8231 discipline, divine

God disciplines his people through his word, through their experiences and through punishment, so that they may live in ways pleasing to him.

The nature of God’s discipline

It is a sign of God’s love Heb 12:6 See also Pr 3:12; Ps 119:75; Rev 3:19

It is a sign of belonging to God’s family Heb 12:6 See also Pr 3:12; Dt 8:5; 2Sa 7:14; Heb 12:7

It trains God’s people Heb 12:11

The means of God’s discipline

The use of Scripture 2Ti 3:16 See also Dt 4:36; Dt 29:29; Isa 8:11

The knowledge of God’s grace Tit 2:11-12

Instructive experiences See also Dt 8:1-5; Dt 11:2-7; Ps 90:12; Isa 48:17

Painful experiences Heb 12:7 See also 2Co 12:7-10; Heb 12:5,11; 1Pe 1:6-7

Punishment Heb 12:6 See also Pr 3:12; Lev 26:18,21,23-24,27-28; 2Sa 7:14; Ps 73:14; Jer 32:19; Hos 5:2; Hos 7:15-16; 1Co 11:32

God disciplines all and only his children

Heb 12:8 See also Heb 12:6

The goals of God’s discipline

Respectful submission to God Heb 12:9

The good of God’s people Heb 12:10 See also Job 5:17-18; Ps 94:12; Ps 119:67,71,75

Spiritual growth Heb 12:11 See also Pr 1:2-3

Preparation for heaven 2Co 4:17-18 See also Ro 8:18; Jas 1:12

Believers should not despise God’s discipline

Job 5:17 See also Heb 12:5; Pr 3:11

Divine discipline in the church

By reproof 2Co 7:8; 2Co 13:2; 2Th 3:15

For the benefit of sinners Mt 18:15; 1Co 5:1-7; 2Th 3:14

As a warning to others 1Ti 5:20

To be exercised with kindness 2Co 2:6; Gal 6:1

The role of witnesses Mt 18:16; 1Ti 5:19

See also