July 22, 2007

Hebrews - Part 10 : The Discipline of the Lord

Steve Lane

A. Review/Introduction

Superiority of Jesus
A stern warning: Don't drift. Stay on course. - Responding to God

God desires to communicate with you

Hebrews 10: 19 - 25
Drawing near and staying near

Severe warnings - cheap grace

Hebrews 10: 36 - 12: 3
Faith

What displeases God? Shrinking back
What pleases God? Faith

What are you counting on for strength and encouragement?

They were faithful through the end

Was Paul a failure? Was John the Baptist a failure?

Keep your eyes on Jesus, and don't shrink back

B. Do Not Grow Weary

Don't grow weary, don't lose heart - focus on Jesus
Hebrews 12: 1 - 3

C.
The Struggle

The attacks may be temptation to give into discouragement, doubt, weariness, or to shrink back. Discipline is a sign of God's love, not His disdain.

"Do not lose heart... do not grow weary."

To move us to full faith in Him, to have Him be our all, and be conformed to the image.

Hebrews 12: 4 - 6
The Lord's discipline is not simply punishment for a wrong act.

Let the Word change your thinking about the Lord's discipline in your life.

D.
A Different View

Whose children need discipline?
Do you also need discipline?

Still using human beings, situations, and even illness and persecution?

Hebrews 12: 7 - 11
Think of the response a parent wants from a child.

Hebrews 12: 11
Receive the training

E. Be Doers, Not Just Hearers

Hebrews 12: 12 - 15
And in consideration for others who may be struggling, weak or new in the faith.