:13; Proverbs 3:12; Hebrews 12:6). Like earthly fathers, yet superior to them, God trains his children with disciplinary love.

The most extensive treatment of the subject of God’s discipline is founding Hebrews 12. Walk through it with the following outline –

1. Discipline was modeled by Jesus (vv. 2-3)
2. Discipline is a mark of loving membership in God’s family (vv.5-8)
3. Discipline includes hardships and hostile treatment (v. 7 w/ v. 3)
4. Discipline is sometimes misunderstood (vv. 5, 6. 15)
5. Discipline should lead to respect and submission toward God (vv. 9-10a)
6. Discipline leads to godly character (v. 10)
7. Discipline is painful training in right living (v. 11)

Other Scriptures: Romans 5:3-5; I Corinthians 11:28-32;James 1:2-5; Revelation 2-3

Steve Cornell

See also – Does God punish his children?

Cycle of divine discipline – The Lord’s work is to pour us from one jar to another— so that our taste and aroma does not remain unchanged (Isaiah 48:11)