Rev. E. Anderson

DIVINE DISCIPLINE

Reading    Hebrews 12: 5-11

DIVINE TRAINING: There is for every servant and son of God a course that has to be taken concerning divine discipline. It has been set out by God for the development of the life and character so that it will be suited for ministry and service for the life that now is and is to come. Everyone must be taught and trained by God so that they become most influential and effectual in every possible way. It was essential for Christ to be put through His paces in His course of training – Hebrews 5: 7-10 

DIVINE CULTURE: Discipline in its outworking and production brings into being and manifestation quality people that have been divinely cultured to represent Him and His kingdom on earth and for eternity. They will neither shame God or themselves once discipline is received and wisely applied. 

DIVINE ACHIEVEMENT: When discipline has been achieved it is a feat that has been accomplished by God and leaves the person completely enriched – see Luke 2: 40, 52 how Christ advanced being schooled and disciplined from above.

      1/. THE MANUAL OF GOD’S WORD IN DISCIPLINE 

One of the main reasons for  the existence and given of the Scriptures is that all who know and believe in God will be thoroughly furnished with divine truth so that they may conform to its precepts and encouraged by its promises as they act in accord with it in every way -  2 Timothy 3: 16; Psalm 119. God’s Word needs to be constantly meditated in and obeyed for it to produce the essential results – see Psalm 1.

      2/. THE PATTERN SET IN THE MATTER OF DISCIPLINE 

There is no better or greater example than Christ in this as His life was toned up to believe and act in accord with what the Father had designed. The motto of His whole being was – ‘I always do those things that please the Father’, thus indicating His disciplined state – John 9:29.

     3/. THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT THE PRINCIPAL AID IN DISCIPLINE 

The third member of the Godhead comes inside and alongside the Christian believer to create and cultivate a healthy mind-set in this connection. He is the Spirit of wisdom, grace and good-will and is suited to inspire to wholesome practice and obedience. He is able to nurture good attitudes and impart gracious aptitudes that make divine discipline a commendable factor. 

    4/. THE WONDERFUL CONSEQUENCES OF DIVINE DISCIPLINE 

No one can go down this route without tremendous advantages coming into being. Here are a few to consider and be elaborated on:   ·          God is both pleased and glorified   ·          A role model is established for others to emulate   ·          In a more suitable position to serve the Lord in a healthy and positive manner and so obtain maximum results   ·          Great sense of satisfaction of having achieved life’s divine goals   ·          Evil has no influence or control in life and ministry

CONCLUSION  

One must not shrink from or shirk the responsibility of being subject to a course of instruction and learn the lessons that will enable to become more Christ-like and efficient for God.