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Hebrews 12:11 - Discipline, The Positive and Negative Aspects.

TRANSLATIONS AND PARAPHRASES.

Hebrews 12:11 (NIV) 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 12:11 (NLT) No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening - it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

Hebrews 12:11 (ESV) 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.

Hebrews 12:11 (TLB) Being punished isn't enjoyable while it is happening - it hurts! But afterwards we can see the result, a quiet growth in grace and character.

INTRODUCTION AND CONTEXT

   Who loves his children more - the father who allows them to do whatever they want without restraint or the one who corrects, trains, and even punishes them to help them learn what is right? No one likes to be corrected and disciplined by God, but his discipline shows his deep love for us. When God corrects you through his Word, circumstances, or other people, see it as proof of his love, and ask him what you need to learn.
   We may respond to discipline in several ways: (1) We can accept it with resignation; (2) we can accept it with self-pity, thinking we really don't deserve it; (3) we can be angry and resentful toward God; or (4) we can accept it graciously, letting it accomplish its purpose in our lives.
   We should think of God as not only a disciplining parent but also an Olympic-style coach who pushes us to our limits and requires discipline so we will win the reward of heaven. Although we may not feel strong enough to push on to victory, we will be able to accomplish it as we follow Christ and trust him to strengthen our grip. Then we can use our growing strength to help those around us who are weak and struggling. [Life Application SB 2019 re vss. 5-13]

COMMENTARY PEARL

   The Savior's words have a message of comfort to those also who are suffering affliction or bereavement. Our sorrows do not spring out of the ground. God "doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men." Lamentations 3:33. When He permits trials and afflictions, it is "for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness." Hebrews 12:10. If received in faith, the trial that seems so bitter and hard to bear will prove a blessing. The cruel blow that blights the joys of earth will be the means of turning our eyes to heaven. How many there are who would never have known Jesus had not sorrow led them to seek comfort in Him!
   The trials of life are God's workmen, to remove the impurities and roughness from our character. Their hewing, squaring, and chiseling, their burnishing and polishing, is a painful process; it is hard to be pressed down to the grinding wheel. But the stone is brought forth prepared to fill its place in the heavenly temple. Upon no useless material does the Master bestow such careful, thorough work. Only His precious stones are polished after the similitude of a palace. MB 10

COMMENTARY

Discipline
   Discipline is our friend, not our enemy. It helps us be the people we say we would like to be but never will be without the assistance of discipline and self-control. It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit that is in us as believers in Jesus Christ, but like all other fruit of the Spirit, it must be developed and will grow through use.
   Discipline is the ability to subject less important things to more important ones. For example, spending time with my friends is important, but it is not as important as spending time with God. God gives us free choice as His children. He tells us in His Word what will work the best and produce good results, but we have the responsibility of choosing what we will do. Free choice is wonderful and we all enjoy it, but we also need to realize that we will be left with the result of those choices, good or bad.
   People who imagine that they can make undisciplined choices, following the desires of the flesh instead of the Spirit, and still have a great life, are deceived. I urge you to embrace discipline as your friend. Don't groan when you think of discipline. It may not seem joyous now, but after it has been applied, you will enjoy the fruit of it.
   Father, please give me Your grace to live a life of discipline and self-control - one that is guided by Your Holy Spirit instead of my own fleshly desires. [My Time with God by Joyce Meyer]

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

Hebrews 12:5, 6 - The Lord Disciplines The One He Loves.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20231124-0807.html

1 Peter 1:6, 7 - Problems Prepare You for Eternity.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220622-0818.html

1 Peter 1:6 - For a Little While.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230724-1026.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/