God’s Parenting Example

Bible Reading

• Hebrews 12

Devotional Thoughts

I have never noticed how much Hebrews 12 talks about parenting. I have always thought of Hebrews 12 as the “looking unto Jesus passage,” which Heb 12:1-2 is. But, there is a lot in here about parenting.

I have been thinking a lot about the modules I need to prepare and teach for these new families coming next month. One of the biggest issues / challenges we have seen in the last 2 classes is a lack of Biblical Parenting. Families are coming with a philosophy of parenting that is not Biblical. It’s called, “gentle parenting.” In essence this parenting philosophy puts down the use of physical punishment because it is not “gentle.” Instead they only talk to their toddler and give no physical consequences. The result is a general lack of respect and obedience producing general chaos in the home.

Hebrews 12:5-11 describes how God parents his kids.

• Hebrews 12:5 says, ‘The Lord disciplines those he loves.” And in Hebrews 12:6 it says, “He punishes each one he accepts as his child.” That is more than just a verbal reprimand. The discipline God gives is painful enough that he has to encourage us not to give up or become weary when we are reproved.
• Hebrews 12:7 As you endure this divine discipline remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? Interesting that God expects that an earthly father WILL discipline his child! And, as in verse 5-6, the discipline is something they need to be encouraged to endure! God’s discipline proves you are a genuine child, not illegitimate (Hebrews 12:8)
• Hebrews 12:9 Discipline causes us to respect and submit to earthly fathers. This is what God expects discipline to accomplish. Therefore, if it doesn’t then it’s not the kind of discipline that God intends. The same is true of God’s discipline of us. It should cause us to submit even more to our heavenly Father who enables us to live forever.
• Hebrews 12:11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening but afterward it will produce a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are willing to be trained by it. Discipline should produce peace in the home, and right living. So, once again, if what we are doing for discipline does not produce unity and right living, then it’s not accomplishing what God intended.

Anyway, pray for me as I seek to shepherd and disciple these families. Hebrews 12:12-15 the author gives a few challenges for how we respond to God’s discipline. In verse 14 he says, “Work at living in peace with everyone.” I thought that was interesting. Does that mean that that the purpose God’s discipline of His kids is primarily because God’s kids don’t get along?

The authors final encouragement and response to God’s discipline is found in Hebrews 12:15. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble.”

Prayer Points:

1. Learn to see God’s discipline is to produce unity and right living.
2. That you guys will become parents that follow God’s model of parenting, and not the latest trend.
3. Keep bitterness from springing up and causing trouble.