25 Things about God's Discipline

5 And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:

"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 those he loves,

and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."

7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?
8 If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons.
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 our spirits and live!
10 Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, 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.

1. Discipline in our lives means God loves us.
2. Discipline should be encouraging because of #1 (v.5)
3. Being disciplined means we are God’s children.
4. Don’t get discouraged when God warns you.

5. There are three levels of God’s discipline in our lives.

6. Level 1 is a rebuke (verbal command):  Scripture, a sermon, a friend, or conviction by the HOly Spirit can deliver a rebuke from God. (v. 5)

7. Level 2 is Chastening (translated “Discipline” in NIV).  Chastening is God changing our circumstances to bring about pressure to change: