Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Hebrews 12:7-13

 “Endure your suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline? But if you do not experience discipline, something all sons have shared in, then you are illegitimate and are not sons. Besides, we have experienced discipline from our earthly fathers and we respected them; shall we not submit ourselves all the more to the Father of spirits and receive life? For they disciplined us for a little while as seemed good to them, but he does so for our benefit, that we may share his holiness. Now all discipline seems painful at the time, not joyful. But later it produces the fruit of peace and righteousness for those trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your listless hands and your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but be healed.”

— ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭7‬-‭13‬‬


Endure is word for patience/endurance. “Suffering” is implied in NET from context. And “as discipline” could also be purpose phrase “to become disciplined.” 

This is good example of having “key verse” in context (v. 11). Entire book of Hebrews is unknown author (pastoral relationship) admonishing mixed group of people Jews and Gentiles to hold to Jesus rather than return to Judaism in face of imminent hard core persecution (ch 12…you have not yet). This would be tempting since the old ways are comfortable, familiar, and “so close” to gospel.

5 warning passages provide structure of Hebrews, and chapter 12 (v 14-29) is perhaps most forceful. These verses seem to discuss discipline of random sin. “God getting His silly children back in line.” This is much more serious.

Need to do more study on why author would want to see persecution/suffering as discipline. One main point is to encourage audience. You are legitimate children of God. You are in the family. And from ch 6. God is faithful to His family. If there’s ever worry about whether you’re in or out, have confidence in God’s faithfulness to His own.

Not sure suffering is discipline in the way we think about it. But suffering (in this case, persecution) is evidence of being in God’s family. Otherwise believers would be one with culture and feel no friction. So author tells audience to accept suffering. Don’t avoid it. That would mean denying faith, turning from Jesus, and as chapter ends…well, it’s not good.

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